The first Territorial Governor, Andrew H. Reeder, arrived in October, 1854. After a tour of inspection, he called an election to choose a Territorial delegate to Congress. Although there were probably enough proslavery settlers to carry the election, the Missourians, to make sure, came over in force, and elected their candidate with an overwhelming majority. Another election was called in March to choose members of a Territorial Legislature. The Missourians came again, and although the census had shown but 3000 voters in Kansas there were twice that number of ballots cast. On proof of fraud Governor Reeder threw out the contested returns and free-state men were elected, but when the Legislature met the proslavery majority unseated them and recognized those first elected. Pawnee was chosen by the Governor as the Territorial capital, but after five days the Legislature adjourned to Shawnee Mission. The measures passed were entirely in the interest of slavery. Although Governor Reeder came to Kansas favoring slavery, he did not approve of the methods of the proslavery people. He was removed in July, 1855. He was replaced by Wilson Shannon, who was in full sympathy with slavery interests. Every condition was unfavorable to the free-state people at this time.
Spring, Kansas, chap. IV. Robinson, The Kansas Conflict, chaps, VI, VII. Holloway, History of Kansas, chaps, XII, XIII, XVII. Andreas, History of Kansas, pp. 87-101. Connelley, Kansas Territorial Governors. Historical Collections, vol. V, p. 163; vol. VII, p. 361; vol. VIII, p. 227. Prentis, History of Kansas, pp. 79-87. Hodder, Government of Kansas, pp. 5-13.
2. Who was the first Territorial Governor of Kansas? How long did he serve? What was his attitude toward slavery?
3. What were the conditions in Kansas when the first Governor arrived? How far west did settlements reach at that time?
4. When was the first election held? What was its purpose? Give an account of it.
5. When was the first census taken and what did it show?
6. What was the purpose of the second election? Give an account of it.
7. Why was the “Bogus Legislature” so called? Where did it meet? What did it do?
8. Who were some of the proslavery leaders?
9. Why were these “dark days” for the free-state people?