Des Arc citizen., 1867-02-02
THE VETOED BILL,


 ture, actlatcd by principle as pure as x~er stirred the heart of man, and hav- ing near to them the welfare of those, toward whom it best becomes us to be charitable, passed an act to provide for thc support of wounded and disabled sFoldicrs, &c. This act, His Exccllency, Noy Murphy. has seen proper to veto. What his reasons were, we are unable sage, which reads as follows: "The 'Acts to provide for the support of wounded and disabled soldiers, and for the support of indigent widows and the relief of indigent families of this State. and to furnish artificial limbs for maimed soldiers, and for other purpo- ses mentioned, has been duly consid- cred by me, with a warm sympathy for sshe afflicted and indigent ; and it is with regret that I feel compelled by the ob- ligations imposed upon me by the com stitution of the United States and the State Of Arkansas, to return said act 10 the Senate for its further considera- ton by the general assembly with the following objections.
 SEC. l, appropriatcs 'ten per centum- of the revenue of the State, annually, to constitute fund for the relief of desti- Yute, wounded or disabled soldiers, not otherwise provided for by the United States government, and for the support ofindigcnt widows and caildren of de- ceased soldiers. Not otherwise provi- dcd for by the United States
 As all the wounded, disabled and msinlcd soldiers of the United States, have been provided for by the laws of Congress, one unacquainted with the history of the last five years, might be at q loss 10 decide what soldiers were meant: but having knowledge of the history. there can be no doubt what soldiers arc intended.
 therefore assume that the Legisla laturc designed by this act to honor the bravery and devotion, and reward the sutferings of those who fought against the government of the United States in the late rebellion, and also against the present State government
 Ifthis be g, it seems in my judge ment, to be . glaring violation of the obligations imposed, both by the con stitution of the United States and of this State.
 Honoring the enemies of the United States by comforting rewards and pen sions on them, for services rendered as soldiers, when fighting against that government antk the armies of the Union, is certainly not supporting the constitution of the United States, or the constitution of State acting in harmony herewith.
 The second prexiso of sec. ,, in arti- ele9 of the State constitution provides that no other or greater amount of rev enuc shall at any time be levied than is required for the nece> sary expense of the government unless with a con- 9ur~ettee of two thirds of both houses Of the general assembly.
 lnasmneh as il is not certified that fwo-thirls of both houses concurred, l deem the act unconstitutional under the above proviso.
 l therefore most respectfully return it to the Senate, ill which il originated, for such further proceedings as the Legislature may deem best
 For the honor of the State, we are glad to say that the Senate passed the bill oyer his veto. by vote of twenty 10 one.
 Reason and common sense alike, would flown at that siekly sentimental adherence to the constitution, that re- fuses 10 give breadto orphans because their fathers suffered and died in arms against tlre Union. The Gov. assumes that it would be honoring the enemies .ofthe United States( } to pass tbis sill. Ne would ask. because their husbands and fathers differed honestly with the Union party, snalI they be denied bare sahsistenee9 and how. proyid- ling artificial limbs foi. the maimed, that
 ~<~uay cam an honest living for the aonni7nsemen and children mhe de 1tafes, is tno1s,~ can be construed as Eaif honor 10 tl,aiis of the United paSsea the act and ,e, 'f Governor. The cheek q him mba ''' shanle'y that
 no opposed it N : s,,,,;sa,so,