Year: 1859

tory, who have not yet been able to COM
plete their pre-emptions, and some estimate
approximating to the truth may be made o.
the sudden growth of this newly settled RI.
sing Commonwealth.


Our newly settled Territories, surround
ed by warlike Indian tribes, distant from
densely settled neighborhoods, subject to all
the privations of frontier life. have, from
the beginning of our Government, been
more or less the true objects of Executive
and Congressional care. Hence the origin
of paying from the National Treasury the
Territorial and Legislative expenses-erect.
ing public buildings, laying out roads, bull
ding bridges, appropriating lands for schools
colleges and other purposes-permitting the
emigrant to settle upon the public lands
free from taxation, until his title is acquired.
and reducing their prices to a very low
standard; thus acting with parental care du-
ring their minority, and at the proper time
receiving them into full fellowship as an
equal, independent and powerful State.


AS each regular term of the Legislature
is restricted by law to forty days, much en-
barrassment is generally created by the want
of time for due deliberation, owing to the
demands for numerous acts of private incor-
porations, many of which are of a doubtful
character, and some wholly pernicious. A
general law, under which associations may
be formed, with all the powers of corpor-
ate body, would be found greatly conducive
to Legislative integrity and the public good.
It would place each corporation upon an
equality, prevent corrupt combination to
secure special privileges, reduce the size of
the Statute Books, and give to the Legisla-
ture more time to devote to the general in
terests of their constituents.


It is with unfeigned regret that it be-
comes my duty to call your attention to the
very serious disturbances and violations OF
law which exist in the southeast portion of
the Territory, principally confined to the
counties of Bourbon and Linn. I would
approach this unpleasant subject with more
delicacy, were it not that the lives and prop
erty of the people in that district, demand
the most prompt attention; and there is no
authority which can approach with so
much freedom as that of the law-making pow
er of the Territory. The people, by their free
suffrages, have conferred upon you the high
responsibility of making laws for their gov
ernment, and for the protection of their lives
and property. You are their immediate rep
resentatives, their neighbors, and fresh from
their fresides. You know their wants and
their necessities-their peace is your peace
their prosperity your prosperity-their
safety and protection is yours also. If the
highwayman is permitted to violate the
rights, and outrage the persons and property
of your constituents, there is no safety for
your own households, for sooner or later
will it fall to your lot to satisfy the cravings
of the outlaw-he makes his own pretext,
and fixes his own time for the onslaught.
Like the beasts of prey, his judgment is
controlled only by his appetite.


Of the differences of opinion growing out
of past political strifes, it is not my province
to speak. Free from the animosities and
prejudices resulting from them-ignorant of
their unwritten history, and doubtful of
much which has been placed upon record.
I would not wish to approach the subject
were it within the range of Executive duties.
The Organic Act, which is the written law
for our guidance, imposes no duties but that
of obedience to its provisions. To this Act,
and the laws passed by the Legislative pow
er in accordance with it, it is my duty to
confne myself, and see that they are prop
erly enforced. Looking wholly to the good
of the people, and seeking my reward in the
justification of my conduct. I am prepared
to unite with you, in the most cordial man
ner, for the adoption of such measures as
shall restore order, promote peace and good
will, bring confidence out of mistrust, add
to the general prosperity, and secure life and
property to the inmates of every hamlet in
the Territory.


Kansas has long enough been the scape-
goat of political parties and political dema-
gogues outside the Territory. She has q
character of her own to make-she has in
terests of her own to subserve-she has
rights to WELD through her own intelligence,
and on her own responsibility, without gra-
tuities by way of advice from those who
have enough to do, if they would look after
their own affairs. Thousands are looking
to these broad prairies, rich beyond estimate
in their agricultural abilities, with climate
healthful and invigorating, for homes for
themselves and their children. Millions of
capital is ready to be invested in our midst,
confident of abundant returns. But with
out quiet and protection all other blessings
will not avail.


I will. IL necessary to the restoration OF
order. and the preservation of our citizens,
bring to YOUR aid all the power placed at
nv discretion by the Executive of the na-
ton, whose sole desire is your peace, well
fare and protection. For its proper use /
will have to render just accountability
Such facts as are in my possession, in rela-
ton to these unfortunate troubles, are at the
service of your body, for your examination;
and may, at an early day. with other ac-
cumuIating testimony, make il the subject
of a special communication.


Its to be hoped that our intercourse may
Be of the most friendly and cordial nature
our differences. those of men contending
for the right-so that in our union We may
find that strength which is secured by man
ly acts and just deeds. That when our
work is done. we can, with full confidence
in the integrity of our purpose, submit it
with freedom to the ordeal of public exam