Carroll free press. [volume] (Carrollton [Ohio]) 1834-1861, 1857-04-02
MlistcIIoneous Reo0inn
Farewell Address of Gov. Geary.

To the people Of Kansas Territory:
Having determined to resign the Executive Office,
and retire again to the quiet scenes of private life
and the enjoyment of those domestic comforts of
which have so long been deprived. l deem it
proper to address you on the occasion of my de-
parture.
Tie Office Of which now voluntarily withdraw
was unsought by me, and at the time of its accep-
tance, was by no means desirable. This was quite
evident from the deplorable moral, civil and polit
cal condition of the Terrtoy-the discord, con-
ention, and deadly strife, with which then and there
prevailed-and the painful anxiety which it was
regarded by patriotic citizens in every portion of
the American Union. To attempt to govern
Kansas at such period and under such circum-
stances, was to assume no ordinary responsibilities.
Few men could have desired to undertake the task
and would have been so presumptous, without Sc
rious iorebodihgs as to the result. That should
have hesitatcd, it is matter Of no astonishment
to those acquainted with the facts; but that ac-
ceptsd the appointment, was a well grounded
source of regret to many of my welltried friends,
who looked upon the enterprise as one that could
terminate in nothing but disaster to myself. 1t
was not supposed possible that order could be
brought, in any reasonable space of time, and with
the means at my command, from the then existing
chaos.
Without descanting upon the feelings sprincples,
and motives which prompted me, suffice it to say
that accepted the Presidents tender ofthe office
of Governor. In doing SO, I sacrificed the com
forts of home, endeared by the strongest earthly
ties and most sacred associations, to embark in an
undertaking which presented at the best but a
dark and unsatisfactory prospect. l reached Kan
sas and entered upon the discharge o(my official
duties in the most gloomy hour other history -
Desoaton and ruin reigned on every hand homes
and fresides were deserted; the smoke of dwell
Iings darkened the atmosphere; women and chill
dren, driven from their ha5tatons, wandered
over the prairies and among the woodlands, or
sought refuge and protection even among the lndi-
an tribes, The highways we're infested with nu-
merous predatory bands, and the towns were for
Titled and garrisoned by armies of conflicting par
tisians, each excited almost to frenzy, and deter
mined upon mutual determination. Such was,
without exaggeration, the condition Of the Terrific
ry at the period of my arrival. Her treasury was
bankrupt There were no pecuniary resources with
in herself to meet the exigencies of the time The
Congressional appropriations, intended to defray
the expenses of year, were insignificant 10 meet
the demands of fortnight. The laws were null
the Courts virtually suspended, and the civil arm
of the Government almost entirely powerless.-
AOtion-prompt, decisive, energetic action-wa'
necessary. l saw at once what was needed, and
without hesitation gave myself to the work. Fo
six months have labored with unceasng industry
The accustomed and need hours for sleep bav,
been employed in the public service Night anc