The weekly pioneer and Democrat. [volume] (Saint Paul, Minn. Territory) 1855-1865, 1864-03-11
Union Of Church and State,

FROM the New York Herald
The following order, Issued by General
BUTLER, tells its own story:
Headquarters NORFOLK AND PORTSMOUTH,
NORFOLK, Va, Feb II.
General Orders No. g.
All places of publ worship in Norfolk and
Portsmouth are hereby placed under the con-
troll of the Provost Marshals of Norfolk and
Portsmouth, respectively who shall see the
pulpits properly filled, by displacng when ne
cessary, the present incumbents, and substitu-
ting men OF known loyalty and the same Sec
tartan denomination, either military or civil.
subject to the approval of the commanding
general. They shall see that the churches are
open freely to all officers and soldiers. white
or colored, at the usual hour of worship, and
at other times, if desired; and thew shall see
that no insult or indignity be offered to them.
either by word, look, or gesture on the part
OF the congregation The necessary EXPENSES
will be levied as far rs possible in accordance
with the previous usages or regulations of
each congregation respectively.
No property shall be removed. either public
headquarters.
by command of Brigader General
1t will be noticed that there is no an
peal from this insolent order. If the Pro-
vost Marshal dislkes minister, all he
has to do is to order him out of the pull
pit and put one of his own creatures, even
II 1T should be negro servant, in his place.
But 1t seems this movement to control
the churches did not originate with But,
Ter, but with Stanton. This is shown by
the following order:
WAR DEPARTMENT, ADJT GENL's OFF1cE.l
WASHINGTON, ID. c., Nov. 80, 1868.
To the generals commanding the departments
OF the Missouri, the Tennessee and the Gulf.
and all generals and officers commanding
armies, attachments and CORPS and posts
and all officers in the service of the United
States in the aforementioned departments:
You are hereby directed to place at the dis
posal Of the Rev. Bishop Ames all houses of
worship belonging to the Methodist Episcopal
Church South in which q loyal minister, who
has been appointed by a loyal bishop of said
church, does not now officiate.
1t is q matter of great importance to the gov
eminent in its efforts to restore tranquility to
the community and peace to the nation, that
Christian ministers should. by example and pre-
cept support and foster the loyal sentiment
of the people. Bishop Ames enjoys the entire
confidence of this department., and no doubt is
entertained that all ministers appointed by him
will be entirely loyal. You are expected to
give him all the aid, cOuntenance, and support
practicable, in the execution OF his important
mission. . s- i...
You are also authorized and directed to fur
nish Bishop Ames and his clerk with transport
tation and subsistence, when it can be done
without prejudice to the service, and will afford
them courtesy, assistance, and protection.
ny order of the Secretary of War.
(Signed) E. D. TOWNSEND,
Assistant Adjutant General.
1t fortunately happens, however, that as
Mr.: Lincoln is Presidential candidate he
understands that he cannot afford to come
before the people as ruler of the church
as well a. state. He realizes the absurdi-
ty OF playing Pope as well as President.
A letter OF his, dated Dec. %, 1868, has
just been published respecting the case of
Rev. DR.. McPheelters, who was deprived
of his church in St. Louis by Gen. Curtis
some time previously. Says Mr.. Lincoln.
| Enthusiastically - ~
! On the I'd Of January last l wrote tn car
Curtis in relation to Mr.. Dicks order mon Dr
McPheeters; and, as l suppose the doctor ;s
enjoying all the rights of q civilian 7 oniv
quote that part of my letter that relates to thy
church. 1t is as follows: 'sBmt 1 must add
that the United States Government must NOT
% by this order, undertake to run the
churches. When an individual, in a church.