The Kansas herald of freedom. [volume] (Wakarusa, Kan. Territory) 1854-1860, 1858-01-09

an organization could ever ind an exist
ence in civilized community; but the
bare possibility of its existence, and the
fact that assasSinations have recently been
perpetratedS- giving a color of truth to
the statement,-should induce you 10 |
give it your most serious attehtiea. By
allowing it to 60 without netiee there is |
great danger that counter Organizations |
may be started, and thus the whole coun-
try be placed at the mercy of iawiess and |
irresponsible men.
The act for the prevention and pun
fshment Of election frauds passed at
YOUR late session, ought to be so amended
as to apply to those who may attempt
to deter men from voting by threats of
personal violence or other::means of intim-
idation. 1t ought, also, to provide a
punishment for officers of the election
who shall fail, neglect or refuse to send
up the returns within. specified time.
The election law ought also to be
amended so as to require every person to
vote at the precicnt near which ne resides,
and in no case to be allowed to vote out
side of his OWE municipal township
The number of election precincts ought
to be increased so as to have them conve-
nient for the people to attend the polls.
At present, there is only one precinct in
some of the counties, and the people OF
the whole county are thus compelled to
90 to that place to vote. This should be
corrected. The County Commissioners
should be authorized to establish as many
voting places as they may deem necessa-
~; and all county and township officers
ought to be elected by the people,
A time should 6e fixed within which
election returns should be made. The
Judges of election ought to make their res
turns to the County clerks, and certified
abstracts of the same should be by them
sent to the Secretary of the Territory
Penalties should be imposed for the non
performance of these duties, as also for
neglecting or refusing to serve as judges
of election when appointed. At present,
there is no provision of law authorizing an
election to fill vacancy in any Office, ex-
cept where in consequence of tie vote,
the people may have failed to elect. This
is very serious omission and ought to
be remedied.
The provisions of "an Act to provide
for the location of Territorial roads in the
Territory of Kansas" have not been COM
piled with. They ought to be enforced
by affixing penalty for official neglect in
such cases.
At present the law provides for four
justices of the peace, and but one consta-
BILE for each municipal townshipin which
there is an incorporated city. This should
be changed so that there should be two
justices and two costables in each town.
ship, and special provisions should be made
for incorporated cities and towns, accor-
ding to their population.
The organization and establishment of
common schools throughout the Terri
tory, ought to receive every encourage
ment. and the land applicable to school
purposes ought to be protected. The du-
ty of watching over and experimenting
these lands should be imposed on the jus
tees of the peace and constables, and
they be held responsible for them, until
the school trustees shall be elected and
take charge of the same. Every precau-
ton aught to be taken to preserve these
lands from depreciation, and apply them to
the very laudable purposes for which they
were intended.
l would call your attention to the ne
cessity of devising means to build up a
Territorial Library az the seat of govern
ment, which should be placed under the
control of the Secretary, who is the prop
er custodian of the books and archives
By requiring every person to whom a
commission may be issued, to pay small
fee to the Library Fund, considerable sum
may be realized every year, and it would |
not be long until you would have Libra
~ of great value.
These are some of the chief objects to
which 1 desire to call your attention at
this time, and it will afford me pleasure at
all times to cooperate with you in the en-
actment of all just and proper laws within
the sphere of the powers conferred by the
Organic act. That act is to the Territory
what constitution is to an organized
State. Its authority is paramount and
cannot be transcribed by us. The powers
it confers are specific and must not be dis
regarded It is in fact the chart by which
we must shape our course. So long, there
fore, as we shall limit our official action TO
its provisions,-listen to wise counsels,-
avoid hasty legislation, pursue such
course as will give security to the lives,
liberty and property of the people,-lay
aside personal animosities for the public
good, and hold the Territorial officers to a
strict accountability for the faithful execu-
ton of the laws, we can have nothing to
fear. 1t may be in your power 10 restore
tranquility and insure prosperity to the
Territory, or you may establish reign of
terror which will be disastrous to all the
best interests of the people, who have en-
trusted you with legislative authority
Such is the condition of affairs in the
Territory at this time Shall reason, or
passion prevail j. W. DENVER.
Secretary and Acting Governor.
EXECUTIVE OFFICE,