The Kansas herald of freedom., 1857-09-12
For tie Herald Of Freedom
Letter from Pctiowasomie Greek.
August 80, 1857

| MEssRs. EDIToRs:-As an observer of
public events in Kansas, l have teen grie-
we'd to witness the incessant spirit of invec-
tive which for the last two or three months
has been poured out on those who ex-
pressed doubts IN regard to the practical
bility of the plan of adhering solely to
what Is known as the Topeka movement" {"
Of all places in the civilized world, We
should expect to find the great and vital
principles % federation fully recognized
and religiously adhered to; but from re-
cent movements of certain leading politi-
clans we should infer that free discussion
and free toleration of opinion was consid-
cred by them as figure of speech"
violence is the argument of falsehood," ;"
and from the vindictive epithets and de-
nunciatory language of our Topeka"
friends we take it as an evidence that
they fear full and open discussion of the
differences of opinion which exist amongst
the Free State men of Kansas.
| I have attended but three meetings of
political character this spring, and wish
l could say that they were conducted with
spirit of deeorum and republican spirit.
No sir, the monstrous spirit of bigotry and
prescription presented itself, and in va
rious forms.
AT Hyatt, a resolution was presented by
leading Topeka man, denouncing all
those who doubted the policy of resusita-
ting the Topeka Constitution at the pres
ent time as prO-slavery men and enemies
to freedom, &C., &c. At another meet
ing held in Anderson County, that same
class of men endeavored to break up the
meeting in 'row," declaring as they
came to the meeting that it should be
broken up. This meeting was called for
organizing Townships and County Officers
this fall. Of course such a movement
was the height of treason and could not for
amoment be tolerated 4 meeting few
weeks since was called at "Dutch Henry's
fording;;" the notice, or call for the meet
! ing read, "For the purpose of discussing
the various political topics which now ag-
itate the public mind;" all parties were
invited to attend; this meeting passed
of, | believe. with no ill feeling; but it
was reported in a paper in your vicinity
as a walker meeting" 4 friend who
came some eight miles, was much surpris-
ed to find that it was a meeting for free
discussion or an exchange of sentiments.
He had, like numerous others, come there
to hear what the "border rufians" and
"pro-slavery men" had to say for them
selves on Kansas matters.
] In the last paper alluded to above a
strange piece of intelligence struck my
eye while reading the editors remarks on
southern Kansas The editor remarks
that DIR. GILLPATRIcK, who has heretofore
acted with the Free State men, has de-
serted the cause, and was using his infu
ence against them, &c. need hardly
say that it is false, grossly false! have
more respect for the editor than to suppose
that he penned the falsehood knowingly;
but an editor should be more cautious
when he receives reports from strangers or
hot-headed politicians. DIR. GILLPATRICK
is a man who has been in the foremost
ranks of the anti-slavery movement fol
the last fifteen years, and has spent both
; time and money in Kansas and Ohio. to
make freedom the leading principle of ouI
, Territory.
But the most disgusting feature in this
proscriptive policy, is the new born yea
frequently manifested by men who have
been in the Territory but few months
and who know nothing personally of the
, hardships and trials of those who have
served through the war; and in MANY
cases find these jealous lovers of freedom
have always acted and voted with the
slave democracy-for Pierce and Buchan.
an. Yes, Mr.. Editor, these men who have
heretofore acted with the party which
has tramnled under foot every principle
of Constitutional law and justice. Now
) that they have seen for themselves thei
r views have become changed, and like al
new converts they have become impru
IDENTIFY jealous. Their past political sim
are great, their consciences are troubled
and to show to the world their fidelity fo
t Free State principles, they, without tht
, least discrimination, denounce every bod,
who doubts the infallibilityofcertain sgreat
men, who they but few months ag'
f looked upon as agitators, aboiitionists, &c.
: and chargeable with the disturbances o
the last two years.
: In conclusion, Mr.. Editor, / think Will
e you that new era is about to dawn OF
Kansas; let all Free State men unite
? possible on some course of action, and
t we differ in regard to the best and mos
: polite plan TO adopt let us not forget tha
G errors of opinion are to be tolerated; tha
h the wisest and best of men see but diml
i into the future; that we are all fallible be
r iDgs; and that it is mark Of falshood +
d denounce with vindictive epithets thos
;, who differ with US in regard to eertai
e line of action. Yours, &C., j. II.