Santa Fe gazette. [volume] (Santa Fe, N.M.) 1859-1864, 1863-09-26

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should teach ull that real orimagnary wrongs eau
not be corrected by unlawful violence. The libcr.
ties Of our country aad the rights Of our citizens
can only be preserved by q just regard for legal
obligations and an acquiescence in the dicision Of
judicial tribunals.
While believe It would have been wise and
humane policy to have procured Judicial decision
with regard to the constltutionality Of tho cons
criptIOn act, at an early day and by a summary
process, yet the failure to do this in no degree
justfes any violent opposition to an act Of Con.
aress. Until it is Sc, aside by the decision ofu-
dical tribunals, it must be obeyed like any other
act Of the State or National Legislature.
The following rule Of duty in this respect was
laid down in the Farewell Address Of Andrew
jackson This view has always been accepted by
the friends Of our Un.on and the upholderS Of our
Constitution.
"Unconsttutional or oppressive laws may no
doubt be passed by Congress, either from errone-
ous views Or the want Of due consideration. If
they are in reach ofjudical authority, the remedy
10 easy an peaceful; and it, from the character Of
tho law. il is an abuse Of power not within the
control ol 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
Or repealed by Congress no individual or colnbina-
ton OF individuals can b. justified in resisting its
execution"
The antagonistic doctrine that men may right
fully resist laws opposed to their own ideas of
right or duty has not only led to great disorders
aud violence, but is one Of the chief causes of the
destructive civil war which has wasted tho 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 greatest danger which threatens
;. American liberty
This spirit Of diSloyalty must bc put down 1t
is Inconsistent with social order and social securi-
w. destructive tothe safety of persons and pro.
perty, and Subvesive Of The liberty Of the citizen
and the freedom Of the nation Those who fear
that there are designs in any quarert to overthrow
the rights Of the citizen, Or to obstruct the arcus-
toned administration Of oar laws, or to usurp any
power in violation of constitutional restraints
, should bear in mind that all acts OF violence, al
pubc disorders, pave the way for these very usur.
pations, and that they will be regarded with salts
faction by those who, Tor any cause, may wish t
destroy either the power or rights Of our Nationa
Or State Governments.
!, The Constitution and Statutes ofthe State ant
, Nation contain ample remedies for all wrong
= which may beromm ted either by rulers or citi
/, zens, and those who wish to preserve their right
: ar to punish offenders, whether in public or il
= private life, should themselves carefully perform
, their duty abstain from oil illegal acts, generOus
I support the Government, end then calmly ant
!. resolutcly claim their rights.
|" | again repeat the warning which gayeto yo
: daring the riotous proceedings Of the past moAtl
i that "the only opposition to the conscripLio
which can be allowed is an appeal to tho courts
:, The right Of every citizen TO make such an appea
y will be maintained and the decision Of the court
!, must be respected and obeyed by rulers and peo
4 Pile alike. No other course is consistent with th
!, maintenance ol the laws, the peace and order Q
:, tho city, aud the safety Of its inhabitants Riot
- Gus proceedings must and shall be prt down.
-. The laws Of the State Of New York must be en-
" forced, lts pence and order maintained, and th
n lives and property ofal citizens protected at an
" :" and every hazard The rights Of every citize
" will BIZ properly guarded aud defended by III
y Chief Magistrate Of the state"
% %"r | hereby udmouish all Judicial and executive o
" icors, whose duty il is to enforce the law and pre-
4 serve pNblic order, HAT they tuke vigorous an
:" effective measures to put down any riotous or Ut
~ lawful Osscmblages; and il they fnd their powt
" insufficient for that purpose, to call upon the mil
" " tary IN the manner pointed ont by The statues
I. the StHe, II these measures should prove insu
u, u, iceut, shall then exert the full powor of III
;" State in order that the public order may be prt
w ", served and the persons und property Of tho cit
q, zens be fully protected.
e. y H0RATI0 SEYMOUR.