The New York herald. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1840-1920, 1858-02-02

ton OF this constitution There no law 10 punish
frauds IN election RETURNS The people were intensely ex
citec and II was the opinion Of the coolest men In ne
Territory that, without call OF the Legislature, tine
elections under the constitution could taken place
without coilsen and bloodshed. The meeting Of tho
Legislature diverted the attention Of the people from inc
schemes Of violence upon which they broodng sub
stuttd the excitement Of debate and investigation tor
that Of fierce and warke hatred enabled their repre-
sebatves 10 devise for the wroegs
which they justly spprehendet
Recent events have shown that their apprehensoas
We're well founded. Enormous frauds have been per-
peraed At the precincts OF Oxford shawnee and Koa
poo; and may well be believed that this was
tuay designed by the artful leaders who devised the
plan and framework Of the LecOmpton constitution. I
have lately been at shawnee, and have and co..
yersed with persons who at Oxford the oay a
election The frauds committed are NOTORIOUS; and
though dishonest persons may deny them, and may -
the channels of public information with shameless repre-.
sensations the contrary they can be easily established
It was 70 enable the people to shield themselves frsa
and rejection Of The which permitted then
and To be carried by them, that called the Legs
ture together.
on this subject through their Legislature. The organic
act c0nded to the discretion Of converting that body
in extra session The President of the United States bad
no rightfu authority TO exercise that discretion me-
He had the of removal and such control as that
power gives him But would cheerully have submitted
to remOv and consequent loss Of favor with the Pres
rather than occupy the position OF Governor and
the people opportunity to assert their NEST
essential rights and TO protect themselves against ne
ragged community.
Not baving been informed of the grounds Of my 70
moval know them only through the newspaper repsrts
To the effect that in calling the Legislature dsobeyeA
the instr uctions the President had instructions
bearing on the subject, and there time 10 Obtain
them If had felt bound to substitute the Pres
dents will for that discretion which the organic act con-
fded 10 The convening of the Legislature undoubt
eddy prevented difficulty and secured peace. We're
important am confident could establish this position ~
the most indubtable facts but 1t sufficient to saT
that Il peace of the Territory was not in fact disturbed
suit wholly attributable 10 the policy Of the ad-
minstra.on in censuring my acts and removing me from
office.
The measure for which have been unjustly condemned
has enabled the people of Kansas TO make known their
real will In regard to the LecOmpton constitution. This
affords the democratic party opportunity TO defend
the true principles OF constitutional liberty and to
itself from disastrous division and utter overthrow.
Congress will heed the voice OF the people, and n0k
force upon them government which they have rejected
by of four one the whole country will be salts
fed and Kansas will quietly settle her affairs with
out the least difficulty and without any danger TO the
confederacy. The Southern States which supposed
have deep interest in the matter will be saved fron
the supreme folly OF standing up in defence OF wicked
and dishonest contvance as the Lecomp0n constitution
the moral power Of their position will not be weakened
by vain and useless defence OF wrong, when 1t is per-
fecty that they will gain nothing by
in the present ate mpt.
The extra session Of the Kansas Legislature has done
good also, by giving means TO expose and punish the
monstrous frauds which have been perpetrated, and
doubtless also, by preventing others which would have
gagged in them to become ueves from justice, and has
rendered impossible for the peace Of the Terrtsry
hereafter TO be endangered by similar occurrences
In view Of these facts and results willingly accept the
but appeal 70 the deliberate judgment of the people 70
determine whether have not chosen the only honorable
which the circumstances allowed me TO pursue
FRED. p SHANNON.
T.o,,xs, Ian