Marshall County Democrat. (Plymouth, Ind.) 1855-1859, 1858-01-14
Gen. Denver's Address to the
People Of Kansas.

The following are the concluding por-
tions of Gen. Denver's Address on assum-
ing the duties of Secretary and Acting
Governor, on the 21st inst. After giving
the instructions of Gen. Cass, he says:
By these instructions, it will be seen
that my duty is plainly marked out, and
as nv own views on these subjects entirely
accord with those of the President, shall
find no difficulty in obeying them, and l
trust that all good citizens will assist me
in preserving the peace of the Territory,
and at the same time settle the questions
which now perplex them. 1t is far more
easy to do this through the ballot-box than
by the sword, and in that way it can be
done much more speedily. 1t is much to
be regretted that one portion of the people
have resolved not to vote on the Constitu-
ton, as submitted to-day; for had there
been general attendance at the polls, the
question of slavery would have been fully
and definitely settled. The American peo-
pie can never determine a political ques-
ton by absenting themselves from the
polls. Their absence is regarded as in
difference, and the majority of votes actu-
ally given determines the result, and not
the majority that might have been given.
1t is asserted by some that persons from
other States have interfered in the elections,
and that frauds have been perpetratsd by
which they have been Cverpowered and
deprived of their rights. These charges
may be true, but if so. the evils they COM
plain of will not be remedied by absenting
themselves from the polls. American citi-
Gems can never preserve their rights by
abandoning the elective franchise, and
punishment too severe cannot be inflicted
on the man who, by violence, trickery or
fraud, would deprive them of it. There is
noquestion connected with our government
which ought not and cannot be amicably
settled by it. 1t is true that question
may be presented In manner objectiona-
bic to some. but that is not good reason
for refusing to vote; for if the majority
wills it. the difficulty can soon be remedied
by presenting the question in the manner
required.
This has been one of the reasons as
signed why portion Of the people will not
vote to-day-that the question has not
been fairly presented. Another is that
they anticipate frauds. have seen Gen.
Calhoun, the President of the Convention,
to whom the returns are to be made, and
besides assuring me that he has done and
will continue to do all he can to have the
elections fairly and properly conducted, has
invited myself and the presiding officers of
the two Houses of the Territorial Legisla-
ture to be present at the counting Of the
vote. ia majority Of the people are dis
satisfied with the results of the elections,
they can soon change them in peaceable
manner by resort to the ballot-box.
A very stringent law was passed at the
late session of the Legislature. providing
for the infiction of severe penalties on per.
sons engaged in election frauds. This ACT
meets with my most hearty approval, and
If it is not yet sufficiently stringent. will
gladly assist in making it more so. 1t il
not possible to throw too many guards
around this great bulwark. which is the
very foundation Of our free institutions.
cannot close this address without warn
ing the people against allowing themselves