Civilian & telegraph. [volume] (Cumberland, Md.) 1859-1875, 1865-11-02
Hon. Reverdy Johnson and the Registry

alike doubtful as to their moral tenucncy as
to the patriotism which gave them birth. Not
the least important among these may be found
in the concluding remarks of his speech on the
Montgomery county mandamus case, deliver
ed few DAYS since before the Court OF APP
pcals. The question to be argued IN this
case was whether a circuit court could issue
a mandamus TO the officers of registration,
commanding them to register man as le-
gal voter who the said officers had decided
was not entitled to be so registered. 1t was
not a political question, discussed before a
public audience, but one of constitutional law.
argued before the higest judicial tribunal OF
the State Many arguments, therefore, that
might have been adduced at public meeting
designed to show the inexpcdicncy and in
justice Of the Registry act, would have been
wholly impairment on the occasion referred
to. The decision of the Court was to be gov
crncd, not by the evil consequences that the
Registry act might produce, if allowed It's
fullest force and eject but by the laws aud
Constitutions of the State and the nation. If
the Court find that the new Constitution, and
the Registry act passed in pursuance thereof
do not conflict with the Constitution of the
United States aud under these and the laws
Of the land, mandanus cannot issue to the
officers of registration They must decide
accordingly, though the greatest wrong and
Injustice should be inflicted upon the people
Of the State. lftheir powers are not 50 limi-
tcd-if they can decide question, not nccor-
ding to the law, but according to their no.
tons of expcdicncy their powers are
onnipoteut, and the Legislative branch of our
State Government amounts to Il mere nulllty.
The Legislature pass law, and the Court OF
Appeals ignore it because they think it mex
pciicut Or unnecessary.
II these views are correct, and we THINK
that not even Reverdy johnson himself will
question them, how must We interpret his
concluding remarks or the mandnmus case!
As an advocate he has perfect right to use
every argument whic! may influence the
Court in his favor But it would be an un-
Just imputaton against the wisdom and indie
rendeuce OF the Court to suppose that his as
sertiuns with reference to the actions Of the
pcople and the sons Of our revolutionary faith
crs, in case they could not get judicial or leg
islativc redress, were designed in any manner
to influence the decision of the Court AS
the Hon. Rcycrly johnson is n man Of to,
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