The Kansas herald of freedom., 1859-02-12

are nom Tune 70 time taxing place In the
Federal appointments as well rs the rapid
diminution of the number of those who
were most prominent and obnoxious in
the events of sc, must be recognized in
that light. To-day we witness different
state of feeling from the past. Men look
at events coolly and are tolerant in their
feelings. Those who met in hostile array
upon the battle plains of three years ago,
to-day meet around the festive board and
exchange the courtesies of life, not as
partisaus,-not as Pro-Slavery and Free
State men merely-but as American citi-
Zens, men Of common country, a COM
mon language, of common interests, and
last, though not least, as common citizens
of Kansas. They have met under diff
ferent circumstances and learned to re-
spect and know each other as they deserve.
They understand each others motives and
principles, and while ready to make con-
cessions to the worthy and tolerate the
lawful rights of each other, they coalesce
where possible and "agree to disagree"
where necessary.
Towards the Pro-Slavcry men of '56,
who came here in good faith to make
homes for themselves and families, and,
governed by their convictions and predi-
lections, conteuded for principles which
are now crushed out, no further animosity
should be entertained. Kansas was the
common property of the Union and pos
sesses a soil and climate which the first
settlers did not understand and appreciate
as we do to-day; and that Southern men
sought to bring hither the property and
institutions to which, through life, they
had been attached, was no more to their
discredit than was the actuating principle
Of the Northern men who have so nobly
vindicated their heritage and established
here that freedom of the soil so dear to
the hearts of the sons Of Massachusetts,
and Ohio, of New York and Illinois.
That Kansas became field of contention
and strife, was not the result Of the prin-
ciple of Popular Sovereignty under which
it was proclaimed the Territory was to be
settled, but because perverse counsels Of
schemers and politicians outside of the
Territory prevailed and turned the policy
of the General Government into sec
tional and oppressive, instead of a bene-
icent channel. I faud and force met with
the sanction of the General Government
to deprive the people of their rights, and
for the result, in defending those rights,
the General Government cannot ignore its
responsibility.
But another question arises. Did the
opponents of the Administration pursue
in all respects, proper course ? Were
not indiscretions committed and provoca-
tons given ? Would it not have been bet.
ter for our people to have appealed to the
ballot. box and defended that at an earlier
day e? Although the control of the gov.
f ernment and enforcement of the laws
were in the hands opposed to the majority
of our people, yet he believed it possible
, by adopting different policy from what
r prevailed, to have accomplished ou1
triumph at an earlier period. Of the in.
e discretions of our people.-surrounded al
t they were by the most trying circum
stances-it was not his province here tt
, speak harshly. We had at last voted our
selves into the possession of our rights
And this Legislature, composed of Fret
D State men, representing Free State prin
d ciples, and the views of nine-tenths of tn,
. population, can in no better way SHOW
/ their devotion to justice, and appreciation
| of right, than by sustaining this measure
Every man will willingly stand hi
: share of responsibility, and, if need be, pa!
a with a liberal hand and cheerful heart
his proportion of any tax that may b.
a necessary to remunerate those who suf
fered for principle on his side. But thi
cannot be. The General Government i
t bound to pay these claims upon the sam
principle that Oregon, Washington Terri
n tory and other Territories have been in
o IDENTIFIED for losses sustained by thei
citizens; and the Territory of Kansa:
t after full investigation, stands sponso
= and voucher for the correctness of tn
several demands, and in her Territorial
capacity advocates the rights of her citi
zens. Fair play,-fair dealing,-toleratiol
, Of opinion,-shOuld mark the proceeding
8 off this commission. The responsibility o
, the selection of the commissioners is s.
s divided, that all interests may be fairl
represented. The Bill is restricted in it
: language, compared with the Act of '57
s and must ositself cut off many fraudulen
, claims, but is broad enough to do justic
: to the real sufferers, without distinction
Of party. Then let US do our duty ant
: present to Congress with one voice, ant
with united front, in their behalf, thu
t claims of our citizens, honestly, justl,
t and fairly their due. Whatever respon
sibility it is necessary to assume in so do
: ing, 1 cheerfully assume it, relying upol
the intelligence, patriotism and liberalit.
9 Of my constituents for approval Of an &C
6 which future generations will regard q
B one of the noblest on the pages Of Kansa
| history.
, CT The bridge across the Kansas rive
at Wyandott is now completed. and load
ed teams are constantly passing over it,