Bradford reporter. [volume] (Towanda, Pa.) 1844-1884, 1858-01-28

laws and against all who rise up TO oppose them
hr unauthorized means Nor can the excuse
for resistance to the Territorial laws, and for
falling to perform the duties of citizenship
nnder them, that wrongs, and frauds were per-
rated at elections, he admitted as justifica-
+;on Where elections are so frequent and the
right of suffrage SO liberal, as in this country,
It is peculiarly the duty of good citizen to
obey existing authorities, and even objectiona-
LIe laws knowing that the former can be
changed and the latter modified or repealed
within a very brief period. And as to dis
nuted elections, they must be decided by the
nroper legal authority aud not by individual
citizens or irregular self-conStitnted assemble
Ipsubordination to necessary and rghtful
authority, instigated and encouraged by un-
worthy men in the organized States, who de-
sired that discord should continue, aud were
willing to contribute to that object, is the
prolfc fountain from which the troubles in
Kansas have heretofore proceeded. 1t was
natural, perhaps inevitable, that this conduct
bv party in the territory should provoke an
opposite party to many unjnstifiable acts, and
TO much imprudent and unreasonable conduct
Thus extremes act and react upon each other,
and when the laws are defed and individual
action let loose, wrongs, outrages aud violence
are necessary results.
The last phase of the Kansas question, which
IS upon the constitution framed by Territorial
Convention, is peculiarly for the judgment of
Congress, to which the power of admitting
new States is conGded by the constitution of
the Union The representatives of the people
and of the States in Congress assembled will
meet that question under all the responsible
ties which they owe to their constituents, and
which are imposed upon them by their oaths
Of Office and with full Information of a final
ivdgment Events are constantly occurring in
the territory which will afford matter for Con-
gressional debate, and may affect the ultimate
decision.
To the people of Pennsylvania the admis-
sion of new State Into the Union-nto that
confederacy of which she is a member-must
be at all times a subject of high interest. And
| believe ! express their sentiments as we'll
as my own, in declaring that all the qualified
electors of Territory should have a full and
fair opportunity to participate in selecting
delegates to form a Constitution preparatory
to admission as a State, and, if desired by
them, they should also he allowed an unquall-
fed right to vote upon such Constitution after
it is framed. OF course, those who then fail
10 vote, in either case, cannot complain that
the proceeding gees Oh without their partici-
patton. 1t is 10 Inc hoped that Congress will
make such provisions for other Territories that
the present difficulty will have no rcpitition
in the future.
In conclusion, permit me to observe, that all
experience and refecten prove that the moral
virtues form the only firm foundation of public
order as well as individual character, ard their
SUPPORT should therefore engage the profound
attention of Government, anu the cooperation
Of all good men, Frail, indeed will be any struc-
ture reared for the regulation Of society, and
the promotion of mans true and substantial
happiness, unless it stand upon foundation
more permanent than paper arrangements.
or the feeting impulse of the hour The
recognition of Great Supreme Power, which
rules the affairs of nations and Of men is
the only support Of those virtues which can
make people distinguished and prosper
Gus, and give to Government duration and sue
cess. Sincerely inp!oring the Divine guidance
in the performance of duty, | assume the post
assigned me by the people, iudulgng the hope
that at the termination Of my services | shall
enjoy the approval of my own conscience, aud
behold Pennsylvania advanced and secure in
her position as one of the great communities
Of the New World-her standard aloft, and
proudly bearing, untarnished, her motto of
Virtue, Liberty and Independence"
VIM F. PACKER.
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