Baton Rouge tri-weekly gazette & comet. [volume] (Baton Rouge, La.) 1865-18??, 1867-12-03
IniliatOry Orders Of the New Mill
tary Commander.

General Hancock, in assumin
the reins of power as commander {
!. the Fifth Military District, make
known the same in a pronuncia
: mento couched in terms as honora
BILE to his head and heart as they ar
gratifying and acceptable to tn
people of his District.
It is peculiarly relieving and re
treshing. to them, after so long a,
experience Of military caprice ane
severity to breathe in the sweet sa
vor ofsuch brig ht visions of hope as
are reflected in the liberal statesman
like views and sentiments publicly
avowed by Gen. Hancock in his mi.
tiatory orders.
1t has been we'll and truly said,
that Gin moderation alone consists
the undiscoverable and undesirable
line of truth and rectitude." Gen.
Hancock gives evidence of high
and just appreciation Of this doctrine,
and judging from his outgivings, we
take it that in such a doctrine he in
tends seeking a clear chart and COM
pass by which to steer in the dis
charge Of those delicate, embarras-
sing and responsible duties to which
he has been called.
1t, 10 the course of his future ad-
ministration of the politico- military
affairs of this District, he shall evince
a firm conscientious endeavor to
carry out the principles Of that faith
which appears strong within him,
he will merit, and will undoubtedly
receive the plaudits and grateful
thanks of the people Of Louisiana
and Texas, and in fact of all the
lovers of constitutional law, order
and good government throughout tue
civilized world.
The following are the orders re-
ferred to:
HEADQUARTERS FIFTH MILITARY DISTRICT, !
New Orleans, La, Hov. 29tb, 1867. { |
Special Orders No. 4O.]
]. In accordance with General Orders
No. 81, Headquarters of the Army, Adju-
tant Generals Office, Washington, ID. C.,
August 9th, 1857, MAJOR General W. S. |
II ancock hereby assumes command of the |
Fifth Military District, and of the Depart
ment composed of the States of Louisiana
and Texas.
2. The General Commanding is gratifed |
to learn that peace aud quiet reign in this
Department. 1t will be his purpose to
preserve this condition of things AS
means to this great end he regards the
maintenance of the civil authorizes in the
faithful execution of the laws, as the most
under existing circumstances.
In war 1t is indispensable to repel force
oy force, and overthrow and destroy oppo-
sition to lawful authority. But when in
force has been overthrow,
and peace established, and the civil au-
.horites are ready and willing to perform
heir duties, the military power should
ease to lead, and the civil administration
esume its natural and rightful dominion.
solemn impre ssed with these views, the
General announces that the great princi-
,les of American liberty still are the law
III inheritance Of this people, and ever
hould be. The right of trial by Jury, the
,abeas corpus, the liberty of the press, the
reedom of speech and the natural rights
VI property must be preserved.
Free institutions, while they are essen
lal to the prosperity and happiness of the
,coPle, always furnish the strongest in
lucements to peace and order. Crimes
nd offenses committed in this District
must be referred to the consideration and
Judgment OF the regular civil tribunals,
nd those tribunals will be supported in
heir lawful jurisdiction. I
Should there be violations of existing
avs which are not inquired into by the
ivil magistrates, or should failures in tie
ADMINISTRATION Of justice by the courts be I
of, the cases will be reported '
0 these headquarters, when such orders
'ilIb made as may be deemed necessary. c
While the General thus indicates his
urpose to respect the liberties of the peo- !
le, he wishes all to understand that
rned Instructions or forcible resistance /
the law will be instantly suppressed by !
rms.
By command of Major General VS..
ANoocK:
W. G. MITCHELL,