The Potter journal. [volume] (Coudersport, Pa.) 1857-1872, 1866-03-20

UGtly 6eIn9 restored. SettterS are returning
to their claims. Citizens are resuming
their ordinary pursuits, and general
gladness prevades the community" He
had arrested criminals, driven bri gands
from the roads, disarmed and disbarded
Invading armies, and insured protection
to all peaceable citizens
But this state oftranquility, thus effected,
was precisely the reverse of what the pro-
slavery party in Kansas and the admins
tration at Washington desired. Governor
Geary's course, instead of receiving their
approval met their decided condemnation
1t was intended that the agitation and
excitement should continue until the
Free State men were either aunihtlated
or driren from the Territory, aud the
pro. slavery party could have everything in
their own hands. Hence the Governors
reports to Washington were coldly re-
ceived, and if answered at all, as coldly
answered. There was no mistaking the
tenor and spirit of their communications
In the meantime the leading rufiaus were
becoming more and more emboldened by
the encouragement they received from
the seat of the General Government. At
the Lecompton post Office, the Governors
letters and papers, both private and official
were opened and the contents scrutinized
The few troops that had been left to guard
his person and official documents, were
gradually removed by order of Jeff. Davis,
then Secretary of War. Proslavery
murderers whom he had caused to be
arrested, were liberated by order of Chief
Justice Lecompte, and public meetings
we're held in which he was denounced as
an Abolitionist for refusing to give his
sanction and assistance to the vile plots
to force the institution of slavery upon au
unwilling people. One villain, actuated
and aided by others less bold, was foiled
in an attempt to assassinate him on his
departure from the Legislative Hall and
almost in sight of the members there as
sembled.
To crown all, the pro-slavery men Of all
parties, the great majority, however, being
old line Wings, mostly from the South
met together iu convention at Lecompton
aud organized the "National Democratic
Party" There was much discussion in
regard to the adoption of this name, the
leading men of the convention declaring
that they could not swallow the word
i"Den0crat,' having been lifelong
"Whigs." But this objection was over
ruled, By the argument that the name
would not change positions, while it would
assure them the support of "the Wash
ington Democracy" The platform OF
the National Democratic Party" thus
adopted, is clearly expressed in the fol-
lowing unanimous resolution of its Leg
islature
"WHEREAs, We believe that on the
success of our party depends the perpe-
tuity of the Union therefore,
"Be It resolved, By the House of Rep,
resentatiges, the Council concurrirg there
in, that it is the duty Of the pro-slavery
party, the Union loving men of Kansas
Territory, to know but one issue, slavery
and that any party making or attempting
to make any other, is, and should be held,
as an ally of abolition and disunion."
/ In carrying out this doctrine, all the
Free State Democrats were excluded
from membership with the "Natiooal
Democratic party" not one of them being
received into fellowship or allowed to take
part in its proceedings. This platfotu
was indorsed by the Democrats at Wash
ington at that time, and was subsequently
adopted and carried out by the President
to the full measure of perfection. So far
as he had the power be ostracised all Free
State Democrats, NO matter how long OF
how faithfully they had served the party.
The "Natioual Democratic Party
being thus organized, the next movement
was to commit Governor Geary to its pol
icy. Accordingly, the Chairman of its
/ Central Committee called upon the Gov
ernor, with the assurance that if be would
connect himself with the party he should
be one Of the two United States Senators
SOON to be CHOSEN. The Chairman urged
the matter with such determined peril.
nacity that Governor Geary ordered him
out of bis Office, and declared that if be
should dare again approach him with SC
vile an offer be would toss him through
the window.
Soon after these proceedings a Consti
tuition, known as the "Lecompton COnsti
tuition" was received in Kansas by tht
r National Democratic Party" direct from
: Washington, where it had been carefully
! prepared and agreeably to the directions
1 accompanying it, an attempt was made tt
5 have it adopted by an improvised couVen
I; ton and returned to Washington in tht
shortest possible time, regardless of th'
} known wishes of the people. An act 0
e the Legislature to this effect was imme
s diately passed, which was vetoed by Gov