The Evansville daily journal. [volume] (Evansville, Ia. [i.e. Ind.]) 1848-1862, 1855-06-12
PROCLAMATION.
EXECUTIVE DEPARTMENT. INDIANA:
Indianapolis, June z, 1855.
To the People Of Indiana;

! 10 the People OF Indiana:
! Whereas, it is represented to me, and this
! Department is in actual possession of infor-
nation from public and private sources, that
the outrages alluded to in my proclamation
of the oath of May, are again repeated, unoer
circumstances of deep aggravation, by which
sill more serious damage has been done to
the Wabash and Erie Canal in Clay county;
and whereas, these outrages are confessedIy
the result of a combination of persons known
and denomnated as "Black Boys" or Regu-
lators, whose aim and object is to visit pan
ishment on those who offend them, either in
the execution of public duties or in the pr-
vate intercourse of citizenship; and whereas,
it is manifest that these combinations and
associations are illegal. dangerous and sub
versve of the public peace, and the rightful
protection of person and property within this
State, and whereas, il is represented to me,
by good men living in CLAW, Green, and 9TH
err counties south of the Birch Creek Reser-
voir. that the destruction OF that necessary
feeder of the canal is to them great private
loss, and its violation of great public outrage;
and whereas, from recent inifamatory letters
received from unknown persons at this De-
partment, and elsewhere, there is manifest
intention to intimidate and arrest the course
of public Justice by the debasing agencies OF
midnight assault and the fre-brand of the in
cendary-for remedy whereof it is declared:
That the Wabash and Erie Canal, in Clay
county, is now under the immediate charge
of the State authorizes for the purpose of be-
ing repaired by the Trustees aforesaid, the
officers and agents of the Trustees having
been warned off, at the peril of their lives,
and by an armed band of men concealed by
masks and other DISCUSSES, This protection
= j.. - lryh oaa t,So
they are in the discharge of legal duty in
supplying the canal with water, by means Of
the said Reservoir, but because ever interest
suffers by its destruction. Hundreds OF thou
sands of dollars are now invested in boats,
produce and labor on tina: canal, which is all
liable to be turned worthless on The hands of
the owners BY the criminal and misguided
conduct of the persons engaged in the late
! proceedings at and near the the Reservoir
To enumerate these outrages, and recall the
forbearance manifested under such state of
Iawlessness, the Executive calls them up in
the order in which they have occurred, viz:
l. Destruction OF Birch Creek Reservoir,
June 22d, 1854.
2. Attempt to destroy waste-way of same,
July 6. 1854;
8 Attempt to burn Eel River Dam, Au-
gust, 1854;
A. Destruction of Birch Creek Reservoir,
May 10th, 1856;
s. Warning off men sent to repair the
same, May 3lst, 1855;
g. Partial destruction of Aqueduct over
Birch Creek, May 3lst, 1855;
7. Mobbing, lynching and tearing down
the house of citizen, May oath. 1855;
8. Burning of Shanties, destruction of prop
erty and turning the inmates out of doors,
tho ocorUnir limo Cd 1S6S
The catalogue of outrages is sufficiently
aggravated to call for the most decided and
, energetic measures of correction. For the
character Of our State, our people, our nsti-
, utions. and the peace and prosperity of
society, sincerely hope that these things
will not be re-enacted. The laws must be
enfOrced-our happy institutions must be
preserved-publicp property must be protect
ed and the private citizen secured in The en-
; joyment of his rights. II injuries are inflicted
: If the rights of the citizen are impaired or
taken away by the establishment If these or
similar works, the Courts of the country are
at hand ready to apply the remedy. Icannot
doubt but that that portion of our citizens
who are now led away by passion and strange
s decisions, and are ready 10 strike down the
f law and its ministers, come to reflect upon
their conduct and the consequences which
must eHSues lney VIII Cedse 10 uiSluTU Tue
peace and harmony of the country:
e The work recently DESTROYED is now being
t repaired under the protection of a force
o ordered by this Department; and therefore
call upon all good citizens in Clay county
! and elsewhere, and all officers holding any
Il relation to the Government, to aid in secur-
e ing the public peace, the security of the
public property, and in bringing to punish
ment the persons who have so recently, set
at defiance the authority of the laws and the
rights of the citizen. This Department
: vested by the Constitution with the power to
see that the Laws are executed, to suppress
instruction, is firmly resolved TO bring the
- whole military force of the State, if neces-
J sary, to put down these lawless proceedings
: and to secure the quiet reign of the Laws.
1t is far Ibetter that millions should be ex.
pended, and even lives sacrificed, than that q
lawless band Of men or private individuals
e. should usurp the authority of Law, and rule a
= day or an hour in madness in our happy
State.
h In TESTIMONY WHEREOF, I have hereunto
: set my hand and ca used to be affixed the
~Sea of State, at the CITY of India
[sEAL, ]napolis, this 7th day of June, A. D.,
~-N~~IS55.
JOSEPH A. WRIGHT.
, By the Governor:
:, ERASMUS B. COLLINS,
: Secretary OF State.
! EXECUTIVE DEPARTMENT. IrDrANA