Indiana State sentinel. (Indianapolis, Ind.) 1861-1865, 1863-06-15

the United States. and the people of Indiana. In
the administration of the law and the perform
ance of official duties l recognize no parties.
All who obey the laws. keep the peace, and dis
charge their duties as citizens, are alike entitled
TO and will receive protection in person and pro-
perry. The alarm which some are attempting to
create, of the improper interference of the mill
tary authorities. may be dismissed as without
foundation.
The right Of the people peacably to assemble
and petition for n redress of grievances, and
speak aud publish their opinions touching the
policy OF the Government. or the conduct of the
war. must be respected, and the enjoyment OF it
protected But there is a wide difference between
the legitimate exercise of this right and that un-
bounded license OF speech which seeks by the
assertion of the most atrocious falsehoods to ex-
asperate the people to madness and drive them
into a position Of neutrality between their Gov
eminent and the Rebels, if not into the very arms
Of the rebellion; combine them in dangerous So
cielies. provoke them TO resist the laws, and thus
contribute directly TO weaken our own Govern
ment and strengthen the cause of the enemy.
The criticism of one who is friendly to the
Government, and who is anxious that il shall
succeed and be preserved, and who points out its
errors in order that they may be corrected, is
wholly different from that denunciation which
seeks to bring the Government into contempt,
and render il Odious to the people, thereby with
drawing from il its life when struggling in battle
with n powerful enemy. The one can never be
mistaken for the other. It must be horne in mind
that the exercise of the plainest rights and privi-
leges may be greatly modified by surrounding
circumstances-that what NAV be proper. or limo
cent and harmless at one time, may be dangerous
and criminal at another.
To advocate the right of secession and rebel-
lion. or the dissolution of our Government. might
be harmless enough in time of profound peace;
but when the country is engaged in a desperate
evil war. which is consuming the best blood and
treasure of the Nation, and the misfortune of
arms might within a few days bring the enemy
upon the soil of our State; will it be contended
that the privilege Of free speech gives the right
to advocate the rebellion. resistance to our own
enemies? That which is idle talk in time of
peace may become laid and comfort to the en-
envy" and punishable BY the laws of the land
when that enemy is at our doors.
Let me exhort the people to moderation and
submission to the laws, and laying aside their re
sentiments and prejudices, to take counsel only OF
their duties and the dangers which threaten the
Nation; and while | assure them that protection
shall be extended 10 life. liberty and property,
and that equal and exact justice shall he admin
isiered to all, / would impress them with the fact
that. If needs be, the whole power of the State
and Nation will be invoked to execute the laws,
preserve the public peace, and bring offenders to
punishment.
Given under my hand, at the city of In
IL. s dianaDolis, Indiana, this l1th day of June.
A. D. 1868
EXECUTIVE DEPARTMENT.
o. P. MORTON,
Governor of Indiana.