Vermont watchman and State journal. [volume] (Montpelier, Vt.) 1836-1883, 1851-03-06
iJoltttal.
PRESIDENTS MESSAGE IN RELi-
TION TO TIE B0ST0Y RIOT.

" AsdlNhIpN, L Gu. L. lCDl.
The following message was sent TO the
Senate from the President IN answer to Mr..
Claws resolution Of inquiry relative to the
Boston Riot.
To THE SENATE OF THE L. 81 have
received resolution from the Senate re-
queslng me to lay before that body any III
formation | may possess IN regard to the al
eged recent case Of forcihle resistance 10
the execution of the laws Of the United
States IN the city of Boston, and TO commu-
uirate to the Senate what means | have d
doptel to meet the occurrence, and wheih-
er, 10 my opinion, any additional legsia-
ton is necessary to meet the exgency Of
the case, and more vigorously-to execute
tie existing laws.
The public newspapers contain an ga Ia
VII Of Patrick Riley, Depuiy Marshal for
the District OF Massachusetts, setting forth
tie circumstances Of the Casa copy Of
which affidavit is heFegith communicated
Private aud unofficial communications con-
cur in establishing the mann facts of this
account, but 40 satisfactory official inform
alton has as yet been received, aud IN some
important respects, the accuracy Of the ac-
count has been denied by persons whom it
implicated.
Nothing could be more unexpected ihan
such gross violation of the law, such high
handed contempt of The authority Of the
United States, perpetraled 10y band of
lawless couiederates 10 the city of Boston.
and IN the very temple OF Justice.
I regard this flagIious proceeding as be-
ing surprise, snol unattended by some de-
q. 1 tf
any such act OF violence had been appre-
hended, thousands of the good citizens of
Boston would have presented themselves
promptly aud voluntarily, to prevent it.
But their danger does not seem thoroughly
made known and daily appreciated by those
who were concerned IN the execution utthe
process. In community distinguished for
its love of order aud respect for the laws,
among people whose sentiment is liberty
aud law, aud not liberty without law, or d.
boye the aw,--such an outrage could only
be the result Of sudden violence, unhappiiy
TOO much unprepared to be successfully re-
sisted.
1t would be melancholy indeed, if we
were obliged TO regard this outbreak a.
gainsi the Constitution aud legal authority
OF the government as proceeding from the
general feeling of the people, on the spot
which is proverbially called the cradle of
American liberty.
Such undoubtedly is not the fact. 1t Vi
olates, without question, the general senil-
neut OF the people of Boston, and the vas:
ma joriIy of the whole people OF Massachu-
sctls as much as it violates the law aud de-
6es the authority Of government, aud dis
graces those concerned ia it, their alders
, and abettors.
1t is, nevertheless, my duty to lay before
the Senate, IN answer to rs resolution. some
important facts AID Considerations connect
, ed with the subject
4 resolution of Cong ess, of Sept. l3,
. l7S9, declared that II be recommended u
the Legislatures OF the States 10 pass laws
+ making II expressly the duty of keepers oi
jaiis 70 receive into safe keeping all Prison
} ers committed under authority of the Unit
ed States, until they shall be discharged by
, the due course of the laws thereof under
f the like penalties as in case OF prisoners
committed under authority of sucn States
; respectively. The United States to pay for
r the use aud keeping Of such jalIs, at certain
rates per month, for each prisoner that shall
4 be under their authority, and be committed
: thereto, during the lime that such prisoners
e shall be therein confined, aud also to sup
, port such of the said prisoners as shall bC
r committed for offences.
: A further resolution Of Congress, passed
a March Sd. 1891, provides that, whereas
d Congress did, by resolution ON the 23(
y September, 1883, recommend to the several
$ States to pass laws making 1T expressly the
a duty of keepers of jalls TO receive and sale
IA keep therein all prisoners committed undei
If the authority Of The United States IN orde
= therefore, TO insure the administration
ri Justice, it was resolved by the Senate an'
e House of Representatives OF the unlle'
is States of America, in Congress assembled
Is that ia case any State shall not have com
IS Piled with the same, the Marshal Of the Z