, 1856-07-11
Martial Law.

Our readers hardly need be informed
that Martial law was, for reasons which
heretofore have been explained and are
generally understood, declared over the
counties Of Pierce and ThurSton-that it
was enforced by the arrest Of the judge
or that the judge attempted to haze the
executive arrested. These facts are well
known, but it seems that the ball must
still go on. Judge LANDER, KENDALL,
Evans, and the members Of the BAR,
are still inclined to "pitch in to throw
any and every obstacle in the way Of those
who are spending their best energies to
scrrc our now suffering Territory, in the
vain effort to make something Of themselves
to, in short, serve Leschi and the ruth
less savage, rather than suffer their nice
Illegal sense" to be violated.
Last Monday the Governor, together
with nine Others, were arraigned for con-
tempt of court, in having resisted the mar
shal while attempting TO serve writ upon
the person Of the Governor. The nine per-
sous were oil acquitted, and the Governor
fined the enormous sum Of fifty dollars
The dignity of the court is not matter Of
so much Importance after all. Hereafter,
should our country be in danger from a
foc--should prompt and energetic measures
be necessary-if women and children are
being bntchered in our very midst--if ra-
pine and murder be the order Of the day
if traitors are found in our midst, or sym
pathizers with our enemies around and
about us, we would advise the commander
in-chief-for the sake Of public quiet at
home-reputation abroad-imprcssions up
on our enemics-to prevent broilS and dis
turbances-to step forward in advance,
should he deem it necessary to take unusu-
al steps to secure the public saGety--such
as might interfere for a moment with any
of the sacred rights of the legal profession
and pay over his fifty dollars to nppease
the wounded honor of that fraternity.
Judge LANDER presided, KENDALL prose-
cuted, and Judges SrRoNG and MONROE
acted for the defense.
After the termination Of this farce, the
PEOPLE met and gave an opinion, which
will be found fully expressed in the follow
ing report of their proceedings. Comment
we deem unnecessary
At q meeting Of the citizens Of Thurston
county, called Immediately after the rendi-
tion of judgment in the case Of Gov, Ste
vens-charged with contempt Of court,
and tried before chief justice Iiander-the
following proceedings were had:- = t'.
Judge S. S. Ford was elected chairman
and Mr.. George Gallagher secretary.
The object of the meeting was briefly
stated by the chairman, and on motion Of
Judge Monroe committee of three was ap-
pointed to daft resolutions expressing the
sense Of the meeting.
Said committee was appointed by the
chair and consisted Of Messrs. Victor Mon.
roe, George Gallagher and Jas. X. Hurd
The committee then retired and after a
short absence the following resolutions were
presented, read and unanimously adopted:
BE 1t Resolred, That it was the most i'm.
perative duty Of Gov. Stevens to arrest
Smith, Wren and Mcleod, residents in
Pierce comfy, who were suspected of trea.
sonable conduct, in aiding and abetting the
l.. Of ko.A.lo ..f 4 4
overun the district Of country known as
the Nisqually plains.
Rssoired, That it is our opinion as citi-
zens of this territory, that had the govern.
or failed to arrest these men, and after
their arrest to prevent them from returning
to their claims, to renew their unlawful in
tercourse with the Indians, he would have
betrayed the trust reposed in him by the
government Of the United States, and fur.