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Edward L. Pierce, Memoir and letters of Charles Sumner: volume 3, Chapter 40: outrages in Kansas.—speech on Kansas.—the Brooks assault.—1855-1856. (search)
done in their anomalous position of contending with a usurpation which had a certain legal sanction, they initiated proceedings for the formation of a State government, following substantially the methods which had been pursued in Michigan and California. In October they chose Reeder a delegate to Congress, and elected delegates to a constitutional convention; and the constitution framed by that body the same month, at Topeka, was approved by a popular vote in December. The next month (January, 1856) the first election was held for State officers and members of the legislature. The legislature met in March, elected senators, and applied to Congress for admission as a State. Only Free State men, though all legal voters were invited, took part in these proceedings, which were altogether provisional, and awaited the confirming action of Congress to give them vitality and force. As no executive act was attempted, they involved no resistance to legitimate authority. Meantime, while