The weekly pioneer and Democrat. [volume] (Saint Paul, Minn. Territory) 1855-1865, 1863-09-11


ton by those who desire to bring it into re-
proach and defeat its execution. T imnute to
your Excellency no such purpose. On the
contrary, assume it to have been altogether
inadvertent But regret it because there is
danger that in thus designating it and denra
eating San armed enforcement" of il. Won nav
be understood to regard it as an obnoxious law
which ought not to be carried into execution
thus throwing the influence of your high posi-.
ZION against the Government in conflict for
its existence 0'
The call which has been made for service is
ior ohe-n1th part OF the arms-bearing popula-
tlon between 20 and 80 years of age, and of the
unmarried between 80 and 49,
Inc lnsurgent authorities at Richmond have
not only called into service heretofore the en-
Tire class between Is and and 50, but are now
extending TO classes more advanced in age
Inc burden which the loyal States are called
on 10 sustain Is not, in proportion to pOpula-
uOn One-tenth part as Onerous as that which
has been assumed by the seeded States. Shall
not we, II necessary, be ready to do as much
for the preservation of our political institutions
as they are doing to overthrow and DESTROY
them-as much for the cause of stable govern
ment as they for the cause of treason and for
the Reorganization of society on this CONT
nent? L say the disorganiZation of society:
Tor no man OF reflection can doubt where Sc.
cession would end if a Southern Confederacy
should be successfully established
cannot doubt that the people of this patri-
otto State, which you justly say has done 50
much for the country during the existing war.
will respond to the call now made upon them.
The alacrity and enthusiasm with which they
have repeatedly rushed to arms for the SUPPORT
OF the government and the defence of the Ma
tonal flag from insult and degradation, have
exalted the character and given new yror to
the moral power of the State. and will inspire
our descendants with magnanimous resolution
for generations to come. This example of fl
deity to all that is honorable and elevated in
public duty, must not be furnished The re-
cent riots in this city, coupled as they were
with the most atroclous and revolving crimes
have cast shadow over it for a moment. Bat
the promptitude with which the majesty the
law was vindlcated, and the fearlessness with
which high Judicial tunctiOnary is prOnOunc-
ing Judgment upon the guilty have done and
are doing much to eiface what under a differ
ent course OF action might have been an indel-
llbe stain upon the reputation of the city. 1t
remains only for the people to yindicate them
selves from reproach in the eyes of the couu-
try and the world by cheerful acquescence in
the law. That it has defects is generally con-
ceded That it will involve cases of personal
hardship is not disputed. War. when waged
for self defence for the maintenance of great
principles, and for the national life. is not ex
empt from the suffering inseparable from all
conflicts which are decided ty the shock of
armies; and it is by our firmness and patriotism
III meeting all the calls of our country upon us
that we achieve the victory and prove our
selves worthy Of it and the cause for which we
toll and suffer.
Whatever defects the act authorizing the en-
rOllment and draft may have, it is the law of
the land, Trained in good faith by the represent
tatives of the people, and it must be presumed
to be consistent with the provisions of the
Constitution until pronounced to be in conflict
with them by competent Judicial tribunals
Those, therefore, who array themselves against
it are obnoxious to far severer cellsure than the
ambitious and misguided men who are striving
to subyert our Government for the latter are
acting by color of sanction under legislatures
and conventions OF the people in the States
they represent. Among US, resistance to the
law by those who claim and Ell JOY the protec-
ton of the Government, has no semblance of
Justification, and becomes the very blacklist
of political crimes, not only because it is revolt
against the constituted authorities of the coun-
try, but because it would be practically striking
blow for treason and arousng to renewed et-
forts and new crimes those who are staggering
to their fall under the resis,less power of our
recent victories.
In conclusion, l renew the expression of my
anxiety to be assured by your EXcelency at the
earliest day practicable, that the military power
of the State will, in case of need, be employed
to enforce tie draft. | desire to receive the
assurance because, under 4 mixed system of
government like ours, it is best tina. resistance
to the law should be put down by the authority
of the State in which it occurs. desire it also
because | shall otherwise deem it my duty to
call on the General Government for Il force,
which shall not only be adequate to insure the
execution Of The law, but which shall enable
ME to carry out such decisive measures as shall
leave their impression upon the mind OF the
country Tor years to come
nave the honor to be.
Very respectfully. yours
JOHN A. DIN
Major-Genera