The weekly Minnesotian. [volume] (Saint Paul, Minn. Territory) 1852-1858, 1856-04-19
Gov. Bashford Installed.

l
Coles Bashford was installed Governor O
Wisconsin on the 25th ult., in accordance
with the judgment of the Supreme Court
The Madison journal describes the scene for
cibly.- 1t says, no bristling bayonets, o.
yawning cannon hedged round the entranc.
of the Court Room, to deter approach, ane
overawe the execution of the law. On the
contrary, the people were gathered there
unarmed, but strong in their reverence foI
justice; peaceful, but determined that their
rights should no longer be trampled upon
At IL o'clock Mr.. Bashford, accompanied by
his counsel, repaired to the Capitol to take
possession of his office. The rotunda, the
stairway, and the steps were thronged with
people, who sent up prolonged and deafen-
ing shouts of applause. Barstow having re-
signed, Lieut.. Gov. Macarthur claimed the
office. On the appearance Of Gov. Bashford
Mr.. Macarthur announced his pretensions,
and inquired if Gov. Bashford would attempt
to put him out by force, if he would not go
otherwise. The latter replied courteously
but firmly, that "while it would afford him
pleasure to see Mr.. Macarthur there as one
of the citizens of the State, or as an officer
of the State, he was the only Governor; that
the people had invested him with certain
rights which he intended to exercise, with
out the employment of force if possible, but
with force if necessary" Mr.. Macarthur
said, this was virtually ejecting him by force
and so constituting it, he retired, protesting
against Bashford's right; whercupon, prece-
ded by his private Secretary, he withdrew.
So ended the matter of the fraudulent at
tempt to usurp the Office Of Governor of
Wisconsin.
GOV. Bnshford's Message.
EXECUTIVE DEPARTMENT, }
Madison, March 25. !
To the Senate and assembly:
1t has become my duty to inform you that
have in obedience to the will of the people,
assumed the duties and responsibilities Of
the Office OF Governor of this State.
Chosen to this Office by the majority of
the popular vote at the general election in
November last, nevertheless found it pre-
by the late incumbent, who refused
to surrender it, or recognize my right to it,
Believing that l had been duly elected,
that proper investigation would show that
I was entitled to enter upon the discharge
Of the Cuties of the Office, and not wishing
sion thereof, / appealed to the laws to sus-
,.srI,f &c ,,a,1k Al.
electors who had conferred this trust upon
me.
The Judgment of the highest judicial tribu-
nal of the State-the highest evidence of tt
tie known to the law--has now ascertained
my title and restored me the Office from
which have been wrongfully excluded.
Recognizing in the peaceful issue of the
recent contest, most gratifying testimony
to the supremacy of the law over preferences
and prejudices Of political nature, cannot
forbear to congratulate the representatives Of
tn people, whose sovereign will has been f.
nllly vindicated d in the forms of their own
al po.ntment, On the result, and am happy
to know that many among the best citizens
of the State, politically opposed to my cleo
tion, did nevertheless most promptly recog-
nize the fact of my election, and have, in
faithful adherence to the right, insisted upon
its recognition.
Your session is already far advanced, and
am SO little informed respecting the State
of the business before you, that I will only
recommend thorough examination of the
alleged frauds at the late election, in order
to determine as far as possible, in what man
ner and by whom those frauds were commit
ted, to the end that proper safeguards may
be provided against similar occurrences in the
future.
1t will be my aim to administer the Exec
utive Department of the Government forthe
popular good alone, guided by the constitu-
tion and laws, and shall be found at all
times and in all constitutional ways, ready
to cooperate with you.
herewith transmit to you an autbentica-
ted copy of the judgment of the Supreme
Court of this State, determining my right to
said Office.
send this communication to you by B. F.
Hopkins, Esq, whom I have appointed my
Private Secretary.
COLES BASHFORD.