The New York herald. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1840-1920, 1863-06-02
The vnllandieham Anair.

LETTER OF GOVERNOR PARKER, OF NEW JERSEY.
Freehold. Friday. May %, 1868.
GENTtsMEN-Oncial engagements will not permit me 10
be at Newark tomorrow.
My upon the sub Of arbitrary and Illegal ar
rests have heretofore been fully and cmphatcally
pressed Subsequent evon,s have confirmed and strength
cred them.
The recent arrest Of citizen OF Ohio by military au.
thory, and his trial and sentence by military court,
arbitrary and illegal acts. The whole proceeding
was wrong in priacipe and dangerous in Its tendency.
The question IL whether tho sentiments Expressed
by Mr. Vallsndi2ham In reference TO the aud lis
prosecution were right or wrong or whether by the ex
preston Of those sentiments be became amenabe TO the
law. The great question is whether the tribunal that
arraign him and dispose OF his personal ber
ty was n lawful tribunal having Jurisdiction OF the al.
legged offence or in other words whether in state not
occupied by hostile armies, where martial law does not
exist and whero tho courts In undsturbed operation
citizen not connected with the military or naval service
lawfully be spirited away at night by the strong
arm Of military power sub ected to the summary pro-
ceedngs Of secret military court, and exied from his
hemc
They who differ from the opinions expressed by Mr..
vallandgham, and they who agree with him. equally
interested IN the question II tho right or trial by Jury
h peers open court IN the presence OF his
shall be taken from the citizen and f,r shall DO subst
tuted the par examination u secret court martial
then indeed we will live under military despotism and
our boasted liberty be but namc.
The people have the right to assemble and discuss qucs
tions OF public policy. Without free discussion 70
publican government cannot long exist They who are
In authority ~ the servants OF the people aud should
encourage rather than rcprcs the free expression Of
opinion. Otherwise the government cannot truly
sent the people The language Of Mr. Webster expresses
than any form Of words OF own, and therefore shall
adopt his language"t 10 the ancient and indubitablo
preogave Of this people to canvass public measures and
the merits Of public II In not 10 be drawn into
troversy II Is undoubted the right OF breathing
the walking upon the EARTH Belonging 10 private
life q right, Il belongs 10 public life duty, and Is
the last duty shall abandon This high constitutional
privilege shall defend and exercise at all times"
This Is the crisis Of the nations life Let ons seek TO
bend this question TO mere personal or partisan
ens Candid men Of all parties must condemn the acts
10 which alIuson has been made
This Is the time for the exercise OF lofty patriotism.
II n our duty TO transmit to psterity the free institu
buttons belucathed by fathers while maintaining
the right let US be calm and Let no wrong
drive us from the path Of duty Let US observe every
requirement VI law.
The protests OF the people now being made In every
loyal state should not be mistaken efforts embar
those who administer the government They pro.
coed fr no such motive. The people loyal 10 the
government They have sacrificed much and are pre-
pared make still greater sacrifices Suppress tho
beion and maintain the unity ami integrity o. the gov
crnment They love the Union and will consent Its
dissolution. Thoy are not fault nnders. They make
factious opposition with horc long deferred they still
do not complain in regard 10 matters comparatively i'm.
material but the question now cngrossing tho public
mind " a vital ono lying At the foundation of govern.
ment thcy would be degenerate and unworthy ther
lineage lid they protest. The uniou would be OF little
value n. In restoring IL, we tsc our liberties Yours
respectfully, JOEL PARKER.