The Wheeling daily register. [volume] (Wheeling, W. Va.) 1864-1878, 1865-09-09
President johnson and Governor
Sharkey.

President johnson and Governor
Sharkey.
A few weeks ago, Governor Sharkey, OF
Mississippi, adopted measures for the or
canization of a company of armed militia
in each county in the State for the re-
preston of guerrilla outrages and for the
better enforcement of the civil law. The
news reached Washington, and Secretary
STANTON smelling the battle afar OF"
and fancying that he saw in this militia
organization the gathering of another
rebel army, without consulting the Presi-
dent telegraphed to General SLocUM to
put stop to the thing. The "loyaP
press, as in duty bound, commended the
wonderful sagacity of the belligerent
Secretary and came down upon poor
SHARKEY in unmeasured terms He was
accused of going too fast" his action
was pronounced irregular and unwar-
rantable" and it was darkly limited that
Governor SHARKEY was possibly that
most dangerous Of all political characters
"a secessionist in disguise" SLoCUM
prohibited the organization of SHARKEY's
militia and ordered the people to be dis
armed. SHARKEY appealed to the Presi-
dent under whose instructions it appears
he had been acting all along, and received
in reply a letter from which the follow
ing is an extract:
TT is believed there can be organized
in each county force OF citizen militia
TO preserve order and enforce the civil
authorities of the State, and OF the
United States, which would enable the
Federal Government to reduce the army,
and withdraw, to a great extent, the
forces from the State, thereby reducing
the enormous expenses OF the Govern
ment.
If there was any danger from an or
ganization of the citizens for the purpose
indicated, the military are there to sup
press, Oh the first appearance, any move
insurrectionary in Its character One
great object is to induce the people to
Come forward in the defense of the State
and Federal Governments. General Wash
ington declared that the people, or the
militia. was the arm of the Constitution,
or the arm of the United States, and, as
soon as it is practicable, the original de-
sion of the Government should be re-
snmed under the principles of the great
charter of freedom, handed down to the
people BY the founder OF the Republic
The people must be trusted with their
government, and if trusted, my opinion
Is. that they will act in good faith, and
restore their former constitutional reia-
tions with all the States composing the
Union. The main object OF Major Cen
cal Carl Schurz's mission to the south,
was to aid, as much as practicable, III
carrying out the policy adopted by the
Government for restoring the States to
their former relations, with the Federal
Government. 1t is hoped such aid has
been given. The proclamation authoriz-
ing the restoration OF State Government,
requires the military to aid the Provl-
sional Governor in the performance oil his
duties as prescribed in the proclamation,
and i'm no manner to interfere or throw
impediments in the way of the consum-
nation of the object of his appointment,
at least without advising the Govern
ment of the intended interference.
Signed ANDREW JOHNSON.
So Governor SHARKEY organize his
militia and STANTON is snubbed for in
terfering in the matter without adyis-
ing the government Of the intended in
reference" and the "loyar' press disc6N-
ers that it has been finding fault with
ANDREW JOHNSON while it only thought
it was pitching into Governor SHAkkEY.
The action of the Presideutin this case
evinces his strong desire for the speedy
restoration of civil law throughout the
South. There can be no doubt that the
organization of militia companies will
have a much more beneficial effect i'll
quieting the turbulent elements Of south
ern society than retaining in each town
garrison of Northern troops, especially
if they are negroes. There is much wis
dom in Mr.. JoHNSON's declaration, that
'the people mast be. trusted cith their goce,7,-
mcnt" 1t is one of the boasts of an
American, and one of the chief glories ot
our system that our people govern them
selves. 1t is Notifying To our pride TO
submit to a government enforced by
strangers, and to be constantly subject
ed to an Odious system OF espionage. We
are much more inclined to 80 wrong
when we are conscious of being watched
than when we feel that we are fully
trusted, and President JOHNSON and
Governor SHARKEY have both displayed
political wisdom aud knowledge of hui
man nature in trusting the people with
their government. We hope the expert
ment may soon be tried in the rest ofthe
Southern States. s,,r,..rvr
The Minnesota Convention. p
The Republican, State convention in
Minnesota last Wednesday nominated
General W. R. MARsHALL for Governor
and adopted an outand out negro suffrage
nlatform. The resolutions declare that