Raftsman's journal. [volume] (Clearfield, Pa.) 1854-1948, 1857-10-07

boldly avowing through Gen. Aichison their
determination to invade us, with only the al
ready half riolated promise Of Gen. Walker to
rely on; we DO not feel at liberty to-cherish any
very lively expectations of favorable result
But We yield to the solicitation of our friends
We wish justice and freedom, but we will do
our best to secure them without imperiling tho
public peace. We have fearful odds against
US; we must try to overcome them. But
should we be overwhelmed will the federal
government still regard with disfavor our ap-
plicatiOn for admission as a State into the u
Mon In shat event, viii not all good men
sustain us in giving effect TO our State govern
mcnt at all hazards2 At any rate, this may
be regarded as the only attempt which win ev-
er be made to adjust our great difficulty under
the territorial government. What may be
done after that, however, is not our province
to declare.
Before closing this address the eomRlitteo
desire to submit few remarks for the special
consideration of the people of Missouri.
We desire it TO be understood that the peo-
pie of Kansas do not charge the outrages to
which they have been subjected upon the pco-
pie of Missouri as 4 body. On the contrary
they know that the masses Of that people have
not joined in these oUtrageS, but have remain
ed at home and denounced the invaders To-
wards them we entertain no other feelings than
those of respect ami kindness. This las been
abundantly made manifest by our actions
Many toGn as notc Standing and thTiring in
Missoari-monUmeats Of cur consideration for
them, and esteeiR Of their conduct. Respect for
this class of people of Missouri has induced
US sedulously to refrain from retaliatory mea-
sures. Those who have joined in the foray a.
gainst us, under the sincere impression that
Massachusetts, and other free States were i'm
porting votes into Kansas, have been grossly
deceived. That we are friendly towards tho
people of Massachusetts and other free States
is not surprising. By their munifcence we
were furnished arms to defend our homes from
plunder and destruction. When the Missouri
| river and markets upon our border were clos
ed against us, the poor of Kansas were clothed
and fed by their liberality- Notwithstanding
| this, however, we wonh resist them in any at
! tempt 10 despoil us of our franchises, as wo
would resist the people of Missouri. But wo
any other free State, ever attempted any such
thing. 1t is, doubtless, true that Immediately
after the election of March, 1865, many of the
peacefully disposed citizens of Kansas left tho
territory, and good reason they had 70, so do
ing. Kansas was invaded by hostile forces or
ganized for war, and her people ruthlessly
trampled into the dust. Was not this sufff-
cient reason ? We implore You not to attempt
to again violate our rights. We are mon as
you are, and our common manhood requires
that we should resist you if you do. We are
organized for defense. We have the pledge
of Gov. Walker that he will use the troops of
the United States in cur behalf. If you per-
sist against your best interests-against all
manly and christian duty-in the mad course
some would mark out for you, trdr must en-
sue, profracted and bloody, beficcen Kansas ard
Missouri.
1t may be extended all along the line to the
Atlantic coast. y dissolved Union AID bro
ken government may be the result For the
highest welfare of Kansas and Missouri, in the
name of our common country and the living
God, we appeal IA you to refrain. Remain At
home. The Kansas question will then be
peacefully settled; the agitation Of slavery
will cease; and Kansas and Missouri will go
on prospecting and to prosper.
Having thus discharged the duty assigned
them, the committee would conclude by ex-
horting all the people of Kansas TO go to the
polls on the day of election, in pursuance OF
the action of the convention, and deposit their
ballots for candidates of their choice. What
ever may be the result of the election, we bo-
lieye our cause viii be strengthened by such
course. Very respectfully
j. Ii. LANE, and Committee.