The Kansas herald of freedom. [volume] (Wakarusa, Kan. Territory) 1854-1860, 1859-01-29

government, and an evidence Of reliance
lpon the patriotism and intelligence OF
he people, highly complimentary to the
after, but dangerous in its character IT.
Government failed to perfor'~
by enforcing tho -, - - 'o'i
justice and protection to all inter
ests alike social and political. These,
emigrants from all sections Of the Union
had right 20 expect; these, the Govern
ment was bound TO maintain. The result
we have all seen to our sorrow. lustead
of couciliating the Representatives of Sec
tional interests by impartial justice, mis-
representations and frauds unparalleled
in history, induced the adoption of pol
icy on the part of the Administration, the
real foundation of which, as well at its
results, is row properly appreciated, and
its injustice admitted by both instigators
and instruments. The sooner amends are
made by the General Government the
sooner will peace, prosperity, aud justice
prevail in cur Territory. The moral as
well as legal responsibility of the Gov
erament for the losses sustained. cannot be
denied or repudiated.
The first section of the proposed Bill is
purposely drawn in broad terms, and as
nearly as deemed advisable in the Ian
guage of the Act of '57. At a cursory
glance we are aware that many Of the
dominant legislative party may be inclined
TO strike cut or restrict its provisions. A
little consideration and examination viii
convince such persons that'such course
would not accomplish the object aimed
at. Ofthe Public Claims" already prov
en- before the Commissioner, a large major
hy are in fivor Of Free State, instead Q
Pro Slavsry men-being forced contribu
tions-and We know, from an examination
Of the proofs filed, that nearly two-third
Of the whole amount audited is in favo
of Free State men. Many of the proofs
taken by the Commissioners, requir.
revision and investigation. Some o
them are fraudulent in their character
others are imperfect because Of the diff
Guilty experienced in obtaining testimony
The old law gave no authority for secur
ing the attendance of witnesses, and il
1857 such an inimical feeling prevailer
that necessary witnesses, of opposite pc
litical views from the claimants, could no
he induced to give their testimony freely
Some of the proofs contain allegations an,
statements against parties which do tn
latter great injustice. Under the Act o
81, many persons declined to present thei
just claims, partly from political aniInosi
ty towards the Commissioner, and partl,
because they entertained no faith in tn
result, being beneficial to them. The Bill
now offered is calculated to cover am
guard all these matters. Fair play ant
equality must mark its features, or it vii
be regarded in the same light as the oil
Bill. Unless equally as liberal in its pro
visions for receiving and hearing claims a
the Act of '57, which was passed by
Pro- Slavery Legislature, political animos
tiles will be brought to bear in Congress
to defeat its purpose. "What is sauce 70
the goose is sauce for the gander b VIVA
the Pro-Slavery party could afford to pu
on paper, in 1857, as an evidence of thei
magnanimity, the Free State men can at
ford to put on paper to-day. The mail
thing will be the appointment of a fairl.
constituted Board of Commissioners, VIII,
will properly discriminate between tn,
just and unjust claims-who will make
proper distinction between parties who's,
claims are based upon voluntary and torcet
contributions; and discountenance the of
icious and official services of men who's
actions were governed by voluntary politi
ical motives, instead of the legitimate du
ties of settlers protecting or defending th,
rights, interests and property of them
selves and neighbors, according to tn,
powers conferred by the Organic Act, anC
its true intent. Men who were sincere il
contending for their principles, and there
by became victims, should be treated alike
irrespective of party; but mere adventu
rers and strife creators can not expect t.
take advantage of their own wrongs.
The Bill now proposed authorizes tn,
issue of certificates on awards made, upor
the expectation that Congressional Ap
preparation will redeem them. This car
be secured in the form proposed, by in.
cooperating it in the Ordinance of the
Constitution. The Territory owes it tc
its citizens to protect, and as far az posi-.
BILE, secure their rights. The success Of
this Bill will carry joy to the hearts o.
many worthy household. The certif.
Gates, whether in the shape proposed oil
included in funded debt, will be avail.
able and afford pecuniary relief to many
Sets up an Alibi.
We stated last week that John A. Muir.
nil, the "Grcat Western Land Pirate, 4"