The daily dispatch. [volume] (Richmond [Va.]) 1850-1884, 1870-11-08
The Soldiers Have Come Hither.'

ne CClCIlSlS nave SOAAC 3A2sAASA'
The quiet inhabitants OF this city were
surprised Yesterday morning Mt discovering
that body OF United States troops had
arrived, and were quartercd in house on
Main street, before which the sentinel, with
musket at shoulder, strobe with measured
and solemn step. As nobody had heard OF
any disturbance, or any threat or proba-
bility of one, all were at loss to know why
the armed troops of the United States were
auartered without premonition amongst US.
The surprise was just and honest; but q
little reflection showed all how simple II
was. All could see how the lying men who
have the ear Of the Government had, upon
false representations, induced the rulers at
Washin eton to send down these troops 10
intimidate and awe our people into sub
mission to RepublicaniSm. The use Of SOL
diers for this purpose is plainly not at all
distasteful to the President and his advisors.
and they yield a willing acquieScence III
wishes of the applicants, who are such men
rs no Administration that ever before eX-
i>ted in this country would have treated
with the least respect.
Not being distasteful to the Adminlstra-
ton, of course the soldiers are sent and
furthermore, they will be obtruded upon
us at the polls upon the slightest preteAt.
There is an affected respect for the form OF
voting which induces the Federal authori-
ties here to keep the armed, blue-dreSseo
men out of sight of the polls; but then an
extra force OF deputy marshals are swolh
In, and they are armed. This makes the
matter no better than if the soldiers them
selves came forward, and shows the shall
loWnesS of the atfectatlon.
But there is no demand whatever for
these soldiers. Our Governor has not called
for them, and there has been no disturb
ance, nor is there any probable cause that
could justify the Marshal i'll asking thelr
aid to enforce the United States laws in the
congressional election. Further than that
his powers do not authorize him to 60.
Then these soldiers are here in utter con-
tempt of Constitution, law, and fact. What,
then, can be the object but TO encourage
one party and cover the other-to Stimu
late one side and alarm the other! 1t is
but to interfere directly with the rights anl
liberties OF the people by bringing TO beal
the military force, not for the preservation
Of peace which is not disturbed-not tOi
the security of rights not molested-not for
the enforcement of laws not resisteG-but
to deter the public judgment from passing
ceDsure upon those who order about the
armies and hold the power of this country
over the people, who, under the Constitu,
ton, are the source OF all power.
General GRANT has not the education MOI
the intellect to perceive the attractions nc
thus commits upon the genius Of our GOV
eminent and the liberty of our people
Even in monarchical England no militar.
force can remain within several miles OF
place of voting on election daS, noi ean
be- brought nearer until the peace Is 80 ol9
turbed as to require its presence. buI Ueh
GRANT sends. his regulars heedlessiy AM
arbitrarily to overawe tho voters, ant
causes, besides, deputy marsnals to b.
sworn In in large numbers to supersede
in effect, the State police and sink the oca
civil authorities into ins significance and help
lessness. In England the Government ha
aperfect right to have soldiers near at hand
to be used if called for by the civil authori
! ties. Here the same right is vested in tn
8k State Government. The Federal Govern
y ment has nothing to do with our elections
no more, in fact, than the British Govern
ment has. Queen VICTORIA could sent
troops to Richmond TO orerawe the voter
or to secure a quiet election (tLe usurper'
plea is always a plausible one), without vic
lat ha RIO nfal pg mn,
Constitution rs grossly as General GRAM
has done in sending his troops hither
EVERYBODY who is not a fool sees that tn,
right to have them here at all implies The
power to compel Us 10 vote as he dictates
These people here in Richmond are 81
accustomed to menace, and SO familiar with
that sort of encouragement which the Coy
ernment has been prone to afford to tn,
men who seek place and perqui,te, and
chances to pilfer and rob the public trea
sure, that they cannot now be greatly eX-
cited or deeply depressed. Wha has beel
done In New York we certainly cannot hope
to escape here.
But then, RS long as we have the privilege
of speaking and voting let Us hope that WI
Snail 40 30 uhe ueH anu fHSluldus, SUI
diers or no soldiers. The menace should
unite us all as one man i'll casting our vote
in opposition to usurpation, misrule, in
competency, and dishonesty. 1t is time
enough to give up when the iron hand ii
upon the wrist and the prison door is closed
upon us. Until then let every man act TIT
part Of straightforward independence. Thu
man who submits to menace, and cover
before show OF force, is already slave