And no people ever preserved their liberties—and, it is not presumptive to assert, never will-where these salutary influences do not exist. "Freedom is the twin sister of Virtue; where she dwells, there Freedom dwells, rules where she rules, expires where she expires." Eleven and one-half years have passed since the Territorial organization of Kansas. The contest between slavery and freedom commenced here, and it was almost impossible, in the early history of the Territory, for any one to live in it in personal security who loved freedom more than slavery. Those who inaugurated the late rebellion were the principal leaders in organizing and sustaining a party in Kansas which manifested the same spirit in its early history that actuated their imperious masters during the four years of the war. Those who so fondly loved treason as to leave this State, to cast their fortunes with those seeking to destroy the government, should never more. in my judgment, be permitted to exercise the rights, privileges and immunities of loyal citizens of Kansas. The great majority of the people of Kansas, from its earliest history, have been true to the principles of freedom, and during the recent struggle of the Federal Government for national existence, no State more promptly responded to its every call for troops to defend its flag and maintain its honor. And our soldiers have won a reputation and fame imperishable as history itself. The year 1866 is the first which brings with it no fearful apprehensions of invasion from other States or of desolation. and ruin, as threatened for the last four years. This year brings with it peace and universal freedom to our citizens. No Federal bayonets now, as in 1856, threaten (by order of the then Secretary of War, now incarcerated in Fortress Monroe) to disperse our Legislative Assembly Those days of trial have passed; freedom has triumphed; Kansas is free, and now offers the immigrant a home unsurpassed in richness, beauty and fertility. It is now for us to cultivate this magnificent garden, and make it blossom and bloom with beauty, and bear in rich exuberance the fruits of peace and plenty. Finance. I herewith transmit the reports of the Auditor and Treasurer of State, containing a detailed statement of the financial condition of the State. Total liabilities and resources of the State, for the year ending November 30th, 1865: Amount of 7 per cent. bonds, 6 per cent. funding. 7 per cent. military, 6 per cent. bonds, refunding taxes, $204,000.00 54,400.00 93,000.00 39,675 00 50.000.00 59,455.92 State warrants outstanding, Territorial warrants, 10.962.11 |