Helena weekly herald. [volume] (Helena, Mont.) 1867-1900, 1872-01-11
THE NEW ATTORNEY GENERAL.

Our w aSnlnSlOn Clty ana Otner Eastern eA-
changes. for some days cut off from us by
the snow blockade on the Union Pacific Rail-
road, are again coming regularly northward,
and supply us with some items of news ad-
dtional to what has reached us of late over the
wires. We see chronicled, among other
events of interest to our people. a congratula-
tory visit, to the recently appointed Attorney
General, of alarge number of gentlemen from
the Pacific Coast, including several members
of Congress. Our Delegate, Hon. VIM. H.
Clagett, made brief address, followed by
the Secretary of the Senate, Gorham, Dele
gate Jones, of Wyoming, and several others.
The Attorney General responded as follows:
Gentlemen, allow me to make my ac-
acknowledgements for the expressions of kind
ness just made, and to say that feel highly
complimented by your presence this evening.
perceive that most of you reside upon the
Pacific coast, and presume that by this meet
ing you intend to signify your satisfaction
that one of your citizens has been called to a
place in President Grants Cabinet. / accept
the position with deffidence, but to the best of
my abilities shall discharge its duties so as
to promote the true interests of the country,
and reflect credit upon the present Admins
tration. All the abilities and energies which
l.
the laws and the suppression of violence, dis
order and crime. promise ali whom it may
concern that when l am placed at the head of
the Department of Justice in this Govern
ment, so far as the jurisdiction of that de-
partment may 60, its mandates will be dis
pensed without fear or favor, and with equal
Vigor and respect for all classes and conditions
of men. l know not what may be in the
clamor now made about official delinquencies
in FoIo Off IN1t for fbo
and prosecution of such delinquencies de-
volved upon the Department of Justice, no
partisan considerations will have weight, and
no pains will be spared to bring the guilty to
speedy and condign punishment. l deeply
regret that in some portions of the country a
spirit of lawlessness seems to prevail. will
favor every consideration of kindness to in
duce obedience to the laws, but if no other
means will answer, then l am for using the
whole power of the country in the most
vigorous and effective manner to crush out
every conspiracy against the peace of society
and the safety of unoffending citizens. Gov
ernments were primarily establishedto protect
the weak against the strong, and if this Gov
ernment fails to perform its functions in that
respect, it has poor claim upon the support
and loyalty of its citizens. lam amazed that
any considerable numbers6f persons in the
country at this time should engage in acts of
| violence and disorder, for there is nothing to
be gained and much to be lost, in that way.
Life without safety to person and property,
and society without good order and peace,
are comparatively of little value, but if the
passions of hatred and revenge are allowed
to overcome these considerations, then it be-
comes the plain duty of the Government to
| interpose with its strong arm, to subdue and
| repress those passions. No one in the light
of recent events in New York and elsewhere,
can take Office and escape the vigilant eye of
the people, and nothing but active and up
right devotion to duty will give general salts
| faction. / shall struggle to meet the popular
demand, as well as to meet the expectations
of my friends, with how much of success,
| time and events will determine. Ihave the
honor to be the first Cabinet officer taken
from the Pacific coast. California, Nevada,
Oregon and the Territories of the Far West
may now consider themselves recognized and
represented in every branch of the Govern
ment. / feel pride in their growth and de-
velopment, and | shall not forget in my new
| office, where my home is, or what | have
learned of their wants and interests by resi-
| dence of 81 years on the sunset sideiof the
Mississippi River. | do not affect Indifference
to party matters because have been elected
to office. l belong to the Republican party.
believe in its principles and politics. l have
profound conviction thatits ascendency, for
some time to come, is necessary to the pres
ervation of peace andthe enforcement of law,
and subordinate to my official obligations.
Everything that | can reasonably, and honor
ably, l shall earnestly do to secure its tri-
umph at the next Presidential election. I
thank you, gentlemen, for this pleasant inter =
view
The speech was applauded, and after Mr..
Williams had been congratulated by the COM
pany, in the shaking of hands, he invited
them to partake of refreshments. Toasts
were drank to the Attorney General; to the
Administration; and to Mr. Williams grace
full and accomplished wife, and the company
separated evidently much pleased with the
proceedings.