The Cambria freeman. [volume] (Ebensburg, Pa.) 1867-1938, 1871-01-12

sources OF our mineral regions. And as
good maps are the basis Of all useful re-
search IN every department of science and
the arts, especially in the practical sciences
OF geology and metalurgy, the first step to-
ward geological survey is to obtain as cor
rect a map as possible, if not of the entire
State, at least of such parts thereof as are of
the most Importance to be studied geologi-
cally.
BOARD OF PUBLIC CHARITIES.
Under the requirement OF an act, ap-
proved April oath, 1869, l appointed FIVE
commissioners to constitute Board of Pub
lie Charities. who, at ell times, have full
power to look into and examine the copdi-
tion of all charitable. reformatory or correc-
tional institutions within the State aud at
least once In every yea. visit all such as are
receiving State aid, to examine everything
connected with their management, aud es>
pecially to ascertain whether the funds ap-
propriated to them are economically and
judiciously expended The requisite num-
Der oil gentlemen. possessing the nece ssary
qualifications, bave generously consented to
serve on this Board. which is now fully or
ganized, and The objects fully contemplated
are being accomplished. Early during the
session their first annual report will be pre-
sented for your consideration, which will
give full account Of the extent and impor-
tance of their philanthropic transactions 10
behalf of the Commonwealth.
THE EUROPEAN WAR.
While two heroic nations in Europe have
been engaged ir keadly strife, shocking to
civilization. our countay has been but little
effected by 1t in physical sense. But our
symrathies are deeply excited fer both peo-
pie, and in the name of humanity we ear
nestly hope their differences may soon be
satisfactorily adjusted. and peace restored.
THE MILITARY AT ELECTIONS.
The employment of the United States
troops at elections. without the consent of
local and State governments, has recently
received considerable attention and repre-
hension. 1t is regarded as an interference
with the sovereign rights Of the States, which
was not contemplated by the founders of the
general government, and, if persisted In,
must lead to results disastl Gus to peace and
harmony. The practice is one SO serious in
its character, aud so injurious in it's terden-
cies, al to merit prompt consideration, and
decisive action. not only by the General AS
sembly, but by Congress. One of the cons
plants OF the colonists against the British
hIng was the oppression growing out of the
assumption OF this power. They said, 'Uo
has kept among us in times of peace. stand,
ing armies, without the consent Of our Leg
islature;; )" and, what is especially pertinent
10 the case i'll point, He has effected to
render the military Independent of, aud su-
perior to, the civil power" The alleged
authority for tho use of troops, at our State
elections is derived from tho tenth section of
an act of Congress, approved May 81, 1870,
entitled, "An act to enforce the right of
citizens of the Uuted States to vote in the
several States Of the Union, and for other
w I1pit tal
marshals to call to their assistance, ..such
portion of the land and naval forces of tho
Uuited States, or of The militia, as may be
necessary TO the performance of the duty with
which they ale charged, and to insure a
faithful observance of the Fifteenth Amend
ent to the Constitution of the United
States" But it must be a forced construc-
ton of this law that will justify the pres
euce Of armed national forces at our places
of election when no necessity exists therefor,
and where their presence is calculated to
provoke collision. With a good President,
the exercise of the power referred to might
have no injurious results, but in the hands
of bad man, governed by personal ambi
ton, 1t might prove exceedingly calamtous.
Unconsciously good President might be
induced to employ it wrongfully bad one
would be almost certain to use it for his
own advancement. Under any crcumst an
ces, IN my opinion, it is unsafe. and autag-
onistic to the principles that should govern
our Republican institutions. At the last
October election United States troops were
stationed in Philadelphia for the avowed
purpose of enforcing the election laws. This
was done without the consent or even the
knowledge Of the civil authorities of either
the city or the State, and without any ex-
pressed desire on the part OF the citizans :;
and as far as can be ascertained, without ex-
listing necessity. From conscientious con
viction Of its Importance, have called YOUR
attention to this subject. y neglect to have
done SO might have been construed as an en-
toTsement Of measure that meets nv uu-
qualified disapproval. The civil authorities
Of Pennsylvania have always been, and are
still competent to protect its citizens in the
exercise OF their elective franchise. and the
proper and only time for United States mil
itary forces to intervene will be when the
power Of the Common wealth is exhausted,
and their aid is lawfully required.
1876
The celebration of the Centennial Birthday
OF American Independence is exciting much
public attention. 1t will be an important
era in the history Of the nation. Congress
has already agtated the subject, and will,
doubtless soon take action in relation there
to- The place for this great occasion should
not be question of controversy No other
could be So appropriate as Philadelphia
Around the Hal! Of Independence cluster all
the brightest memories Of tho eventful period
TO be conmemorated. There Congress met ;
there the historic bell first proclaimed lib
erty throughout all the land-unto all the
inhabitants thereof" there the Declaration
OF Independence was first promulgated, and
there should be the national celebration of
the one hnndredth anniversary of the ma
tion's existence.
In conclusion, it is my sncere desire,
that we may cultivate the spirit of good
will, forbearance, kindness and charity, and
unite IN constant efforts to promote the pub
lie good and general prosperity.
JOHN ". GEARY.