Glasgow weekly times. (Glasgow, Mo.) 1848-1861, 1859-01-13
Troubles In Kansas.
SPECIAL MESSAGE.
6e.i.esssa ofsle Snats Gal
& House Of Reassenidt.ps

hundred men, was CHARTERED in Kansas Ter
ri.ory, near the Missouri line, and threat
ening 10 invade the Stale; and in deed had
made incnrsions into the counties OF Cass
snd Bates, committing acts oil personal vio-
lence and plundering aud robbing our ciii-
zens. The people in these counties be-
come greatly alarmed, and many OF them
along the line abandoned their homes
Even some Of the towns had been visited
by The bandits, and il was stated, had been
threatened with destruction.
Under these circumstances, an appeal
was made 10 The Executive Tor the means Of
protection. Adiutaut General Parsons was
accordingly dispatched TO the border, I'M
der instructions 10 there learn the actual
state Of facts, the canses Of the difficulties,
and the probability Of their recurrence; also,
10 ascertain what steps were necessary to-
provide our citizens with adequate protec-
ton, and if it became necessary, 10 at once
enroll sufficient volunteer force TO accom-
plsh that purpose. He was also instruct
ed, if he deemed it necessary, TO organize
military companies in the counties most con-
venient 10 The scene of the difficulties. Ia
king care TO direct that none Of the force
thus called into service be allowed 10 cross
the line into Kansas, or to do any o,heT act
OF Of an aggressive character.
Gen. Parsons having satisfied himself
that numerous overt acts had already been
committed, and that there was cause 10 ap-
prchend further incursions into the State,
organized several companies in the counties
mentioned. and they were furnished with
arms by Quartermaster General Hackney,
who accompanied Adj. Gen. Psr'ons Tor
that purpose.
The measures served for a time. 10 pre-
vent the threatened invasions, but the PEG.
pie along the line who had been driven IRON
their homes, were, by the presence of the
same armed force in the vicinity, deferred
from returning, and it was urged that they
could not cultivate their farms and protect
themselves, and, therefore were entitled to
sid from other sources.
In consequence of these representations,
]. on August 1ih, wrote TO Gov. Denver,
then the Executive Of Kansas, informing
him that it might become necessary 10 sta
lion an armed force along the border, in
Missouri, for purposes Of protection, at the
same time soliciting his earnest CO operation
with the authorities Of this Stale in their
efforts TO preserve the peace. And, regard
ing il the duty Of the Federal Government
&c suppress bands of outlaws organized
within the limits OF Territories under its
immediate control, /, on the Sih Of the same
month, addressed The President OF the Uni
ted States, document marked a." sole.
iting the aid Of the General Government in
the protection of onr citizens, and in the
preservation of the peace so necessary to
the prosperity Of our people.
An answer from the Wa, Department,
document marked "B, informed me tina,
TAO available troops were known to said De-
psrtment which could then be so employed.
Doubts were also intimated Of the "expe-
diency OF employing United States troops
asains, bands OF civil marauSers."
Gov. Denver, in response 10 my letter,
expressed regrets that the course had in
dictated should be thought necessary, and
the hope tha. the necessity might be obvi.
aied, assuring me tina; he would do all in
his power to suppress the evil complained
OF.
For time the difficulties seemed to sub
side, and consequently no further efforts
were made on the part Of the authorities Of
this State. Recently, however, a smaller
party, led. it is stated, by the same chief,
had made an incursion into the State, COM
hitting murder and robbery, and. as stated
in affidavits herewith submitted, documents
marked C. and D., and petition signed by
sundry citizens o. Vernon county (docu-
ment marked E.. driving of ten negroes
belonging 10 citizens OF the county mention.
ed. And within day or two, additional
advices have been received, in which it is
stated lsee document marked "F.") tina,
regularly organized band of thieves, rob,
bers and midnight assassins, have congre-
gated in Kansas, Immediately upon the west
ern border of Bates county, who are ma
king ineursions into the State, taking the
lives Of orr citizens. committing 10 the
flames their houses, and robbing them Of
their property.
Again, the Executive of the Slate Is ap-
pealed to for military aid, to project The
border from repetition Of The evils COM
planned Of, and which they seem to have
cause Ia appreiend. But the Governor, as
Comnander-in-chief has power under ex-
listing laws to call the militia into active SER
vice only in cases Of "rebellion, invasion or
insurrection." If the bandits referred TO
are 10 De regarded merely as ''civii marau-
ders," only the she,iffs Of the respective
counties have authority, under our present
military code, to call upon the militia 10 aid
the legally constituted civil authorities in
preserving order and enforcing the laws.
a Unwilling to do any act that shall involve
the S,s;e, or The country at large, in undue
sec,ioaal or party strife. and yet anxious
that the border counties should enjoy the
protection Of life and property to which, in
common with other portions Of tile State,
they are entitled, submit these facts for
your consideration. and oespeak for them
your immediate attention. hoping that what
ever II is possible for the General Assembly
to do constitutionally, will be done at once.
lvaw4 s.. R. M. STEWART.
q "a