Indiana American., 1857-01-09

Of the laws enacted by tho Territorial Leg
islature Of Kansas;
1--WE repeat here tho opinions before ex-
pr9ased In these columns, that the Statutes
Ia Kansas arc open 10 criticism and CEN
sure, and should pass under the revision OF
the approaching Legislature, ioih vieg
20 repeal, and piai they ,oiH BE- changed.
They were formed In an hour OF impulse
and passion, before tho heat OF an angry
contest at the polls had subsidized, and
doubtless have been viewed since, by en-.
actors Of thom, rs destined 10 remain dead
letters on the Statutes Book, or 10 bc re-
pcaled at an early day. Some Of them,
the most loudly complained OF by Free
State agltators. have never been enforced
nor applied" But u Is a bad principle 10
suffer dead-lettor laws 10 stand upon the
Statute Book at ALL"
We are inclined 10 think that this Is
tho sentiment Of tho most judicious men
Of all parties In Kansas and throughout
the country. As totho character Of fmany
OF tho laws in question, there cannot be
any difference Of opinion among men Of
common sense; they have boen denoun-
ced by tho most jealous Democrats in
Congress and elsewhere, rs cruel, inhu-
man, and disgraoeful 10 tho ago. Provi-
Gus TO tho election both parties held apo
sltlon uniayorable 10 calm aud rational
action upon the subject. The settlers Of
Kansas very naturally, and, In our opIn-
ion, very justly, refused active obedience
10 these onactmonts. Tho Democratic
party, naturally fearful Of alternating lis
pro-slayery support, could not take ground
Ia favor Of resistance 10 them or even
openly In favor Of their repeal. The Re-
publioans on the other hand, had every
motive for holding the Democratic party,
responsible for laws enacted under It's as
tendency, and which II would not take the
responsibility Of denouncing. Tho whole
subject was thus thrown into the polti-
cal arena, and tho effort of both parties was
rather to make political capital out Of the
Kansas troubles than TO seok the easiest
and most feasible means Of removing
them.
Now that the election is over, men OF
all parties have common interest,
restoration Of pence and order TO the Ter
rtory. We are gatfed to see indications
that, under this common impulse, all class
es arc inclined 10 pursue such course as
will secure the desired end. Armed en-
igration has ceased. The Free State men
in the Territory say they want no more
lighting men, but peaceful cmigrants who
como to make Kansas their home. The
The pro-slavery men-those Of them who
have been leaders in the scenes Of violence
and outrage which have harassed and dis
graced the Territory, are leaving it with
their ruilian hordes. Gov. Geary Is do.
ing all in his power to administer justice
and restore public confidence, and the ad'
ministration is removing the officials who
have been the most formidable obstacles
to justic and peace and putting in theil
places men who viii do justice to all alike
Under existing circumstances, as Con
gress has abdicatcd the duty Of making al
needful rules and regulations for the Ter
ritory, this is all we can expect:-and W,
believe it is all that is required.
We hope that when the Kansas Legis
laturo meets it will be disposed to act in
such spirit as the st. Louis Republica'
evinces in the extract we have given.-N
y. Times