The New York herald. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1840-1920, 1868-07-29
FLORIDA.

The Military and the Civil Lnw--Thc state
Declared Suprene--A Grand Mass Meeting
Tine End OF Military rity--tirappii1s
for tho Cabie,-Arrival Of the Dc soto.
KEY WEST July q. 1868
Quite an excitement Is prevalent In our city, grow
ing out OF the fact OF the continued assumption OF
authority over the quarantine regulations OF our
harbor by the military.
The telegraph has been active for the last few days
transmitting messages between the post commander
here and Colonel Sprague also between the Mayor of
the city and the Governor OF Florida. kilograms
from both parties are posted in copy
In the most Conspicuous places. one
from Jacksonville posted in our city, authoriz
ing the post commander TO continue to exercise
military authority over the quarantine until further
orders. This conflicts with the rights OF the civil
authorities after Florda's admission 10 the Union
and the recognition Of her Senators and Representa-
tves In Congress. The United states Judge OF this
district being present will afford an opportunity 10
test tho question whether the OF the vessels
now held IN quarantine by military authority shall
take the proper steps to make case upon which an
action under the admiralty ana maritime Jurisdic-
ton OF the United States will lie.
Upon action or the civil authorities the health
ofllCer WAS directed at seven =. NJ to board four
smacks from Havana that had been quarantned for
several days under the military regulations and to
bring them to the city. 1t was rum0red that If such
action did take place they would be fred upon from
Fort Taylor by order OF the commander or the post.
Excited crowds thr0nged the wharves in expectation
OF witnessing an engagement" to test the
premacy or might over right Boats filed with brave
hearts were ready to go to the of those who
were looked upon rs doomed. But all were happily
disappointed. Not gun was fired. The 5macks
came safely TO the wharves laden with fruit
Instructions were received this morning by the
commander or The post Key West from Colonel
Sprague, commander OF this district, Jacksonville,
Fla. to the effect that the civil authority was
supreme The result was soon made known and
fags were displayed from the shipping and promi-
nent buildings OF our city. The ciyi authorities,
with magnaninity worthy OF the highest commend
ati0n resolved TO bury the Ratchet long threaten
ing their devoted heads, and at once set
about arranging TO celebrate the glorious
event OF the restoration OF Florida (and
Key VEST to the Union. Ii was resolved
that patriotic meeting should be held this evening
at the naval depot one of the largest buildings of
the kind in the United States. Invitations were eX-
tended TO the army and navy. Mao: Rawes with
That true gentlemany consideration that has ever
been one or his greatest virtues, rendered To tne
civil authorities the OF his battery for firing
salute in honor OF the event. salute OF thirty
seven guns fired, when, iafter55everal national
airs being played by the City Band, the meeting was
called TO order by Il. b. Rawson chairman at seven
F. NJ The representatives of the civil authorities,
The army and navy occupied seats upon
the platform. Appropriate speeches We're made
and due respect shown To our Mayor, William ).
Allen, to the commander OF the post Major J. q.
Rawles, and to the Navy Department, represented
by Paymaster George Meade. All passed OF quietly,
the utmost harmony and good feeling prevailing.
How singular and yet how appropriate the death
rattle of military power should take place upon the
most southern point OF the United States
The Narva Is still graphing for the lost cable,
but without success. Intensely hot on board, but
all well. The United States steamer Gettysburg Is
rendering her assistance.
Key Kest still Ia healthy.
The United States steamer De soto, Commander
Boggs, arrived here on the lSth FROM Aspia"ali