Dallas herald. [volume] (Dallas, Tex.) 1849-1873, 1865-12-02
Proclamation by the Governor.


WHEREAS, it has been made known to me,
that lawless and dsorderly persons arc
creating trouble and disquietude in many
! portions of the State; and learning like
wise, that in many counties grave nppre-
tensions are entertained by the peaceable
and well-disposed citizens, that violence
to life and property is contemplated by a
portion of the population, prompted by
false and wicked information; and fears
having been expressed to me, by good
men, that the officers OF the civil law
may be inadcqu, te to control and pre-
vent such anticipated violence and out
RACES.
Now therefore l, as provisional Governor
of the State Of Texas, do hereby authorize
and empower the Chief Justices OF the
counties where such eutragcs exist, and in
which there are good grounds to anticipate
acts of violence and disorder, which the
civil authorities may be inadequate to cor
rect and prevent; 10 select a prudent, DIS
Greet citizen Of their respective Counties
having the confidence Of the community
who shall act rs chief or captain Of police,
and shall have authority, by the advice
and consent Of the Chief Justice, to raise
and organize company, at the expense OF
the county, to act as police force, when
shall consist Of not less than ten, nor more
than fifty men, who, with the chief or cap
tain, shall be sworn to support the Constl-
tuition and laws of the United States, and
the Constitutions and laws of the State of
Texas; and the Chief Justices are directed
to report the names Of the persons compos-
ing said police force to this office.
The company so organized, shall act
merely as police force, to assist the civil
authorities Of the State and Counties in
preserving law and order, and shall in all
things be subordinate to the officers of the
law. And in the disc barge of their duties,
no violence shall be offered by said compa-
MES, nor by any member thereof to any
one, other than is absolutely necessary for
a full discharge of their functions as con-
servators of the peace and quiet of the
country. And should any member of said
companies in the performance of their du-
ties be guilty Of any acts of violence or
outragcs upon any person whatever, not
warranted by law, they shall be immedi-
ately arrested and held for trial.
In all cases where it may necessary
to make arrests for outrages already COM
mittcd, or to prevent the iniraction Of the
law, the party arrested shall be ut once
turned over to the civil authorities for
prompt trial and punishment.
Said police force shall, wherever practi-
cable act in conjunction with the military
authorities OF the United States, and never
in opposition and the United States mill
tary authorities are hereby requested to
aid, as far as may be in their power, the
ci7il authorities of the State, rs well rs the
police force herein authorized to be raised,
in supprcssing lawlessness and protecting
tho lives and property Of the citizens.
The companies for police duty hereby
ordered TO bc raised, shall continue their
organization so long as, in the Of inon oil
the Chief Justices OF their counties, there
exists u necessity for 1t, and no longer.
The citizens OF the entire State, of what
ever class Or color, are earnestly exhorted
10 honestly engage in orderly, industrious
pursuits, and 10 be assured that, so far as
il lies with the Executive, crime shall be
punished, and the majesty OF the law up
held.
- Is TESTIMONY WHEREOF, here
SEAL unto set my hand, and cause tho
Wv seal of State TO be affixed, this
the 18th day Of November, A. ID. 1866, aud
in the year OF the independence Of the
Unil,d States the ninetieth.
by the Governor;
A. J. HAMILTON,
Provisional Governor Of Texas.
JosEPn SPENCE,
Actg see'y State.