The New York herald. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1840-1920, 1868-01-16
GENERAL HANDBOOK IN DEFENCE OF CIVIL INSTITUTIONS.
From the Evening Telegram Of yss,erday.l

From the Evening Telegram OF yestcrday.l
WASHINGTON JAM Is, 1858.
On the 2sth ult. General Hancock addressed letter
TO the Governor Of Texas informing him that certain
papers had been received from General Reynolds
manding District or rexas requesting that military
commission might be ordered for the OF one G. w.
Wall Cor shooting Mr. Black the month OF October
1867. In his letter tho General says:-
Az this time the country Is IN a state OF profound
peace. The state government OF Texas, organized IN
sabordnation 20 The authority Of the is in
the fu exercise OF all rs powers The courts duly
empowered 10 administer tue laws and 10 punish all
offenders against those laws IN existence The
willingness on the part Of these courts suggested TO
inquire into the onolccs with which the prisoners
In question are charged, nor are any o6struclions
whatever IN the way OF enforcing the laws against
them said TO exist Under such circumstances there Is
good ground for the exercise OF the extraordnar
power ested 10 the Commander TO organize military
commission for the trial OF tne person named II must
be a matter OF profound regret to all who value constr
tutiona government that there should be occasion,
IN times OF civil commotion, when the pubic
good imperatvey requires the Intervention Of the
military power for the repression OF disorders
i'm me eSay pS h out 'hs' ns n ior hr
civil magistrates when the laws no longer
silent and civil magistrates are possessed In their re-
speciiye spheres OF all the powers necessary 10 give
effect 70 the laws exces the surpr OF the Commander
Of the Fifth Military District In his view II Is of evil
example and full OF danger the Of freedom aud
good government that the exercise OF the mil
power In such cases should ever be permitted when
thc ordinary powers OF the existing state government:
are ample Tor the punishment OF onendeB, VI
those charged with the adm nisration Of ,ne laws are
faithful IN the charge OF their duties In the opinion
Of the Commander OF the Fifth Military District the OK
sng govern mon OF the state Of Texas possesses all the
powers necessary Tor proper and prompt trial OF the
prisoper In question In due course OF law III these
powers are not exercised for that purpose, the failure 10
do be a buted oaly 10 the indocnco or cupabie
lnche OF the officers now charged with the execu.
ton OF the State laws ana In case Of such failure
will shcn become the duty Of the commander 10 remove
the officers responsible for such failure and 70.
place them with Others who will discharge their duties.
II u then DO found impossible 70 secure sufficient
nrmbcr Of persons among tho people now exercising
political power in Texas supply the public With officers
who Will enforce the laws will be necessary FOR the
Commander TO exercise The powers vested IN him Tor
vindcaton Of the majesty Of the law But until such
tims shall have II not bis Intention 70 have
10 those powers and he deemed the present
httng occasion W make this known 70 the Governor Of
Tara nd rou oh him IN The p0oplO OF state