It was during the discussion of this bill that the abrogation of the Missouri Compromise was foreshadowed. The story of the action of Senator Douglas in connection with the slavery question has appeared in every history since the Civil war. It is neither necessary nor proper to dwell at length upon his career in connection with the history of Atchison county. However, it was following a bitter discussion of the slavery question that the bill was passed, creating Kansas a territory. The provisions of the bill, as presented, were known to be in accordance with the wishes and designs of all the Southern members to have been accepted before being presented by President Pierce by a majority of the members of his cabinet, and to have the assured support of a sufficient number of Northern administration Democrats, to insure its passage beyond a doubt. The contest over the measure ended May 27, 1854, by the passage of the bill, which was approved May 30, 1854, by President Pierce. The act organizing Nebraska and Kansas contained thirty-seven sections. The provisions relating to Kansas were embodied in the last eighteen sections, summarized as follow: Section 19 defines the boundaries of the territory; gives it the name of Kansas, and prescribes that when admitted as a State, or States, the said territory, or any portion of the same, shall be received into the Union with or without slavery, as their constitution may prescribe at the time of their admission. Also provides for holding the rights of all Indian tribes inviolable, until such time as they shall be extinguished by treaty. Section 20. The executive power and authority is vested in a governor, appointed by the President, to hold his office for the term of four years, or until his successor is appointed and qualified, unless sooner removed by the President of the United States. Section 21. The secretary of State is appointed and subject to removal by the President of the United States, and to be acting governor with full powers and functions of the governor in case of the absence of the governor from the territory, or a vacancy occurring. Section 22. Legislative power and authority of territory is vested in the governor and a legislative body, consisting of two branches, a council and a house of representatives. Section 23 prescribes qualifications of voters; giving the right to every free white male inhabitant, above the age of 21 years, who shall be an actual resident of the territory, to vote at the first election. Section 24 limits the scope of territorial legislation, and defines the veto power of the governor. Section 25 prescribes the manner of appointing and electing officers, not otherwise provided for. Section 26 precludes members from holding any office created or the emoluments of which are increased during any session of the legislature of which they are a member, and prescribes qualifications for members of the legislative assembly.