The Texas Republican. [volume] (Marshall, Tex.) 1849-1869, 1850-07-13
The Indictments .

The Unied States VS.. the STATE " Mississippi
The Indictment OF the Governor and one of
the Supreme Judges of the State of MIssissip-
p for an alleged violation Of the laws of the
United States, is an event which vr.y naturally
excite. deep sensation in this community.
As all the proceedings before the Grand Jury
are secret, We are left IN ignorance Of the
grounds upon which these indictments rest
We feel satisfied however, from the character
Of the gentlemen involved, that nothing has
been elected which would indicate want Of
proper rcspcc, for the laws and dignity OF the
United States on their part. or infllct STAN
upon their fame ns citizens and patriots, Their
crime Is one. of which all the noble and patriot
lc hearts of the country have been virtually
guilty: the crime Of responding, with sympathy
and encouragement, TO the supPlieauons OF an
oppressed people, for aid against oppression
for relief from a CALLING tyranny which rises
like dark cloud, within sight OF our own Tree
shores Such men as John a Qui'man and
Pinckney Smith, men who have ever been IN
all their transactions sans peur sans rfprochf,
could not be deferred by ordinary difficulties or
obstacles from extending to such cause their
cordial good wishes and arden, prayers, logeth-
er with such aid AS was compatible with thelr
sense of duty to their country and the laws
We doub, not. too, that it will be shown, at a
proper time, whenever the Government can be
persuaded to bring ON these trials, that IN all
their acts they have no, rendered themselves
am~nsbl~ TO any constitutional or lawful act oi
Congress.
Wills, We are ready, as good citizens TO sus-
tain the Federal Government in all legal pro-
ccedings against individuals how eminent So
ever in position, office. and talents. whilst be-
fore the law the Governor and the Supreme
Judge Of u sovereign State stand on common
level with all other ciizcus--we also MAINTAIN
that the officer. of the Federal Government are
equally liable Tor violations Of the laws OF
State, committed within It's jurisdiction, as well
A. for violations OF the Federal laws. u, there
fore the Government dc.ires to raise an issue
with Gov Qci,msn and Judge Smith, under the
act Of 1918, We trust that the state of Missis.
sippi will see that the violations OF It's sove-
reignty perpctra,rd last September in the block
AIDE Of portion Of the state, and in the inter
ruption Of the rights of persons under the pro-
tcction Of her laws, will be inquired into, and
the parties aiding and directing such unlawful
proceedings, be held to a stric, accountability.
The facts Of this case are simply these
number Of persons were living on An island
within three miles Of the msinlAnd-wiih,n the
limits and the jurisdiction OF the state OF Mis-
s.saippi. These persons were engaged IN no
unlawful purpose. II they we're suspected and
charged with such purpose, !. was the duty OF
the Government to proceed against them ny the
usual Judicial process. but the Government
did not proceed thus. 1t sent 3 naval force 10
block sdc this portion Of Mississppi-to i'm
praon and stArye these persons out OF the state
ordering them away, and forb'dding all per-
20 H.. th.tp as fhaY ~ a.