The Placer herald., 1859-01-08
Complimentary Supper to Gov. Denver.

Leavenworth, X. T., by the citizens of that
city, without distinction of party, on the eve
of his departure from that Territory, in the
Lawrence Herald Of Freedom, of Ocoober
23d. We re-publish it thst our readers may
see in what estimation our distinguished fell
low.citizen is held by those among whom
his duty to his party has impelled him to
reside, in the discharge Of an irksome and
difficult ohce-an office which, it was pre-
dicted, was to accomplish his political death.
Gen. Denver, however, discharged his duties
without fear or favor, and, as is ever the
case, has won not only the plaudits of his
own party but, also, those of the opposition.
The Herald says:
While stopping in Leavenworth last week,
we were favored with an invitation to par
take of supper at the Planters House,
provided by the leading men of that city,
given to Gov Denver, as he was about re-
firing from the Territory, as a testimonial of
their respect for the man, and their conf
dence in his administration. The company
began to assemble at an early hour, and
soon the spacious parlois were filed with
the substantial men of the city.
At 0 o'clock they organized by electing
Gen. A. j. Isa Is, PRESIDENT G. F. Currier,
| ESQ., Vice President; Messrs L. }. Easton, G..
W. McLane, G. W. Brown, and Z. F. Fenelon,
Secretaries; after which, they adjourned to
the supper table, which was sumptuously
supplied with all the luxuries Of the season.
After partaking Of the supper, the Presi
dent was called on for speech, and respon-
ded in substance as follows:
| thank you, gentlemen, for the honor you
have done me, in selecting me to preside over
your meeting. We have met for the pur-
pose Of extending slight testimonial Of our
hearty and cordial approval of our late Gov
erDor, James W. Denver, and to express our
profound regret for the voluntary rupture Of
his official relation in Kansas. Assemblages
of this nature are common in all countries
whose popular applause is an evidence of
official fidelity, or great personal worth; but
few, indeed if any, are the instances in which
that approval is more unanimous or deserv-
ing, than in this
A short time ago he came among us, com
paratively a stranger; but how bis name is
as familiar as house hold word, and his
strict integrity, unfinchng trmness, even
handed Justice, hightoned patriotism. and
in short, bis enlightened craftsmanship, is re
markabe ard auded throughout the whole
country. Sad indeed, to the eye of one who
loves bis country, WAS the condition of this
Territory on his arrival. Kansas had been
shook, and still was shaking from center to
border. Men had almost forgotten that they
were citizens Of common, great and G ori-
Gus contederacy; that the Constitution was
| | = Ill lloc,i,,o.c E1-a tho
dews of Heaven, should fall upon all alike.
This strife had nearly parayzed the Terrific
rial Cover ment, arrested the daily vocations
and had penetrated the sanctity Of social
life. But how magic ike is the change, and
in so short a time. Instead Of confusion,
we have, at least, an almost complete organi-
zaton of government; instead of charred
walls and smoking roofs, happy homes with
smiling faces have made their appearance,
and the ploughman's whistle may be heard,
in lieu of the buges blast
For this radical change, we are indebted
to our esteemed guest more than any living
man, and for all these benefits, if our his
tory shall re written with fidelity, his name
will live in "green immortality" 1t would
be unjust to say he had not the sympathy
of all patriotic hearts in the land, and untrue
to say he was not aided by "the sober second
thought of the people"
Gentlemen, it is consoling to know that
the people have taken the sober, second
thought, and to believe that when they shall
have finished, as they will in due time, their
proud edifce Of state sovereignty, there will
be no abiding place therein for mad tanati-
cism, sectonasm and treason, and that they
will dedicate it, not to the North or the
South, not to Massachusetts or Missouri, but
to our entire country.
At the close of Mr.. Isacks' remarks, the
following toast was read, and responded to
by Gov. Denver
Coz. j. ". Denver-The honest impartial,
and fearless Executive. The worthy citizen The
accomplished and aflable gentleman. Kansas has
cause to regret only one act of his-hs resgna-
ton.
Gov. Denver after few predatory remarks,
thanking the citizens for their manifestation
of regard for him, said, substantially, that
when he came to the Territory, little or no
respect was paid to the laws; that everything
was turned over to the military. The tede-
raj troops were employed to settle your diff
culties, and disorder very generally prevailed.
The military forces Of the United States
should never be called into service against
Americans. Their legitimate province is to
resist the aggressions of foreign enemy.
| have never signed an order to call out the
military without the greatest hesitation.-
Gradually have withdrawn then, and now
not a single officer or soldier is employed in
defence Of, or against thepeople of Kansas.
When | came to Kansas found neigh
Dor arrayed against neighbor, and the most
intense excitement everywhere prevailing;
but, how changed!