The Kansas herald of freedom. [volume] (Wakarusa, Kan. Territory) 1854-1860, 1858-06-05
ceuvsntion al For. Scott.

/ Convention al Fort Scott.
We mentionedin our last weeks is.
sue, that convention was called to b
held at Fert Scott, irrespective of parties
to take measures to restore peace to tina
disturbed portion of the Territory. By
the last Fort Scott Demorat, we observe
that the convention was held, and was
numerously attended. David Marione,
Esq, was chosen President, and T. R.
Roberts, Secretary. The resolutions, re:
ported and adopted unanimously, breath
the right spirit.
We were Mortified to see, at first, the
name of Capt. JOHN HAMILTON on the
committee who drew up the resolutions
and had penned severe censure upon the
convention for allowing that gentleman
whom we supposed to be the murder
er at Chotteau's Trading Post, q place
among them, but, fortunately, turning to
our register of genuine Free State men, in
that region, we found the name of Capt.
JoHN HAMILTON, and was pleased to find
that he was resident of Mapleton. We
trust he is no way related to the wretch
who disgraces the name he wears, and
who is the associate in crime with Brock
ct and Clark. But to the preamble and
resolutions
Whereas, The situation of affairs in this
county at present, requires the action of
all good citizens, regardless of political
preferences or party predictions, to re-
press the spirit of lawlessness which has
been SO rife in our midst, and which has
led to the total disregard of every prin-
ciple of right and justice families hav-
ing been forced to leave their hitherto
quiet homes, and yield up their property
to satisfy this spirit of unjust retaliation
and inhuman wrong; and
Whereas, This state of things has exis-
ted for sometime past. resulting in many
instances, in the murder and assassination
of our most valuable citizens of all par
ties and conditions. We, therefore, the
citizens of Bourbon county, deprecating
the principle that eliminates in such re-
suits, from whatever cause originating,
are determined to prevent, so far as in
our power shall lie, the continuance of
such a state of affairs, and feeling that our
county, the Territory and even the name
of America, are. disgraeed by these pro-
ceedings, do now unite together, pledging
ourselves to each other, to. prevent if
possible, the occurrence again of such
disgraceful scenes in our midst, there
fore,
Resolued, That from this time forth, we
will, regardless of party preferences, unite
in sustaining the majesty of the law, and
by its decisions will be bound.
ResoFued, That we repudiate inthe past
and oppose in the future, by all legal
means, the action of those men, to
whatever party they belong, who have
committed the crimes above alluded to,
and that we now and forever forewarn
them that however they may escape
just retribution of their crimes at present,
they will be ultimately punished, should
they ever be found in our community
again.
Resolued, We will give our assistance
and aid as a posse, whenever called upon
by the proper authorities of the Territory
OR 0. s., to arrest any or all such crimi-
mails or suspected parties, and we pledge
ourselves that they shall have fair and
trial as the law directs.
RESOLVED, That we invite all good citi-
zens, irrespective of party, who have been
compelled to leave their claims for safety,
to return to them again. and we pledge to
extend TO them all the protection in our
power.
RESOLVED, That this meeting RECON-
mend to the citizens of every township,
and neighborhood in this county, to or
ganize and hold themselves in readiness
to act whenever called upon by the prop
er authorities.
RESOLVED, That we yet have an abiding |
in our American system of ju-
when properly administered,
to prevent wrong and punish crime. And |
we each solemnly pledge ourselves to each
other, to aid by all just means, to restore
order and civil government, and to pre-
ventif possible, such scenes as have so re-
Gently disgraced our county.