The Columbia Democrat. [volume] (Bloomsburg, Pa.) 1837-1850, 1840-01-18
FELLOW CITIZENS -

Fellow CITIZENS -
II appears TO me an appropriate occasion
in transmitting to the Legislature my first an
nasl message to contemplate for a few mo-
ments, the peculiar change in the circum-
stances that attend lis present meeting, from
those which attended the meeting of the last
legislature come together in spirit of peace
and smity, TO perform the various impor-
duties con6ded TO them by the people Jar
ring and discordant interests will not, trust,
distract their coureiIs, nor " contested cleo
tons," love of Office, or reluctance 10 yield
submission 10 the will of the majority, dis
turb their harmonius action, and shake for
time the confidence of0uI sister states and
Of the world, in the integrity and stability
Of our republican government itself.
The scenes witnessed ct Harrisburg on
the 4th day Of December, 1888, and for
several ensuing weeks,are too memorable 10
be soon forgotten. During that unfortunate
period for the first tIme in the history Of
this commonwealth, was it deemed necessa-
~, bv those entrusted with the functions Of
the government, to appeal tomiIitary force,
10 protect the civil authorities in the dis
charge of their own duties, against the al
legged inlerposilon of portion of the citi-
gems of this comomwealth, who were present
at the seat GG government,as was their prlvi-
lege, to Witness the cerlmonies OF organil-
ing the legislature. Whatever disorjeIly
occurrences took place i'll The house Of re-
presen,alives and in the senate, on the day
already named, are to be deeply regretted,
but still more is to be regretted, that these
occurrences found it the least cause 70 cre-
ate, or pallalion 10 excuse them Inihe con-
duct Of men, whose stations, whose duty,
and whose oahs all conspircd 10 res train
them from fragrant and wanton violations Of
the law and tIIe constitution, and hostility
20 The restraints of social 0rdes, when even
private citizens openly set at naught the
laws of the land lit is conclusive proof OF
a spirit worse, far worse in lis tendency,
when officers solemnly sworn TO obey aud
execute the laws trample them conlempt-
nousy under foot. In doing so, they seem
10 forget that not only pubic officers, but
even laws and constitution of government
exert their authority over free people, on
ly by virtue OF public opinion. Withdraw
from them this potent support, and they fall
alike poworIess and unhecded.
The public officer will possess the conf
,dence aud enjoy the respect Of The people,
so long as his conduct is coniormabIe 10
,their wishes, their wants and the law; but
he will possess the one and enjoy the other
no longer. The law or the constitution will
remain in force, while it is believed to be
capable of promoting the public happiness
and public good. The moment either ceas-
es to be productive of this result, il is sub
iected 10 the wholesome remedy OF repeal or
modification. The laws Of nature aud the
recognized principle Of our own free gov
, ernmenI point out the justice and the duty
ol this course.
These elementary principles should be
ever present to the mind OF those who are
invested with authority. They would CHI
force the lesson incucaed by all experience
that no officer of the people can depart from
his dutv, and continue TO command their re-
specl and their support. they would adj
monish public (unetOnarles, that Illose who
forget them, those who determine TO resist
the popular will and treat elections as i
they had not taken place, must expect ON
the part Of the people, the keenest dlsap'
probation, and il may be, tbs NEST learessI