Democrat and sentinel. [volume] (Ebensburg, Pa.) 1853-1866, 1863-08-26
The Draft In New York.
GOVERNOR SEYMOUR'S PRO
CLAMATION.
EXECUTIVE CHAMBER,
August IS. 1868,

| have received information that the
Draft is about to be made in the cities of
New York and Brooklyn; and under
stand that there is danger of disorderly
and riotous attacks upon those who are
engaged in executing the law of Congress.
cannot believe that any considerable
number of citizens are disposed to renew
the shameful and sad scenes of the past
month, in which the lives of so many: as
we'll of the innocent as of the guilty, were
destroyed. Our courts are now consigning
to severe punishment many of those who
were then guilty of acts destructive of the
lives and property of their fellow citizens
These events should teach all that real or
imaginary wrongs cannot be corrected by
unlawful violence. The liberties of our
country and the rights of our citizens can
only be preserved by just regard for
legal obligations and an acquiescence in
the decision of judicial tribunals.
While l believe it would have been a
wise and humane policy TO have procured
a judicial decision with regard to the con-
stitutionality of the Conscription act at
an early day and by summary process,
yet the failure to do this in no degree
justifies any violent opposition TO an act
of Congress. Unit! it is set aside by the
decision of judicial tribunals, it must be
obcycd like any other act of the State or
National Legislature
The following rule of duty IN this re-
spect was laid down in the Farewell Ad-
dress of Andrew jackson. This view
hnc oil, I,aa, L. l.
of our Union, and the upholders of our
Constitution:
" Unconstitutional or oppressive laws
may no doubt be passed by Congress,
either from erroneous views or the want
OF due consideration. If they are in reach
of judicial authority, the remedy is easy
and peaceful and if, from the character
of the law, 1t is an abuse of power not
within the control of the Judiciary, then
free discussion and calm appeals to reason
and to the justice of the people will not
fail to redress the wrong. But until the
law shall be declared void by the courts,
OF repealed BY Congress, no individual, or
combination Of individuals, can be Iusti-
fled in assisting its execution
The antagonistic doctrine that men
may rightfully resist laws opposed to their
own ideas of right or duty has not only
led to great disorders and violence, but is
one OF the chief causes of the destructive
civil war which has wasted the blood and
treasure of our people. Disregard for
the sacredness of the Constitution. for the
majesty of the law, and for the decisions
of the Judiciary, is at this time the great
est danger which threatens American
liberty. Tllis spirit Of disloyalty must be
put down 1t Is inconsistent with social
order and social security, destructive to
| the safety of persons and property. and
subversive of the liberty of the citizen and
the freedom Of the nation
Those who fear that there are designs
in any quarter to overthrow the rights OF
the citizen, or to obstTuct the accustomed
administration of our laws, or to usurp
any power in violation of constitutional
restraints, should bear in mind that all
violence. all public disorders pave the way
/ tor these very usurpatIons, and that they
viii be regarded with satisfaction bv those
who, for any cause, may wish to dcstr59
either the power or rights of our National
or State Governments.
The Constitution and statutes of the
State and nation contain ample remedies
for all wrongs which may be committed
either by rulers and citizens and those
who wish to preserve their rights or TO
punish offenders, whether in public or in
private life, should themselves carefully
perform their duty, abstain from all iEle-
gal acts, generously support the Govern
ment, and then calmly and resolutelv
claim their rights. l again repeat the
warning which | gave to you during the
riotous proceeding of the past month, that
" the only opposition to the conscription
which can be allowed is an appeal to the
courts.
I" The right of every citizen to make
such an appeal will be maintained, and
the decision of the courts must be re-
spected and obeyed by the rulers and peo-
pie alike. No other course is consistent
with the maintenance of the laws, the
peace and order of the city, and safety of
its inhabitants.
g Riotous proceedings must, and will
be put down. The laws of the State of
New York must be enforced, its peace
and order maintained, and the lives and
property of all citizens protected at any
and every hazard. The rights of every
citizen will be properly guarded and de-
Tended by the chief magistrate of the
State.
hereby admonish all judicial and ex-
ecutive officers, whose duty it is to enforce
the law and preserve public order, that
they take vigorous and effective measures
to put down any riotous or unlawful as
semblages; and if they find their power
insufficient for that purpose, to cali upon
the military in the manner pointed out by
by the statutes of the State If these
measures should prove insufficient, / shall