The Opelousas courier. [volume] (Opelousas, La.) 1852-1910, 1867-10-05
Our New Commander.
from The Ne,c Orleans Bee. J

very natural interest has been felt as to the
temper and probable policy of our new com.
mander, Major General Hancock Not that our
people supposed there could be much difference
between the former commander and any other
officer that might be sent here, as to the execu-
tion OF the Reconstruction laws, but that the
manner in which those laws are carried out, and
| the administration of affairs here conducted is
a matter to them of some Importance. While it
| is possible to give them harsh and extreme
construction, it is equally possible to execute
them in moderate and concfliatory spirit, 80
that they may bear as lightly, as may be consist
ent with their terms, upon the people against
whom they are directed They can be enforced
| III a spirit of partisan malignity and they can
also be enforced in catholic and liberal spirit,
according as the peculiar views and disposition
OF him who is charged with their execution NAV
interpret their meaning and purpose Our tele-
graphic columns of Wednesday last contained
the text OF short speech, uttered by Gen. Han
cock, in Washington City, couched in somewhat
general language, but sufficiently pointed to ap-
prise us of the principles by which he intended to
be governed IN his administration of civil affairs
in Louisiana and Texas. He very properly avail
ed himself OF the opportunity afforded to indi-
cate cat: ms opinions on this subject. They prove
him to be a man who recognizes that the civil
laws OF the land are as binding upon him as they
are upon any other citizen; man whom the
people nave no reason to apprehend will use his
extensive and almost Unlimited powers for their
oppression, but rather as man disposed tn ex
ert them in fnrtherance of harmony and the res
torati0n of the country to its former prosDerous
condition. Gen. Hancock seems to be a man ca.
pable OF thinking for himself, and of giving nro |
per expression to his thoughts That is Some
thing, for we arc no admirers of the man who
processes to know great deal, but cannot when
called upon, give reason for the faith that is in
him. We take it, Gen. Hancock is an officer of
the same stamp as Candy, Meade, Ord, and 9TH
ers OF similar conservative views. He stated |
that his course as a District Commander should |
be characterized by the same strict soldiery ODE
dience to the law taught him as soldier at West
Point, and on the battle-felds in which he had |
partlcipated-that his highest pride would be to |
perform the duties of his new sphere, not in the |
interest OF parties or partisans but for the bene
mt OF his country, the honor of his profession.
ana the welfare OF the people committed to his
care. he added he was not to discuss the laws
but to administer them, and would administer
them with due charity to the governed
How were the officers of the army taught Mt
" west Point, previous to the war? Was not the
constitution held up to them as the fundamental
and paramount law, and far above any enact.
nent OF Congress What have the officers of
The army to do with Congress? They receive
their orders from the War Department. which
IS the office through which the President, as com
chief, Communicates his instructions
20 them They only know the laws, officially as
hey may be communicated to them for their
guidance by the President. Officers of the armv
ave. ave no right to construe the laws for them
re interpreted by their superior commanders.
nd to execute them in accordance with the .
Jews OF the latter. When Gem Hancock pro-
aises to execute the laws not as partisan, we
re entitled to expect that his administration
7in differ from that of some Of his predeeassors.
Tho conducted affairs in this District altogether
8 partisans, and for the benefit of the Republi-
an party. When he promises to study the wei
Ire OF the people he is to govern we are entitled
, look for q just and liberal ruler. Altogether.
en. Hancock bids fair to have a successful gov
rnment in this District, and the sooner he comes
ere the better FOR the population whose desti-
lesy to some extent, depend upon his action.