The independent. [volume] (Oskaloosa, Kan.) 1860-1874, 1861-05-22
MISSOURI AND SECESSION.

The scheme of 'armed neutrality"
for Missouri recommended by Gov.
Jackson in his late message to the Leg
islature Of that State, was mere bubble
that has already exploded.
As blind to the loyal citisens o.
Missouri, the secessionists covered their
plot for spending the State TO the
Southern Confederscy with the plausi-
bls prs,ext of placing her Sin an atti-
tude of defense" or position of armed
neutrality in the conflict between the
Government and the traitors. Under
this pre:ext the rebels in power passed
smost infamous military law. requiring
the citizens of the State to take tes,
oath of allegiance to the State alone.
thus solemnly linking their destiny to
Missouri in whatever course she might
pursue in the present crisis. II she
should secede. the oath of allegiance
voud compel'her citizens 10 follow and
defend her in her treason.
For the purpose Of fur,hering on the
nefarious designs of these traitors to
the State and to the nation. an appro-
priation Of one million dollars was made.
and placed at the disposal Of Claib. Jack.
son. who is by the provisions of the
new military law. m,de dictator in the
conspiracy to drag the State out OF the
Unisn.
Many Union men have been driven
from the State, and strict surveillance
is KEEP. over every man who does not
openly avow himself a secesssionist.
Already are the people beginning 10 see
the ruin these wicked plo,ters are bring
ing upon the State. migration from
the North and from the South is stop
ped, business is at dead stand still.
and slaves have in some way imbibed
the notion that this is an opportune
time to obtain their freedom. and many
Of them are escaping from their masters
FOR the very causes set forth in the
above paragraph. not long since a seces-
sionist and large STAKEHOLDER of Mis-
souri, announced himself an abolitionist,
and proposed that the Legislature should
abolish the institution of slavery aud
give al those owning slaves ten years
to dispose Of them, or carry them from
the State. Reason and interest would
dictate that this Is the wisest course
Missouri could pursue.
Occupying central position in the
Government. with one large navigable
river along her entire eastern border
aad one along half the western aud
through her interior. sod unsurpassed
IN fertility. rich in buried treasures. a
climate only adapted to free labor. let
her but rid herself Of the black curse
Of slavery. and in a few years she would
be one of the wealthiest and most ia
hucntial States in the Uuion.
But let her continue to persecute
Union men. persist in joining her des-
tiny with the Confederate States, and
defy the administration to bring her
back to loyalty, and she will work her
ewn destructioa-perhaps her auuihila-
tion. and be cut up into small provinces
and attached to the loyal States that
surround her.
Ii is said hat Gov. Jackson has
secretly proffered to the Confederate
authorities the aid of the State troops III
the prosecution Of their acts Of rebellion
and treason. Gen. Harney recognizes
tie new militia Law as an indirect
ordinance of secession. and an outrage
on the rights Of the people. and believes
the assembling Of troops under that
law to be reasonable. No; only does
the law give the Governor almost unre
strained control Of the State forces. but
the one million Of dollars appropriated
70 arm and equip the State troops is
placed at his disposal. as is also the
School Fund and the July interest on
the State debt.
The secession Of Missouri would be
an easy and comfortable way of repudi-
aiing q State debt Of twenty five mil
lions Of dollars il she could do so peace
ably. But "UDsle Sam" has already
asserted his authority on Missouri soil.
and she will be ''coerced" to remain
h the Union: and the reckless wicked.
ness Of her rulers will fall with stunning
force upon their reprobate heads.
We hope sbe Union men will stand
6rm. for their cause is eminently Just,
and they will seceive aid and protection
from the Government and from their
brethren of the loyal States.