The independent. [volume] (Oskaloosa, Kan.) 1860-1874, 1863-03-21
Saturday, March %, 1869.
A Cloud Gathering.

natural than OF the political wind. A,
the present juncture Of affairs there
may at first appear to be nothing par,i-
cularIy alarming. Things in general
seem to be moving along with their
usual snail-like pace. at least, if no;
little more SO. But there is danger
ahead. The rebels have been desperate
and determined from the beginning;
and they are more SO low than q. any
previous stage OF the rebellion.
The prospects around Vicksburg ARE
not the most cheering to the leaders Of
the insurgents; and Yet they are deter
mined not to give up without struggle
which Will show that :ley are fer.ile in
devices as Well as reckless in the use of
means TO accomplish their purpose. Ii
Vicksburg falls. then some other base
for supplies must be found. New Or
leans is occupied by orr troops, and The
enemy have a dread of our iron-cIads
which exercises a healthy Influence
upon them;- hence, they do not wish to
fail upon the Crescent City
But if they can get possession Of
Missouri. there will be found many
opportunities of smuggling provisions.
goods and medicines across the river:
for all Tie stream cannot be guarded.
1t is therefore matter of great impor-
tance to JEFF. Davis and his crew that
Missouri should be held under rebel
rule. TO accomplish tits end Price
has been sent Out TO take command Of
the rebels on this side Of tie Miss
issippi river.
Price knows every locality of our
sister State, which is a point of 10
small importance to start with. He has
his men already prepared to meet him.
and they are awaiting his arrival. Ghis
is another fac, which carries Immense
weight with it. HIS minions are armed
and ready for action; and ten Mousand
Of them can spring up in night. The
Union forces of Missouri are not pre
pared for the future as they should be:
and the sequel. We very much Gear. will
write this sad truth in blood.
But Missouri is only part of the
conquest TO be made. Without Kansas
Missouri will be deprived of more than
halt her value 10 the rebels; and i. is
the design of the traitors to overrun
and conquer Kansas. And there ere
rebels in Jefferson county ulo are erpect-
Eng this inrasion Of oar soil and State.
We Mtnk there are some in the ral;ogc OF
Oskaloosa.
These Kansas rebels have an orcsni-
eaton; aad they keep up constant
communication with branches of the
same organization in Missouri. The
members are all sworn to aid the South.
and to aid and protect each other; Dele
gates go 10 and from Kansas TO Mis-.
souri; and in both States :hev are wait
ing the hour to strike. They exoect
Price; and as soon as the grass grows
SO that horses can End forage. they ex-
Pecs to commence their work.
Loyal citizens Of Kansas are you pre-
pared for the Zoe You are not. You
scarcely feel ths, there is any danger:
but beware! The deadly plans are laid;
the huge serpent is coiIed ready for the
spring; and without a moments warn
ing he intends 10 crush you in his tolls |!
Can he dc il? Yes. if you are no,
ready for him. No. if you are.
Do you wish evidence of the truth Of
these things? Just keep your eyes
open: and notice the ~eeAly going forth
Of one or more men from Ills county to
Aissoari-men who are no; above sus-
picion. and who can have no lawful
business calling them from home
These men are spies; and they repor:
the condition of things here.
The old bitterness still rank.es in the
hearts OF the pro-slavery portion OF
community; and il they can do nothing
more. they ia.c4i to satiate their thirst
for revenge. Mark this! If .hev cam
not hold Kansas they wish TO descla,e
it. Fire and slaughter are their watch
words.
"FOrewarned is forea.med." Loyal
men OF Kansas. prevent the de ISOLATION
Of year State BY timely preparation 10
meet the foe. II you are ready be will
nct strike: but he expects to find you
unpreparej, victims ready 10 Iii, hand.
Get arms, get ready. ani the ass s,ins
and plucs!eyers will he deferred f,on,