The Cadiz Democratic sentinel. [volume] (Cadiz, Ohio) 1854-1864, 1857-02-11

tce oil my intentions .-. -
On the fourteenth day Of September, reliable
information was received that large body of
armed men were marching to attack Hickory
Point on the north side ofthe Kansas River. |
immediately dispatched squadron ol .. s. dra- !
goons, with instructions to capture and bring to |
this place any persons whom they might find ac-
ting in violation of my Proclamation. In pnr-
suacce OF these instructions one hundred and one
prisoners were taken and brought here, and
committed for trial.
While portion ofthc army were performing |
this duty was advised that large body ofmen !
was approaching the town of Lawrence determi- !
ned upon its destruction. at once orderesb300 /
U. 8. troops to that place, and repaired there in
person. Within four miles Of Lawrence founl |
force of27O0 men, consisting of citizens Of this
Territory, and of other places, orgaaized as Ter
ritcrial militia unlerr Proclamation Of the late
acting Governor. disban1ed this force, order
ing the various companies comprising it to repair
to their respective places of rendezvous there to
be mustered out ofthe service. NJ y orders were
obcyed, the militia retired to their homes, the
cfusion ofblool wa; prevented, the preservation
of Lawrence effected, and a great step mode to-
wards the restoration Of peace and confidence.
To recovnt my various ofii3ial acts, following
each other inq quick succession under your imme-
diate observation, would be.a work Of suporo-
cation, and would occupy more space than the
limits of an Executive message would justify.
Ny Executive Minutes, containing truthful
history ofmy official transactions, with the pol
icy which dictated thom have been forwarded
to the General Government and are open to the
inspection ofthe country.
In relation to any alterations or notifications
of the Territorial Statutes which might deem
advisable, I promised in my Inaugural Address,
to direct public attention at the proper time. In
the progress Of events that time has arrived, and
you are the tribunal to which my suggestions.
must be Submitted. On this subject / bsspoak
your candid attention, as it has an inseparable
connection with the prosperity and happiness of
the people. s. ..,.s ,..E
1t has already been remarked that the Terri
tories Of the United States are the common pro
pcrty of the citizens of the several States. 1t
may be lil1ened to joint ownership in an es-
tate, and no conditions should be imposed or re-
strictions placed upon the equal enjoyment of
all the benefits arising therefcom, which will do
the least injustice to any of the owners, or which
IS not contemplated in the tenure by which it is
held; which is no less than the Constitution of
the United States the sole bond of the Aneri-
can Union, This being the true position, no
obstacle should be interposed TO the free, speedy
and general settlementof this Territory. =
The durability and imperitiye authority Of a
State Constitution, when the interests Of the
people require State Government, and a direct
popular vote is necessary to give it sanction and
effect will be the proper occasion, once for all,
to decide the grave political questions which un-
derle a well regulated commonwealth. 81.
Let this, then, be the touchstono of your de.
Iiberations. Enact no law which will not clearly
bear the constitutional test; and if any laws
have been passed which do not come up to this
standard, it is your solemn duty to sweep them
from the statute book. as a.7 'f
The Territorial government Should abstain
from the exercise Of authority not clearly dele
gated to it, and should pdrmit all doubtful ques
tions to remain in abeysance until the formation
of a State constitution.
| On the delicate and exciting question Of sla-
very subject which so peculiarly engaged the
attention of Congress at the passage Of our Orr
ganic Act 1cannot too earnestly invoke you to
permit it to remain where the Constitution Of
the United States and that act placed it, subject
to the decision of the courts upon all points ari-
sing during our present infant condition. @
The repeal Of the Missouri line, which was a
restriction on popular sovereignty, anew couso-
Grated the great doctrine of self government
and restored to the people their full control over
every question Of interest to themselves, both
north and south Of that line. 49,. Is a...7 i..,
Justice to the country and the dictates Of
sound policy, require that Che Legislature sho'd
confne itself to such subjects as will preserve
the basis of entire, equality, and when a sufii-
dent population is here, and they choose to
adopts State government, that they shall be
''perfectly free," without let or. hinlerarce to
form all their domestic institutions 'in their
own way, and to dictate that form of govern
ment which, in their deliberate Judgment, may
be deemed proper. '|s s@1s gs, q
Any attempt to incite servile insnrrection. and
to interfere with the domestic institutions Of
sovereign States, is extremely reprehensibe,
and shall receive no countenance from me.---.
Such Intervention can resultin no good, but is
pregnant with untold disasters. Murder, arson,
rapine and death follow in its wake, while not
one link in the fetters of the slave is weakened.
or broken, or any amelioration in his condition
secured. Such intererence's is q direct invasion
Of State rights, only calculated to produce irfi-
tatlon and estrangement. 3sas ,a sac.
Every dictate of self rcspect--every consile-
ration Of State equality glories Of the, past
and the hopes Of the future--all with soul stir
ring eloqucnce constrain us tocultivate a revcF4
ental awe for the constitution as the sheet an.
chor of our safety, and bid us, in good iaith to
carry tall its provisions. ii .s. .e
Many Of the statutes are excellent, and well
suited to our wants and conditions; but in order
that they may receive that resocct and sanction
which IS the vital principle Of all law, let such
be abolished asarc not eminently just, and will
not receive the fullest appreciation Of the people,
trust you will test them BY an the light Of the
y : -tt 3 Z u. . ~ : = %
general and fundamental principles Of our gov
ernment, and that all that will not bear this or