Glasgow weekly times. (Glasgow, Mo.) 1848-1861, 1861-07-04
What Shall Be Done?

IL cannotb be disguised that the revolt.
defeat, and presumed Aight Of Gov. Jackson
throws the Stale Government Uf Missouri
into dsrangsd condition that demands the
promptness and most care ul attention. -
As yet the arrangement Is only technical
and, but il allowed 10 continue, the most
serious practical entanglemeuis and embar-
easements may ensue. Assuming that Gov.
Jackssns is now, or shortly will be, in full
fight from the State TO some place Of safety
and his next successor, Lieut.. Gov. Reyn-
olds, has become so deeply IMPLICATED in
plotting as TO render his return to the State
improbable, if not impossible-the next Of
fieer upon whom the executive functions
devolve, is the Speaker Of the House OF
Representatives,. In the absence OF the
Governor and the Lieut.. Governor, it is
the duty of this officer TO enter on the du-
ties Of the Executive and order special
election for Governor, first giving three
months notice thereof. The moment,
therefore, the speaker Of The House shall
become satisfied that Gov. Jackson and
Lieut.. Gov. Reynolds have abandoned the
ateSand are not likely to return in time
to prevent detrinen, TO the interests Of the
com noaweallh, it will be his constitutional
duly 10 go to Jefferson City, assume the
gubcrnstorial Office. and faithfully discharge
them until his successor be elected. Blu,
here another diiHoulty arises. The Speaker
Of the House, Mr.. MoAffee, is an ardent
supporter Of the Governor and his policy.
II is even said that he has been co-opera-
ting with him in his late military move
ments on. tn. Missouri river; and if this
be the case, he would not. perhaps, be will
ling to venture 10 the State Capitol to claim
his authority.
In this situation of affairs, the duty of
rescuing us from threatened chaos and
grave legal endorsements will devolvs
upon the State Conveniion-tbe embodi
ment of The sovereignty of The People, and,
as such. clothed with The power to meet the
extraordinary condition we find ourselves
in. II would not do for The Federal Gov
eminent through its military authorities 10
take charge OF the executive department Of
the State until Congress could make perma-
nent provision for the case, for upon care
full reflection this would no, be the wisest
course even if It was legal-of which there
are serious doubts. A military rule, even
though temporary, would produce irrlta-
ton and anlmosi,y, and might even provoke
resistance to good measures; and The inter
venlion of Congress IN our State affairs,
would be an intermeddling which that body
itself would gladly avoid. II would, be-
sides, be the assumption of an imperial au.
tioriiy for which there is no warrant 10 the
Constitution. The whole subject then,
should be referred 10 The State Conven.
tion-a body whose loyalty 10 the Union
and the Constitution has been Significantly
and satisfactorily demonstraled-snd, at the
same time, body Of Missouri statesmen
whose devotion to tho honor and interests
Of the State is unqusstioned. II, therefor
the contingency suggested above-tb
sence Of the Governor, Lieut.. Cove;
Speaker Of the House-shsll arir
he not only the right, but The bouj
Of the Convention 10 assemble
assume control of the State Go
therby appointing Govsrnos
ing a special election for one.
all technical smbarrassmentss
ed, and all apprehended de-
governmental machinery
that, too, without usY
provoke Resistance oY
Linneus Press.
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