Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1857-12-28

ital instructions, under which Acting Governor
Denver is now conducting the affairs Of his
new office They are the theme Of unstinted
praise among all public men in Washington not
allied in their feelings with the Topeka Consti-
tuition politicians of the Territory:
DEPARTMENT or STATE
WASHING TON, DECEMBER ~, 1857 {
JdW,S w. DeHr.T, Secretary and Acting Gousr-
nor Of Kansas TsTTitoTy.
SIR: You have already been informed that Mr..
stanton has been removed from the Office of Sec
rotary Of the Territory Of Kansas and that Won
have been appointed in his place I desire now
to state TO you distinctly the reason OF this change
The Convention which met at I.ecompton on
the lst Of September had framed Constitution,
and had authorized its President to submit the
question to the people ON the DIST of December,
who are to decide whether this Constitution
should be adopted without slavery The iInpor-
lance Of the issue could not well be questioned
IL involved the complete and authoritative settle
melt OF the only subject Of difference which had
seriously agitated Kansas or interfered with its
prosperity. The qualified electors, therefore to
whom this settlement was referred were uunues
tionably right to attend the polls and give their
TO do so by the highest considerations of public
duty. In the exercise Of this right, moreover
they were entitled to an adequate protection by
the Territorial Government, and the Acting Gov
eIhor was bound 10 employ all the legal means at
his command to give security and fairness TO the
election. With the conflicting opinions which
prevailed In the Territory on the question sub
united he had ne right TO interfere. They had
thelr appropriate issue at the ballot box aud to
tbat peaceful aTbitrameBt they might safely he
referred The gres. objects to be accomplished
In the opinion Of the President. were 10 preserve
the peace OF the Territory, and secure the free
dom OF election. Entertaining these views he
was surprised to learn that the Secretary and
Acting Governor had, on the LIST of Decembsr
issued proclamation for a special session OF the
Territorial Legislature on the 9Th inst, onIy
few weeks in advance of the regular time Of
meeting, and only fourteen days before decision
was to be made on the question submitted by the
Convention. This course Of Mr. Stanton the
President seriously believes has thrown a new
element Of discord among the excited people in
Kansas, and IL Is directly at war therefore with
the peaceful policy Of the Administration. For
this reason he has felt II his duty to remove him
From these views you will readily understand
what the President regards as the chief duty
which deyolves upon you as Mr.. Stanton's sue
cessor. This duty is to preserve the peace Of
Kansas Every person entitled to a vote on the
Constitution ought to have safe access TO the polls
ana he free from any restraints whatever, in the
exercise Of the elective franchise. IL the civil
power Is found insuf icient for this purpose the
troops OF the United States should be EMPLOYED
In ald OF IL, and II may he wise precaution TO
have them stationed, In advance, within reach of
those places where. In your judgment, their SER
vices are likely TO be required. IL 10 earnestly
hoped that the use OF military power may be