Memphis daily appeal. [volume] (Memphis, Tenn.) 1847-1886, 1863-03-27

supposes that al parties arc well Affected
loWsrds the common government aud differ
only as to the mode OF its administration The
is based upon hostility to existing insti-
and aims at their forcible subversion.
The idea that the government is bound 10 wait
the development of a conspiracy until the &C
tors shall have perfected their plans md com
uitted some overt act necessary to bring them
within The technical definition of treason, is, TO
my mind, absurd. The object is not punish
meot. but prevention. That the power is 6a-
BE to asuse, is true oil discretionary powers
necessarily are so. To decide sgaiast its exist
enee because it is capsule of excess, would de-
stfoy all human government. The best mode
TO avoid liability 20 arrest is to be faithful No
man who is truly aud unequivocaly loyal has
ever been in danger Of being molested by the
national government
Still, 1t is possible that arrests may be improp-
erly and unadvisedly made and, while it is my
duty to cooperate with the general government
in the maintenance of its authority, I viii at the
same time, to the extent Of my power, protect
peaceful and loyal citizens, whatever may be
their political sentiments. While, however,
such is my purpose in relation to them, it IS also
ny duty to take care that the State Of Delaware
shall not be made the refuge Of foreign traitors
or domestic conspirators.
That there has been from the beginning of the
rebellion a considerable number of our people
ready to participate in armed resistance to the
lawful authorities, whenever q fair opportunity
should occur, Ihave no doubt. Sympathy with
the Southern States in instruction is sympathy
with the overthrow Of the national government
No man can hear with qualification Of q reverse
10 our arms who is not at heart a traitor.
Ny predecessor, in an official communication,
expressed the opinion that "a majority OF on
| citizens, if not in ali our counties, At least II
the two lower ones, sympsthize with the South
! Without admitting the correctness of his estl
mate Of numbers, I DO not doubt of widespread
dissfsetion. That there has been no outbreaf
here is the result of the want Of opportunity
1t is the duty of the Executive, not only OF tn
lUnited States, but of this State, TO take car
that no opportunity shall be afforded. If to Sc
cure the public peace and to prevent insurrec
ton, it becomes necessary to arrest an indIvld
uai within this State, whether he be q citizen 0
nonresident, 1 viii not only assent to the acl
but viii maintain it.
Invested by the constitution with no poIe
Of veto or review of the action of the Legisla
ture, the governor has q general control owe
the operation Of the criminal enaetnents, an
such control I will exercise to its utmost extent
to protect any person acting under the autno-
/. ity of the President Of the United States, or an
citizen aiding such person, in bringing to hgl
any conspiracy, or in arresting any one gunt
Of disloysl practices or designs, against the GOV
eminent.
= I shall issue my proclamation in contoTmi
with these views, giving to the people OF II
State Of Delaware information of my intende
action. VIM. CANNON.