Southern pioneer, and Carroll, Choctaw and Tallahatchie Counties advertiser. (Carrollton, Miss.) 1840-1842, 1841-08-21
McNUTT'S LETTER-No. 8.

in relation to the letter of Mr.. McNutt to
to Messrs. Hope Il Co., we did not detail the
facts necessary to show his presumption and
arrogance, because in Mississippi they are
we'll known. AS however the letter will 60
forth to every portion of the Union, and to
Europe, where the absence of correct infor-
nation may give to his declarations degree
of weight, to which they are by no means en-
titled, it is proper that the posture of affairs
should be explained.
The author of the letter in question, was re-
elected to the office of Governor, in the year
1889, after having signed during his first term,
both the original charter of the Union Bank,
and the supplemental bill now complained of
as Unconstitutional He ssasa also uecIareu III
his message to the Legislature in January,
1889, that he had "no constitutional scruples~
on the signing of that bill. With such opin-
ions he was elected. At that period refusal
to pay the bonds was never dreamed Of by
any one, worthy of note, nor was the subject
agitated until last fall almost year after his
election. At the session of January, lS41, he
in his message TO the legislature called their
attention to the subject, and denied the liabil-
ity of the State for the payment OF the bonds.
This portion of his massage was referred to
Committee, who mace long and able report
setting forth all the facts, and concluding with
appropriate resolutions. These resolutions de-
clared, l. That the State wa legally and NOR
ally bound for the payment # the bonds. q
That the State would pay then. 3. That the
insinuation that she would refuse to do SO was
calumny on the justice, honor and dignity
of the State. After full consideration they
were adopted, by large majorites in both hou-
ses, although in the Senate there were ma
iority of the political friends of the Governor.
They were then sent TO him for his approval,
which he refused, and as a matter of course
all action on the subject terminated there
This is the only indication which has yet been
given of the opinions of the people of the state
in regard to their liability for the payment Of
the bonds. So far as this goes it certainly is
decidedly favorable to their payment. Two
of the three branches which constitute oul
government, and are authorized to declare
what is the will of the State, are in favor o
sustaining the faith of the State, and the thirt
is against it. 1t should be remembered alst
!, that the Senators and Representatives wh'
constitute the legislature are generally mucl
better opponents of the popular will than tn
t Executive, from their more intimate associa
ton with the people. Since the adjournment
of the legislature there have been no elections
, nor have there been any other indications Q
what will be the will ofthe majority at the mex
session of the Legislature.
} It will be seen, therefore. that the Gove
/ nor in declaring that the State would nevs
e pay her bonds. has acted not only withol
. authority so to declare. but without havir
1 even rational basis for prophecy that SUI
/ win be the case. His powers derived fro
/. the constitution are exceed ingly limited
Take away from him the veto power, and
r power to pardon, and he is the mere tool
!. the law, bound to do what it prescfibes al
! authorized to do no more. In this case