Public ledger. [volume] (Memphis, Tenn.) 1865-1893, 1870-04-01

to see that it was done, but not ether
wise The article referred 70 reads thus;
Ben Butler has written to Governor
Senter, requesting him to.appear before
the Reconstruction Committee OF Con
gress, and testify concerning the condl-
lion of affairs in Tennessee, as regards
order and the observance OF law. Our
Nashville dispatches say that Senter VIII
comply with Buffers request, and leave
for Washington on Monday.
What has Ben. Butler or the Recon
struction Committee of Congress to do
with the enforcement of the laws of Ten
nessee. or Of any other State in the
Union ? The best answer Senter could
oiye to the letter of Butler would be to
rebuke the impudence of the author, and
tell him he is meddling with that which
Is none Of his business. II is the duty
of Senter. as Governor of the State, to
take care that the laws be faithfully ex-
ecuted; and Buffers letter is an indirect
method of telling him that he has not
performed his duty, and that he is ac-
countable to a Congressional Committee
therefor. f.a
Suppose Butler should write to Gov
ernor Palmer, and invite him to come
TO Washington and testify as to the
amount of crime in Illinois. Only few
months ago the Republican newspapers
of this city said that the lives of the citi-
zens of Chicago were not protected by
law. and that thugs and assassins had
possession of the city. Did this testi-
mony give to Congress jurisdiction OF
our police force, and of our courts and
sberiffs. and render GOV. Palmer liable
N answer for his official conduct to a
wretch as criminal and detestable as
Butler2
Governor Palmer has given proof that
he respects his office, and will maintain
its dignity, and defends the rights OF
Illinois against Congressionalusurpation.
Would he attend upon the request OF
Butler to testify in such case? Would
he not rather take steps to express to
the writer his contempt and indigna-
ton? Were Senter to follow such a
course, instead of dancing attendance
upon the Reconstruction Committee, he
would show that he is possessed OF some
of the courage, and sense OF propriety,
and respect for the State which has ex-
allied him, that ought TO be found in a
man in his position.
Were the Reconstruction Committee to
summon him, he would be under no obli-
CATION to obey the summons; but under
the strongest obligations TO refuse to
attend, and resist the attempt of Con
gress to exercise jurisdiction in case
in which it has not particle OF
authority. 1t has no more right to com
pei the Governor of a State to appear
and answer to the enforcement OF State
laws than il has to require Circuit
Judge to account faF his appointments
in holding terms of court within his cir
cult.
Admit, for the purpose of argument,
that the representation of the Radicals
concerning the prevalence of crime and
lawlessness ia Tennessee are correct;
how does Congress acquire jurisdiction
thereby? Are the Federal authorities
charged with the execution of State law?
guch doctrine was never heard of in
This coaasry until Grant became Presi-
dent. He was TOO stupid and ignorant to
be aware of its monstrous character, and
he recommended Federal Intervention in
Georgia, although no application for
such intervention had been made BY the
proper authorities, 10 the manner and for
the purposes pointed out BY the consti-
tuition.
Did Congress, in abolishing and setting
up State governments, usurp power for
decent purpose, its action would still be
criminal, and blow at our political sys-
tenn that oaghs to make the men respon,
sible for is execrabis, Whai, then, shall
be said of the despotism and contempt
of law which wades through crime TO
such infamy?