The daily Gate City. [volume] (Keokuk, Iowa) 1855-1916, 1862-01-29
ssR ons - transportation
ana Trayel.v e.


and Travel.D -
| EDITOR GATE CRY: AS there is no
paper published in this city except your
own, and as the subject upon which l
propose to write interests every citizen
alike, ask the favor Of its publication in
the Gate.
It was with no little astonishment
read in the Gate City Of yesterday mott.
6cation signed John Stannus, Surveyor of
the Port of Keokuk, warning all persons
going west or westwardly from the Mis-
sippi river not to leave the city Of Keo-
kuk without first having their baggage
inspected and sealed by said officer, un-
der the direction of the Treasury Depart
ment.
Now, Mr.. Editor, / wish to inquire
whence did the said John Stannus, or his
employers, derive their authority to sub
ject the true and loyal citizens Of this city
and State to the espionage and degradation
such as is proposed in this notification. /
know of no power in this Government
except such as is derived from the Con-
stitution and the laws enactedin pursuance
thereof, except indeed it be military law,
which it is sometimes necessary to resort
to in times Of great public danger, and
when that danger to the public is so press
ing and imminent that to waitfor the slow
action of the civil law might put in en-
tremc peril the lives and property of the
citizen, which the civil law is designed to
protect, but is unable to accomplish. By
reason of pressing circumstances which
admits of no delay. In such cases, how
ever, martial law must be proclaimed, by
some military commander having the
right to proclaim it and the power to en-
force it through the army under his COM
mand. This power rests on precisely the
same principles which govern in cases Of
blockades of ports. 1t is power un.
known to the civil laws, subversive flor
the time being) both of the Constitution
and all other laws, for the protection of
life, liberty and property. Hence it is
the bounden duty Of every good, true and
loyal citizen to watch we'll its exercise in
oil eases, and to hold to the strietest ac-
countability every one, high or low, who
darcs to touch one Of those sacred rights
guaranteed to the humblest citizen in the
land, by our great charter of liberty (the
Constitution J in the following words:
ARTICLE 4. The right of the people to
be secure in their persons, houses, papers
and effects against unreasonable searches
and seizures shall not be violated, and no
warrant shall issue but upon probable
cause, supported by oath or affirmation,
and particularly describing the place to
be searched and the persons and things
to be seized.
thank God that no occasion has vet
occurred making it necessary to proclaim
martial law in Iowa. 1t is certain that
martial law is not in force here. No one
sooner than myself will more cheerfully
comply with its mandates and it's fetters.
or more urgently advise others to do so,
for the preservation of our beloved coun-
5
try. In the meantime, however, we should
never forget the warning of our beloved
Washington, that the price Of liberty Is
eternal rig'1ance; and in order to preserve
that liberty bequeatbed to us BY our
fathers. We must guard with watchful eyes
every portal through which the tyant may
attempt to enter the sacred citadel.
As martial law has never been pro.
claimed in Iowa, the civil law is in full
force, with all its rights and all its priv.
legcs guaranteed to every citizen through
the Constitutions of the United States and
of this State, and he who dares to invade
them is an enemy to our people and VIC.
lator Of the Constitution. Our people
are VIGOROUSLY loyal to the Federal Gov
eminent. If there are any among US who
are disloyal they are so few they Gun in no
way endanger the public peace. Besides,
the civil courts, both Federal and State,
are open and free to try and punish such,
in the manner prescribed by law. ANY
attempt here to substitute the will Of any
man fig the laws Of the land is barefaced
tyranny, and without the shadow Of an
excuse, and should be sternly withstood
and rebuked BY every good citizen.
/ This offensive mandate Of Mr.. Stannu,
makes no distinction between the citizer