Bradford reporter. [volume] (Towanda, Pa.) 1844-1884, 1857-12-24


because SO many counties were disfranchised
aud unrepresented in the Convention some
who are oppose to paper money, because it
authorizes bank of enormous capital for Kan
sas, nearly Unlimited in its issues, and in the
denomination OF its notes from one dollar up
and down some because of what they cousid-
er kncw-Notlling clause by requiring that
the q Jvernor shall have been twenty wears q
citizen OF the United States some because
the elective franchise is not free, as thew cannot
vote against the Constitution, but only on the
single issue whether any more saves may be
imported, and then only upon that issue bv
voting tor the Constitution to which they are
opposed and they regard this as but a mockery
OF the elective franchise, and perious sport
ing with the sacred rights of the people
Some oppose it because the Constitution dis
t.nctly recognizes and adopts the Oxford fraud
In apportloning legislative members from John
son county upon the fraudulent and fictitious re-
turns so falsely called, from that precinct which
recognition Of that fraud in the Constitution is
abhorent to the moral sense of the people
Others oppose it because although in ether
cases the Presidents of Conventions have been
authorized to issue writs of election to the reg
uiar Territorial or State officers, with the usu-
al Judges and with the established precincts
and on adjudication of the returns, in this case
unprecedented and vice-regal powers are given
to the President of the Convention to make
the Precincts, the Judges and to decide finally
upon the returns. From the grant of these
unusual and enormous power, and from other
reasons connected with the returns of Oxford
aud McGee, an overwhelming majority of Kan
saS have no faith in the validity of these returns
and therefore will not vote. Indeed Disguise
it as we may to ourselves, under the influence
OF the present excitement, the facts will de-
monstrate that any attempt by Congress to
force this Constitution upon the people of
Kansas, will be an effort TO substitute the will
of a small minority for that of an overwhelm-
ing majority of the people of Kansas ; and it
will not settle the Kansas question or locaize
the issue that it will, fear, be attended by
war, extending perhaps throughout the Union
thus bringing this question back again upon
Congress, and before the people in its most
dangerous and alarming aspects. The PrcSi-
dent takes different view of the subject in
his Message and from the events occurring in
Kansas, as we'll as here, it is evident that the
question is passing from theories into practice,
and that, as Governor of Kansas, | should be
compelled to carry out new instructions differ
ing on vital queStionfrom those received at the
date OF my appointment. Such instructions /
could not execute consistently with my views
of the Federal Constitution ami Of the Kansas
and Nebraska bill, or with my pledges to the
people of Kansas Under these circumstances
no Alternative is left but to resign the Office of
Governor of the Territory of Kansas.
Even as late as the Sd of July, 1857, taking
the Democratic Territorial Convention assem-
bled at Lecompt0H, in consequence of the laws
of the climate and the well-knOWn will of the
people, meme contended that Slavery could be
established there, nor was it until my Southern
opponents interfered in the affairs of Kansas
and by denunclatlGn, menace and otherwise
added at critical period by several Federal
Office holders of Kansas, including the Survey
or G enera', and the President of the Couvcn-
ton, with the immense patronage, embracing
many hundred employees intervened, and as
believe without the knowledge or appreciation
of the President of the United States, pro.
duced the extraordinary paper called the Le
compton Constitution. Yet this act of inter
vention by the Federal officers to defeat the
will Of the people seems to be sustained by my
opponents, while nay intervention, as it is call
cd, in obedience to my duty and oath of Office
to support the Federal Constitution and to
take care that our organic law should be fairly
executed by endcavoring to secure to the peo-
pie of Kansas their rights under that act, is
denounced and illuminated. 1t is still more
remarkable that the hypothetical remarks made
by me, as regards climate in its connection
with It's influence upon the question OF Slavery
in Kansas after that issue had been abandoned
there which views were consolidating heUnion
between the conservative the Feieral-State
and Pro-Savery Democrats, so as to prevent
the coniscaton of the small number of slaves
then held in Kansas, have been denounced BY
MANY distinguished Southern Senators who
when the Kansas and Nebraska bill was pcnd,
ing in Congress, and when such remarks from
them, if ever, might affect Southern emigration
were then loudeSt in proclaimug that in con
sequence Of its climate, Kansas could never
become S!ayc-State. Indeed it seems that
all persons i'll and cat of Kansas, whether
in public or in private life, may publish what
opinions they please in regard to those ques-
tions, except the Governor of the Territory
who has so little power and no patronage
And now be pleased to express to the Pres
idcnt my deep regret as regards our unfortunate
difference of opinion in relation to the Lecomp
ton Constitution, and to say to him that, as
infalliblity does not belong to man, however,
exalted in intellect, purity Of intention or posi-
ton, vet if he has committed any errors in this
respect, ,maythey be overruled by Superiutend
ing Providence, for the perpetuity of our Union.
and the advancement, the honor and interest
of our beloved country.
In now dissolying my official connection with
your Department, beg leave to tender to YOU
my thanks for your constant courtesy and
kindness
Most respectfully