Indiana State sentinel. (Indianapolis, Ind.) 1861-1865, 1863-03-30

DISTRICT OF ISDIANA,)
DEPARTMENT or THE Ono,
INDIANAPOLIS. March "a, 1863.

DEPARTMENT or THE ONO,
INDIANAPOLIS. March "a. 1863
In assuming command Of the District of Iudi-
ana, let me have the ear of the people. Let US
reason together. Practical views Of du-y become
US all.
And LIST. Secret political societies have gained
many adherents. They were the bane Of the
Republic in the days of Washington. They
swelled the horrors Of the French revolution.
They will curse you.
The ballot box and open debate mark a free
people. Trust them. That which shuns the
light of day should not be endured by you. Come
out-abjure their yows-reject their tests. What.
ever their name. whatever four party. seek the
old paths, and work as you once did, agreeing to
disagree upon questions of mere party polity, but
ever united in support of the Government and the
nation.
2d. Our quiet citizens arm with secret weapons.
The laws Of Indiana forbid il. 1t is not within
the intent of the Constitution. 1t offends good
morals. religion, and every social duty. and is
barbarous. Let the early history of Arkansas
and Texas tell their rearful import. 1t is need
less. Your franchises are safe; far safer, through
the protection Of our common Government,
than when every man is the law tc himself.
Besides this. your brethren are in the field for
| your sake. This indeed gives the military power,
which is dormant in time of peace, a present
prominence. But this power is of the people, and
to serve the people. The Government that
wields it is your Government. 1t can have no
interest but yours. Armies exist, not to invade
crimperil, but to insure your dearest rights. Re
member, that in civil matters, they who obey the
law never feel the fangs Of the law. Offenders
alone suffer. So the citizen soldier, when true to
his oath and his duty. is no terror to the good
citizen. While this DE true, it is as true that
every man who bears a secret weapon is tempted
to use it when flushed with passion; and the good
and pure of all parties are at the mercy OF the
weak or wicked. He whose moral power can
influence a whole people, is reduced TO the level
Of the worst, and the strength of his muscle.
For your own sake, for the peace of your fami-
lies, for the sake of education, religion and all
you hold dear, enforce the laws as to carrying
concealed weapons, and you will find ~quietness
restored to your hearts and homes.
3. Resistance to the arrest Ct deserters is an
other form of resistance to law. and a sure road
to anarchy End bloodshed. Law must be respected
until repealed Deny its policy, if you will. La
Dor for its repeal, if you will. But resistance is
madness. because it is your OWL law-it is your
own peace and your own Government you
threaten-and when your turn comes to legislate
you will have undermined your own rights; and
when anarchy rules, liberty dies.
4th. Your brethren are in the field. Your
homes are safe, and you prosper. Your Govern
meHt would have more men. Remember, that
every man owes his all to the State, and by the
very laws of social life, he is bound to give his
all, if need be. as the measure of his obligation
to the State. We have had peace so long, that
we forget how much we owe to society. Now,
our reciprocal obligations must be felt and rem
dered. Let not the CONSUMPTION, or enrolment
of the people for the national defense, be the
occasion for assailing the national life. Stand by
everv law until repealed or declared unconstitu-
tional by the proper tribunal. Let every man
everywhere recount his mercies, compare his lot
with that of any other people. and he will never
withstand his Government or the laws of his
country.
5th. The coming spring elections, occurring at
a time of unusual excitement, call for notice, as
false impressions prevail as to the duty or intent
of the soldier. The soldier, at home, votes, as
does any other citizen. If absent, he must be
content to leave his civil rights in the charge of
others. When voting, he must go to his duty
unarmed as does every good citizen. He is sworn
to maintain law. and is the last man to interfere
with the rights of others; and the right of the
people properly to express their will by the ballot
box is sacred and inviolable, and must be kept so,
9th. A word to the press. Your patriotism
and moderation are now put to a severe test.
You can correct false impressions; you can in
spire the confidence of the people in our common
future: you can do justice to all without compro-
missing a single valuable party interest; or. you
can devclope disorder and madden the vOtaries oil
party to recklessness Of all that is sacred in ouT
great Republic. Your power for good is infinite
Will you not use itf
In conclusion. let me say that even how, your
own border is not entirely safe from the inroad OF
hostile armies. Therefore he united. Diyerge
as parties much as you will, but be one in arms
for the commonwealth
Remember that this country. 90 richly en-.
dowed with intellectual, physical and religion;
views. is just as surely destined to prosper in the
-
pie that found their institutions upon the base oil
civil and religious freedom.
Let us all therefore fulfill our respective sphere:
with the earnest purpose to meet His favor.
HENRY B. CARRINGroN,
Brig. Gen. Com'd'g District.