Delaware patriot & American watchman. [volume] (Wilmington, Del.) 1828-1828, 1828-02-22

as the declaration or ." martial law and grew out
OF the necessity of the case, and furnishes one
proof among others, that the situation Of New
Orleans, from the division of sentiment among the
inhabitants, and the great clashing of interests and
opinions, rendered it impossible to save the city by
the ordinary mode Of warfare, with the small fierce
sent to its defence. 1t is miraculous that even the
nest decisive measures and the greatest courage
and bravery, and the best possible disposition Of
the force, should have achieved it.
But in addition to the bold and coinmendablc
course OF the Governor the Legislature, hoping to
lind some relief III the measure. passed lat
closing the courts Of Justice for four months Ii
the necessity of the case did not warrant such
step as this, what measure could more directly
tend to subyest the cigI rights ot the people
by it the writ Of habsns corpus was suspended :
every avenue TO justice barred up; every civil
right, for the time, laid waste. Even Judge Hall
himself. whom these fragments Of factions, have
so loudly applauded, and fer whom 50 much com
misseration has been demanded Of the public
(" HIMSELF discharged. without bail or tecngni
I" Zancc, persons committed and indicted for cap
.. ital offences agans! the United States, concur
81 ring with the ether departments Of power, in
" their conviction Of the legal necessity Of super
" cedng the less essential and elementary prcvi-
" sons If law, by the greet tar Of self defence"
But this is no: all the &c is lature proceeded
further, and "passed an act lay ing an smbarg0.'
What name would be given to such measure.
under ordinary circumstances What9 The
Legislature of state lay an enbargo!! This,
indeed, is high handed proceeding, and subvcr-
sion Of civil rights. But who is there who dues
not justify it e.r rel necessit1rfe.
These decisive measures had all been adopted
before Gen. Jackson arrived, he could Of course
have had no influence over them. But they were
not sufficient, the advocates Of royalty still con.
tnued their Vaccinations, and plainly evinced their
hatred OF the republican institutions Of the country.
and their willingness at least. if not determine
ton, to deliver up the city to the invading foe.
whom. now tbej viewed with feelings Of regard.
for having called The Bourbon from exile, and placed
him upon the throne of France. Ii was after these
measures had been proved to be uuavailing, and in
that state Of alarm aud anxiety which pervaded The
ranks Of those who were firmly attached to the
country and its government, and which had driven
them almost TO despair, that Jackson and his Spar
tan band ARRIVED. Prepared for q state of fever
ish disguietude among the people, BY Gov Clair
bones letters, he looked for discomfort, arising
from fear, and for some who were treachcrohsly
disposed. he was not fully prepared for the
actual state of things. Treason reared her head
boldly up, the Halls of legislation infected
and the people pallid with fear. Not a moment is
to be lost The authorities of the place have done
all that they can do. Every eye is fixed upon
jackson. All around him is confusion. and dis
content, and tumult. lie alone, amid the multi
tude, is unmoved and composed Is this time to
study the forms Of iar !; this period to talk of
etiquette and rule: when the conqucrers of Napo-
leon approach, bearing high their proud aurels. aud
flushed with victory, from the plains Waterloo !?
No it is the time to act. The mighty mind Of
Jackson, Intrepid and dcberatye, quick in per-
ception, conceivcs The idea, and decisive in exc
cution, proclams. martial iar. With the rapid
ty Of an electric shock the scene is changed. The
faithful are confirmed and fear no longer. The
traitors lips are sealed and his arm unnerved
The battle Genes on, is Taught, and is won.
The safety of the people is the supreme law.
1t was anter this law that the authorities Of the
state of Louisiana acted when Punishment, suspen-
sion OF the courts Of justice, and an embargo took
place.
Is there any one who does not accord with these
measures under the extraordinary circumstances
in which they were resorted to 1--WE believe taere
is rot. Instances exist where some Of the admin
istration presses have praised, have lauded these
energetic measures. They did not however meet
the emergency, and it remained for Jackson, by
initiating the example, by acting under the same
law, to add the capstone, in the declaration Of
MARTIAL iar. Why then should he be inundated
for completing what others praised for attempt
inn Is t because his conduct uDon this OCca sion
adds TO long lie of conspicuous GIRL services,
value: and displays qualifications that fit him. in
superior degree to almost any ether man for the
prcs;lnncu liz In Shnmnd h;,nSnlE canticns