The weekly pioneer and Democrat. [volume] (Saint Paul, Minn. Territory) 1855-1865, 1863-06-12
liberty was lawful tribunal, having juris-

dictiOn of the alleged offence; or, in other
words, whether, in State not occupied by
hostile armies, where martial law does not
exist, where the courts are in undisturbed
operation, citizen not connected with the
military or naval service can lawfully be
spirited away at night by the strong arm
of military power. subjected to the sum-
mary proceedings of a secret military
court, and exiled from his home.
They who differ from the opinions ex-
pressed by Mr.. Valandigham, and they
who agree with him, are equally interested
in the question. If the right of trial by a
jury of his peers in open court, in the pres
ence of his accusers, shall be taken from
the citizen, and for it shall be substituted
the er pdg'te examination of secret court
martial, then, indeed, we live under mill
tary despOtism, and our boosted liberty is
but name.
The people have a right to assemble and
discuss questions of public policy. With
out free discussion a Republican govern
ment cannot long exist. They who are in
authority are the servants of the people,
and should encourage rather than repress
the free expression of opinion. Other
wise, the government cannot truly repre-
sent the people. The language of Mr..
Webster expresses my sentiments upon the
right of free discussion better than any
form of words of my own, and I shall
therefore adopt his language: cit is the
ancient and indubitable prerogative of the
people to canvass public measures and the
merits of public men. 1t is not to be
drawn into controversy. 1t is as undoubt-
ed as breathing the air or walking on the
earth. Belonging to private life as right,
it belongs to public life as duty, and it
is the last duty I shall abandon. This
high constitutional privilege 1 shall defend
and exercise at all times.''
This is the crisis of the nations life.
Let no one seek to bend this question to
serve mere personal or partizan ends.
Candid men of all parties must condemn
the acts to which allusion has been made.
This is the time for the exercise of
lofty patriotism. 1t is our duty to trans
NIT to posterity the free institutions be-
queathed by our fathers. While MAN.
tanning the right, let US be calm and dis
passionate. Let no wrong drive us from
the path of duty. Let US observe every
requirement of law.
The protests of the people now being
made in every loyal State, should not be
mistaken for efforts to embarrass those
who administer the government. They
proceed from no such motive. The peo-
pie are loyal to the government. They
have sacrificed much, and are prepared to
make still greater sacrifices to suppress
the rebellion and maintain the unity and
integrity of the government. They love
the Union, and will not consent to its dis
solution. They are not fault-fnders. They
make no factious opposition. With hope
long deferred. they still do not complain
in regard to matters comparatively imma-
terial; but the question now engrossing
the public mind is vital one, lying at the
foundation of government, and they would
be degenerated and unworthy their lin
cage did they not protest. The Union
would be of little value if in restoring it
we lose our liberties.
Yours, respectfully,
JOEL PARKER