KANSAS. 7 bled, irrespective of party distinctions, influenced by a common necessity, and greatly desirous of promoting the common good, do hereby* call upon and request all bona-fide citizens of Kansas Territory, of whatever politics, views, or predilections, to consult together in their respective election districts, and in mass convention or otherwise, elect three delegates for each representative to which such district is entitled in the House of Representatives of the legislative assembly by proclamation of Governor Reeder, of date the 10th of March, 1855 ; said delegates to assemble in convention at the town of Topeka, on the 19th day of September, 1855, then and there to consider upon all subjects of public interest, and particularly to that having reference to the speedy formation of a constitution, with an intention of an immediate application to be admitted as a State into the Union of the United States of America.” Pursuant to the above notice, meetings were held in nearly every neighborhood in the Territory ; the grievances of the people and the subject of State organization were fully considered, and the feeling in favor of the State organization was almost unanimous. At these meetings delegates were elected to meet in convention, in accordance ■with the above call. On the nineteenth day of September, the convention of the people’s delegates assembled at the town of Topeka, pursuant to the above resolution, and the following was among the proceedings. The report of the business committee was unanimously adopted, as follows : “ Whereas the constitution of the United States guaranties to the people of this republic the right of assembling together in a peaceable manner for the common good, to establish justice, insure domestic tranquillity, provide for a common defence, promote the general welfare, and secure the blessings of liberty to themselves and posterity ; and whereas the citizens of Kansas Territory were prevented from electing members of the legislative assembly in pursuance of a proclamation of Governor Reeder on the thirtieth of March last, by an invading force from a foreign State coming into the Territory and forcing upon the people a legislature of non-residents and others inimical to the people of Kansas, thereby defeating the organic act, in consequence of which the Territorial government became a perfect failure, and the people were left without any legal government, until their patience has become exhausted, and endurance ceases to be a virtue, and they are compelled to resort to the only remedy left, that of forming a government for themselves ; therefore, be it “ Uesolved by the people of Kansas Territory in convention assembled, That an election shall be held in the several election precincts of this Territory on the second Tuesday of October next, under the regulations and restrictions hereinafter imposed, for members of a convention to form a constitution, adopt a bill of rights, and take all needful measures for organizing a State government preparatory to the admission of Kansas as a State. “ Unsolved, That a committee of seven be appointed by the Chair, who shall organize by the appointment of a chairman and secretary; they shall keep a record of their proceedings, and shall have a general
RkJQdWJsaXNoZXIy MTM4ODY=