The Evansville daily journal. [volume] (Evansville, Ia. [i.e. Ind.]) 1848-1862, 1855-12-28

We find the following communication from
Judge Niblack, in the Vincennes Gazette OF
last Tuesday, in reply to few interrogatories
published in that paper, founded upon the
statement of communication from citizens
of Mt. Pleasant Ind, similar to letter already
published in the Journal Contrary to the
express intimation of several Old Line editors
Judge N has not thought this subject too
trifing to merit his attention. 1t will be pei
ceived that the Judge denies the main charges
contained in the communication-of having
declared the law unconstitutional, and advised !
the violation of the law, offering to protect
such violators The Judges reply is couateous
and gentlemanly. lie thinks his language has
been misunderstood, not wilfully misrepre-
sented. In the tone of his reply there is a
marked contrast to the vulgar and yirulent
comments of certain editors on the same
charges. We take pleasure in publishing
Judge Niblack's communication. Our columns
are open to Mt. Pleasant also:
In the Daily Gazette, of the 10th inst,
find amongst other things, the following:
| Qucries.-Did Judge Niblack, on the Oath
DAY OF NOFcnDeT laSI, uTlIlh anu pay
at Drums Grocery, On the Ohio and MssiS-
sippi Railroad, two miles North Of Mt Pleas
ant? Did he tell Drum that the Prohibitory
Law was unconstitutional-to set out his liquor
and he (the judge would Stand between
him and all danger?
Taking it for granted that the object in call
ing attention to the matter was, to afford me
an opportunity Of placing myself right in the
premises,I will, with your permission, make
a brief explanation. On my return from the
circuit near the close of November was
Especially Intercepted by some citizens Of
Martin county, at place near Mt. Pleasant
called LowGootee, In the presence of liquor
vendor, in relation to the constitutionality Of
the present Prohibitory Liquor Law. In re-
, ply, | expressly declined, as have always SO
far done, giving any opinion ofmy own on
the subject, but stated what | understood to be
the condition of the question, and nothing
more did not, if my memory is not greatly
at fault, exchange single word with the veE-
der himself on thu subject. | understand on
inquiry that after left some of the friends of
the traffic, with view of seeking an endorse
ment, and ofgiving conf lence in the propriety
: and legality Of the thing, gave out that had
: said the law GcaS unconstitutional, and to go
ahead, as there was no danger, &c. In this
shape the matter first obtained currency in
the immediate neighborhood, and it went Oh
: increasing in magnitude, until | saw it in a
S still more exaggerated form in the Gazette, as
well as elsewhere. The original intention was
not to misrepresent me, | feel satisfied, but to
use my name for the purposes indicated The
! effect of the thing has been, however, whether
intentional or not gross injustice to me.
have never said, upon any occasion, that the
law in question tUds unconstitutional nor have
| ever said anything that could be properly Sc
e interpreted. If | have ever been so under
3 Stood the fault was not mine, but in those
who listened. Much less have ever said that
, | would stand between any one and all danger
who might violate the law by selling in defiance
s of it. The expressions attributed to me would
n be in exceeding bad taste, considering my pres
h. ent position, and are such as | have never
: used upon any occasion whatever / have
. never intended to place the law in question OF
It defiance at any time l have always. so far
e advised acquiescence in its provision.
: have often been, as many persons must know
appealed to by writs of habeas corpus and other
= wise, to interpose officially against its execu
J. ton, but have uniformly declined, thus far, tC
i do SO, leaving the whole question to the Su
v preme Court, where it properly belongs al
!, present My position is, SO far unchanged =
: No one need violate any of its provisions ex
lpectiug any guarantee or assurance of protec
> ton from me. This much of explanation
r. have deemed due to myself as we'll as the pub
P, lie, that my position as public officer nigh
e not be misunderstood. l hope have sale
e enough to satisfy any reasonable mind upor
that point. 1t is extremely annoying to any
10 one occupying any public position, to have
er words and opinions attributed to him which h,
st never expressed, but it is more especially 81
= when they are perverted and used for baC
purpose; and hope | may never again fee
III called upon to contradict expressions SO wide
of truth. Truly yours,
VIM E. NIBLACK.
: M PLEASANT, Dec. 2lst, 1855.
Il Tn Town - uor robrr poh;,..n