New-York daily tribune. [volume] (New-York [N.Y.]) 1842-1866, 1858-01-16
GOV. DENVER'S MESSAGE.

are directed TO for the transaction of egls-
latiye business custom requires that should COM
mucicate to you my views on the condition aud wants
of the Territory.
Having but recently arrived among you, il can
hsrdy be expected that L should have that exact
information in relation to the internal affairs of
the territory that longer residence would have
afforded but have seen enough to satisfy me that
mnch Of the luminosity and bitter feeling
istipg proceeds more from personal hostility than
from political considerations. These had their
origin in the troubles growing out OF the first set
tlement Of the country, and the vindctive feelings
then engendered among the prominent actors, have
in many instances sunk into personal hatred. Thus
you find the most bitter feuds existing all over
the country which, when traced back, are found
TO have originated in some personal quarrel The
southern part of the Territory was lately convulsed
about claim to a quarter section of land. One man
with his friends forcbly removed another from a
claim, and for doing so they were arrested under
writ issued by the United States Judges, and held to
bail for their appearance at the next term OF the
Court to answer the charges made against them. A
cry Of persecution was Immediately raised, and this
petty difficulty was soon elevated to the dignity OF
''war between the Free-State and Pr0-Slayery par
cites" and at one time threatened TO draw the whole
Territory into the quarrel. The difficulty was not at
Ast political one, but it was seized upon As pre-
text for their acts by those awess and restless men
who are never satisfied except when engaged in some
bro or exciting trouble The peace of the country Is
the Last thing such people desire and they eagerly
seize every petty quarrel to disturb It, Such acts
III
and il behooves every good citizen to discountenance
them and assist in brinfing the actors to punishment
TO que these disturbances, have deemed it neces-
sary TO send detachment of United States troops into
the neghborhood which has had the effect to restore
peace to the community. The rumors of battles and
the killing of various persons, with which the country
rife at the time, have proved to be untrue; the
mHrauders aylng confined their operations to the in
discriminate plumber OF friends and foer.
The affairs Of Kansas have for long time attracted
much of the attention of all portions OF the American
Union: and il is sincerely to be hoped that the
troubles which have heretofore existed among the
people of the Territory about to be peaceaby adj
iused. After the long.contmued disturbances this
will be most gratifying result and will give new
impetus to the prosperity and settlement of the country
Settled as this Territory has been by people from
every portion of the older States, many of whom enter
tanned extreme views the question Of domestic Sav-
cry it could hardly be expected that col sions would
not occur and yet spirit Cftoeranee such as haschar
acerzed the people of our sister Territory, Nebraska
which was organized under the same law, and where
Slavery exists to almost, if not quite a. great an ex-
tent as II does here might have prevented It. There
all questions of pubic policy have been determined
by a resort to the baot-bOx, and all parties have
Welded ready acquiescence to such decisions
Coercive measures have never been rtsorted 10
there; and whenever frauds have been attempted
al the elections, application has been made to the
proper tribunals for correction, and III no instance as
far a. my information extends, without finding re-
dress On these subjects the conduct OF the people
of Nebraska Territory is worthy of all commenda-
ton and sincerely hope that the great mass OF
the people of this Territory will follow their example
1t il much to be regretted that the Federal Govern
ment has been compelled to Interfere in your Tern,
torial affairs and trust that such interference will
NOT be required in the future. A full aud fair express
sion Of the wishes of the people by means OF the ballot
box will settle all these political differences and dur
ing the time that may have control OF the executive
authority here, nothing shall be lett und0ne TO aOrd
them al opportunity to give such expression: -
Much Of the future peace and prosperity OF TINS Ter
ritory depends on your legislative action; aud hope
that you will be governed by calm Judgment and wise
couusels. Hasty or partisan legislation should be by
all means avoided the patriotic states men will always
be governed by considerations of public policy, keep
Ing in view the necessity of the whole people 80 a. 10
protect and benefit the meritorious, ana at the same
time check and punish the guilty.
Before engaging in the business Of legislation, how
ever. will direct your attention to the Constitution
recently framed by Convention sitting IN TINS piace
The second section of the schedule reads a. follows
s All law, now of force In Territory Ksnsis which
are repugnan this Constitution shall continue and be oil 9,c
until altered amended, repealed by Legislature asenoeu
the provisions Of this Constitution
This was signed on the eth day of November, 1891,
and under its provisions submitted to the people on
the 2lst day of December last. 1t was again submit
ted to vote of the people by an act OF the Legisia
ture, approved December IL, 1871, only one vi the
political parties voting at the time on these pOpt tS
lions and the others absenting themselves from the
polls. In this condition it will probably be sent 10
Congress and it may be as well for you to delay gu!
important legislation until you can ascertain VIVA.
action Congress will take in the premises iCr snoulu
Kansas be admitted as Of the States oil the mon
under this Constitution, il would have the effect 10
nulify all your acts and revive such as you may nave
repeaed. IT. however, you shall conclude to disrega,u
this possible state of affairs, then becomes my u!
TO direct your attention to some matters on "hch eo
islhtye action may be necessary. . A.
Tie criminal laws OF the Territory. OWING 10 tne
disturbed state of the country are at present the
important. Every ofense against the laws Shoid b
followed by speedy punishment, add THIS Shouiu uo
commensurate with the degree Of crime cOmmitteu.
Thst philanthropy which seeks to pardon crlmihais lV
the purpose Of reforming them, VIII never ~ d
their number or protect society from their oeP cum
tions; but sure and adequate punishment IL Wen car
cuated 10 deter others from like practices IL Il IN,
possible however to enforce the criminal Jaws WIN
out pr.ons in which to confine the criminals; iT T
earliest effor :, therefore, should De dtfec'ea ~ 49,
collection Of revenue ami the erection OF prlsonS.
have been Informed that an organization eIs's ~
this Territory similar 10 what j. said TO be the -
organization among the Mormons. Ii Is ASSERT . J
tie members are bound by the most solemn os s b
obligations, TO resist the laws take the hse7 lnc
fellow-citzens or commit any other act o. r"o $50
they NAV be directed BY their leaders. nu S'l"
ling TO believe that such an orgauizatioo eo ~, ~
find existence in a civilized conuiun! -, ~. a.
bare possibility Of It's existence, ana 1le lying
ssssinatons have recently been peypetra'e1-s,I
color of truth 10 the statement-should li", -! :,
give il your NOSE serious attenon; ID! u. -
10 90 without notice there Is great dangei .b.'
ter organizations may be starred any - ana ~
country ne pateu a. tHc in"iN -
sIeusible men. .Arosn, os .,.e.
Tie act for the prevention and pun shnenI oi e'1e
tics frauds passed at yVur late session. ousn' ~ " y,
50 amended as to apply 10 those who may s',sp 70
deter men from voting w threats OF peiSI, 80 >,
or other means of intimidation. II ouen', aso, ~
provide punishment for officers of the election VINO
shall fail neglect or refuse to send up Tue
| iu specified tuhe. sa 80 ..
Tie election law ought also tn be ans aoc, 80.
10 iequire every person 10 vote at the preynu.
! which be resides, and in no case 10 NC aA0"s1 "