Indiana State sentinel. (Indianapolis, Ind.) 1861-1865, 1863-05-13
Who Properly CONSTITUTES the Rights
of American CifizenNl


Mr. Justice DAVIS. in his recent charge TO the
Grand Jury of the United States Cours for this
District, gives expression to the following senti-
ments. which are worthy Of a true patriot and an
eminent jurist:
Laws will be canvassed-the necessity tor
them and the right TO make them-but until they
are declared invalid by competent judicial au-
thority, every good citizen andlover of his coun-
try is under the highest obligation to obey them,
and to do whatever he can to give them force and
vitality"
Again:
ave seek to establish the supremacy of the
Government and to compel the unqualified sub
mission Of the Rebels to the laws. How can we
ask them to submit. if we do not ourselves render
n willing obediencef We may, aud will differ in
any great war. on the right manner of conduct
ing it, aud the wisdom of the policy pursued i" &c
Those sentiments emanate from a Judge of the
highest judicial tribunal in the land and from one
who is the appointee of Mr.. LINCOLN. A short
time ago Major General BURNSIDE, in a speech
delivered in this city, remarked with great EN-.
phasis that, The military were subordinate to the
civil authority remark which gave expression
to both the theory and spirit of our free institu
tons and popular form of Government.
On the 5th inst. Brigadier General MTLo s.
HAscALL, Mil tary Commandant of the District
of Indiana, in a letter explaining his Order No
9, thus limited the rights and privileges Of the
citizen
"Certain measures have been determined upon
by the Congress of the United States and the
Executive, such as the internal revenue and tax
bills necessary for the support OF the govern.
ment in time of war; the confscation act, the
CONSUMPTION act, the act authorizing the Presi-
dent TO use negroes in every way possible to
cripple the enemy and assist us. The proclama-
ton of emancipation in certain rebellious districts
and other measures having nm immediate bearing
on the war; and these | call the lcGT policy of the
Government or Administration. These measures
most of them, have been concluded upon after
very mature deliberatiOn and discussion. and
after more than "A years experience in actual
warfare. Possibly, they are not the wisest and
best that could have been enacted. That, how
ever, is a matter witch does not nOr concern
either of US. Enough for us TO know that they
have been agreed upon By the only Tightful ana
proper authorities knOtcn to our Government, and
that they are likely to remain in force until time
and experience shall suggest some modification
and this, though you and ! should talk our
selves hOarse in opposition
We have placed these sentiments in juxtaposi.
ton, not To question the wisdom or patriotism OF
any of the distinguished gentlemen whose views
of public policy, public duty and the rights and
responsibilities Of each and every citizen, We have
quoted; but TO illustrate the wide difference OF
sentiment which prevails, among even the parti-
IAN friends of the Administration upon what
constitutes diSloyalty to the Government. TIL
practical sense displayed, and sound sentiments
inculcated by Mr.. Justice DAVIS. in his charge to
the Grand Jury, are eminently worthy of consid-
Grafton in the present critical period of our cOun.
try's history.