The weekly Minnesotian. [volume] (Saint Paul, Minn. Territory) 1852-1858, 1858-01-09

Senate, to-day sent q large mass of documents
on Kansas affairs-among them the follow
ing2
DEPARTMENT OF STATE,
WASHINGTON, December II, 1885,
James ". Dmoer, Esq, Secretary and dcf''9
Governor of Kansas Territory:
SIR You have already been informed
that Mr.. Stanton has been removed from the
office of Secretary of the Territory OF Nam
sas, and that you have been appointed IN MS
place. l desire now to state to you dlStlnct-
ly the reason of this change The Conven-
ton which met at LecOmpton on the LIST OF
September, had framed Constitution and
had authorized its President to submit the
question 10 the people Of Kansas on the 2lst
of December. whether this Constitution
should be adopted with or without slavery
The Importance of the issue could not well
be over estimated. 1t involved the complete
and authoritative settlement of the only SUBJ
!, of difference which had seriously agitat-
ed Kansas or interlered with its prosperity.
The qualified electors, therefore, to whom
this settlement was referred, not only had
unquestionable right to attend at the polls
and give their votes on the day appointed,
but they were required to do so by the high
es considerations of public duty. In the ex-
ercise Of this right, moreover, they were en-
titled 70 adequate protection by the Terrific
rial Government, and the acting Governor
was bound to employ the legal means at his
command to give security and fairness to the
election. With the conflicting opinions which
prevailed in the Territory on the question
submitted he had no right to interfere. They
had their appropriate issue at the ballot
box. and to that peaceful arbitrament they
might safely be referred The great objects
T. he accomplished in the opinion of the
Ire> den, were to preserve the peace of the
Territory and secure freedom in the election.
Entertaining these views, he was surprised to
learn that the Secretary and Acting Govern,
or had on the first of December issued his
proclamation for special session of the Terri
toral legislature on the 9TH inst, only few
weeks II. advance Of its regular time of meet
inr, and only fourteen days before decision
was 10 be made on the question submitted
ty the Convention. The course of Mr.. STAN
ton. the President seriously believes, has
thrown new element of discord among the
excited people of Kansas, and it is directly
at war. therefore, with the peaceful policy of
the Administration.
For this reason he felt it his duty to re-
move him.
From these views you will readily under
stand what the President regards as the chief
Guty which devoles upon you as Mr.. Stantons
successor. This duty is to preserve peace in
Kansas. Every person entitled to vote on
the Constitution ought to have safe success
to the polls, and to be free from any restraint
whatever in the exercise of the elective fran
,hise.
If the civil power is found insufficient for
this pu. pose, the troops of the United States
Should be employed in aid of it, and it may
be wise precautiOn to have them stationed,
III advance, within reach of those places
where, in your judgment, their services are
likely to be required. 1t is earnestly hoped
that the use Of the military power may be
wholly avoided. Violence is always less like
ly to occur when the means are known to be
at hand for its prompt suppression. Should
the military force become absolutely necessa-
ry TO keep the peace you will find full instruc-
tons with reference TO the proper mode of
employing it in my communications to Gov.
Walker, of March %, July %, and Sept. 2,
1877, and in those subsequently written to
Mr.. Stanton. Of those last, that of Nov.
80. was taken to Kansas by you, and you had
copy of it. All of them will doubtless be
found in the archives of the Governor at Lee
compton. They refer prominently to the
preservation of the peace at certain impor-
tant eiections-but need hardly inform you
that your duty is not intended to oe confined
to those special occasions. 1t extends, of
course, to the protection of all citizens in the
exercise of their just rights, and applies to
one legal election as well as to another. The
Territorial Legislature doubtless convened on
the Ith instant, and while it remains in ses-
sion IFS members are entitled to be secure and
free IN their deliberations. Its rightful &C
ton must also be respected. Should it au-
lize an election by the people for any pur-
pose, this election should be held without in
jerruption no less than those authorized by
the Convention. While the peace of the Ter
ritory IS preserved and freedom of election is
secured, there need be no disastrous conse-
quences.
The public journals contain reports of an
INTENDED movement by portion of the resi-
dents Of Kansas, to organize revolutionary |
government under the Topeka Constitution. |
i : hardly probable that this report can be |
well founded, but should the attempt be |
made and lead to practical collision with the
/ Territorial authorities, the authority of the |
"'vernment must necessarily be maintained
ana rom whatever quarter it is attempted to
IN. rlere by violence with the election author
Yea by the constitutional Convention, or
winch may be authorized by the Legislature,
ne attempt must be retisted, and the secu-
l1iY OF The elections maintained.
ne eacetul progress of these elections can
oh'l ms, occasion no injury to any citizen of
any par :, because their results can have only
Their dre weight under the Constitution and
laws. II Is to be expected, therefore, that no
GOOD citizen will endeavor to interfere with
them, but that all the people will be contented |
To STE the work OF the Convention peacefully
carried ont to its legitimate results, and fairly
pc 'ented to the consideration of Congress.
lac President relies upon your firmness
an discretion to give effect to these instruc-
tons. 1t is vitality important that the people
o. Kansas, and none other than the people
Oh Kansas, should have the full determine
II OF the question now before them for de-
cision. 1t is important also, that in securing
t. them the protection to which they are en-
-itied. great care should be taken not to or
;;aalze any illegal authority. On this point
again refer you to my instructions to Gov
ernor Walker and Secretary Stanton, which
you VIII regard as directed to yourself
IL E proper to add that no action of the
, errltorlal Legislature about to meet, can
interfere with the elections of the 2lst of
DECEMBER and 10Th Of January in the mode
III manner prescribed by the Constitutional
Convention
am, Sir, respectfully your obedient serv't.
LEWIS CAss, Secretary.