The Columbian. [volume] (Bloomsburg, Pa.) 1866-1910, 1869-09-24

Government, the assumption of ii by
the National Legislature Is an arbitrary
exercise of power, subversivc of the
whole principle upon which the Gov
ernment was founded; and so fearful
was the republican party that the pco-
pie of the Northern States, whose loyal.
ty had never been questioned, would
believe that they intended this gross
innovation on their rights, that in their
platform adopted by their National
Convention at Chicago in 1868, they de-
clared that the question of suffrage in
the Northern States was to be deter
mined only by the people of the respec-
tive States. And yet they never have
permitted the people of any State TO
pass upon the question, except in the
South, where they have made the adop-
ton Of negro suffrage a condition pre-
cedent to their representation in Con-
gress. .... .t....
A SLIGHT EVASION.
REPoRTER The Southern States hav-
ing adopted this amendment, as you
intimate, under coercion, ought the ne
groes in those States to be deprived of
the ballot?
JUDGE PAcKER--The question of suf-
frage, as j have said, belongs to the
people of the States respectively: and
while Alabama has no right to interfere
with Pennsylvania in determining this
matter, Pennsylvania has no more right
| to interfere with Alabama. One State
has no right to coerce another into the
adoption or the rejection of such a
measure, either by the opinion of its
people or the votes of its Senators and
Representatives in Congress.
FEMALE SUFFRAGE.
REpoRTER-Is female suffrage agi-
tatcd to any extent in Pennsylvania?
JUDGE PACKEE-But very little, and
with no apparent carnestness. Tho
women of this State, so far as my
knowledge extends, abstain entirely
from any action on this question. They
prefer to fill the measure of Solomon's
description of a virtuous woman, that
"Strength and honor are her clothing.
| She Openeth her mouth with wisdom,
and i'm her tongue is the law OF kindness.
She lookcth we'll to the ways of her
household, and eateth not the bread of
idloness. Her children arise up and
call her blessed her husband, also, and
he praiseth her. Her price is far above
| rubicsn
TIE EIGHT HOUR LAW.
REPoRTER-Are you in favor Of the
eight hour labor law?
JUDGE PACK Err favor all move
mentS that tend to the amelioration of
the condition of the laboring man, and
they have my most cordial cooperation.
As / said in my letter of acceptance,
"having earned my bread by the labor
of hands during many, and L may add,
the happiest years of my life, and ow-
ing whatever / possess lunder the prov
idence of God to patient and honest
toll, l can never be unmindful of the
interests of those with whom my entire
life has been associated"
WON'T TALK ON SUNDAY.
| REPoRTER-I beg your pardon if |
| trespass on your time, sir.
JUDGE PACKER-I am perfectly will
| ling to spare you so much time as may
be necessary to discuss questions relat-
ing to the campaign in this State, and
| to that extent you need not consider
yourself trespassing. Beyond that |
have at present no time to spare, with
out encroaching on the Sabbath, which
| will not do.
REPORTER-l see it announced that
General Grant is expected to spend
some time in this State during the cam
paign. viii his presence give any con-
siderable inspiration to the republican
party?
GEN. GRANTS VIOLATION OF PENNSYL-
-.-. WANNA LAW.
| JUDGE PACKER-If Gen. Grant un-
mindful of the dignity of his great Of
flee, and the proprieties of his position,
comes into this State with the avowcd
purpose of influencing voters, which |
do not believe he will, believe the
good sense of the people will resent the
affrOnt. If he comes to seek pleasure
and recreation from the burdensOme
cares and close confinement to the du-
ties of his official position, l know no
more suitable place than the valleys,
mountains, and sparkling trout streams
of this State,
THE Judge smiled knowingly in this
connection, while the reporter thought
he saw the keen edge of razor some
where near.
REpoRTEK-Is it true, as reported,
that General Grant violated the statutes
of this State, when here last month, in
fishing in the streams of M'Kean coun-
ty?
JUDGE PAcKER-It is currently re-
ported; but know nothing of the fact.
REPORTER-Is August one of the
months in which trout fishing is pro-
hibited by your statutes?
JUDGE PACKER-ltiS l believe Gen.
Grants friends relieve him from any
Wilful violation of the law, he being ig-
norant of any such statutes. If YOU will
pardon the simile, the President was but
II fish out of water.
REPoRTER-Might not Gen. Grant,
visit to Pennsylvania have reference tC
the reconstruction of his Cabinet, rem
dered necessary by the death Of thI
Secretary of War:
JUDGE PACKER--I have heard il ru
mOred that such was the case and thai
Do. Il N.,a..
in the Cabinet, was jealous of Massachu
sets with two members.
TIE HALE MILLION DONATION.
REPoRTER-I see IL stated, judge
Packer, that the contribution you made
of half n million of dollars to endow
the Lchigh University, was contributed
of the bonds of the Lehigh Valley rail.
road, and was the contribution of that
company. Will you state to me the
facts in the case?
JUDGE PACKER-The statement has
no foundation in truth. The Lehigh
Valley Railroad Company had nothing
whatever to do with the gift, or with
my subsequent visit TO Europe, nor was
the gift made in railroad bonds. II was
personal cash transaction but one
from which | never expected any no
toriety or praise, nor do | now claim any
credit for the act. l was about starting
J for Europe for my health, and lest
something might occur on the journey
or in my absence to prevent the fulfil
ment OF this long cherished object,
perfected the transaction on the eve Of
my departure. Itwas known only tC
my wife and the two witnesses to the
deed ofgift, and Bishop Stevens, who
at my request organized the plan of the
university, previous to my sailing. A
AK la Chapelle first learned that it hao
been made public Its publicity was d
surprise to me.
REPoRTER-Whenw was this ?
JUDGE PACKER-In the summer u
1865.
REroRTER-I thought it was during
the war tina, you visited Europe?
JUDGE PACKER-No, sir; ! was no
| 4 A. n