Watertown republican. [volume] (Watertown, Wis.) 1860-1906, 1874-12-16


passed an act providing for convention to
form a new constitution. Pursuant to this act.
and at an election held on the 30th of Juno
1874 the convention was approved, and
delegates were chosen thereto, who
assembled on the 18th dav of last
July and formed new constitution.
the schedule of which provided for the cleo
ton of an entire new set of state officers in a
manner contrary to the existing election laws
of the state. On the 18th of October. 1874,
this constitution, as therein provided. was pre-
sented to the people for their approval or re-
lection, and according to the election returns
was approved by large majority of those
qualified to vote thereon and at the same
election persons were chosen to fill all the
state and county and township offices. The
Governor elected in 1873 for the term of four
years turned over his Office to the Governor
chosen under the new constitution, whereupon
1he MISUNDERSTANDING, also elected In 1873
for the term of four years. claiming to act as
Governor, and alleging that said proceed
ngs by which the new constitution was made,
and a new set of officers elected, were uncon-
stltutional, illegal and void, called upon me, as
provided in section 4 article 4 of the Constitu-
ton, to protect the state against domestic
violence.
As Congress is now investigating the polit-
icai affairs of Arkansas, | have declined to in
terfere. The whole subject of executive in
reference with the affairs of state is repug
who from their official capacity must be used
in such interposltion, and to him or those who
must direct. Unless most clearly on the side
of law. such interference becomes crime.
With the law to support it, it is condemned
without hearing. | desire, therefore, that
all necessity for Executive direction in local
affairs may become unnecessary and obsolete.
1 invite the attention, not only of Congress,
but OF the people of the United States, to the
causes and effects of these unhappy questions.
Is there not disposition on one side to mag
nifty wrongs and outrages, and On the other
side to behttle them or justify them? If pub
lie opinion could be devoted to a correct sur
vey of what is, and to rebuking wrong and
aiding the proper authorities in furnishing it,
a better state of feeling would be inculcated
and the sooner we would have that peace
which would leave the states free, indeed, to
regulate their own domestic affairs. | believe
on the part of our citizens of the southern
states, the better part of them there is dis
position to be law-abiding, and to do no VIC
1ence either to individuals or the laws existing.
But do they do right in ignoring the existence
of violence and bloodshed in resistance to con-
stituted authority? [ sympathize with their
Frustrated condition. and would do all in my
power to relieve them acknowledging that in
some instances they have had most trying
governments to live under and very oppres-
sive ones in the way of taxation for nominal
improvements, not giving benefits equal to the
themselves entirely unblamable for this con-
dition? They cannot. Violence has been
rampant in some localities. and has either been
justified or denied by those who could have
prevented it. The theory is raised that there
is to be further interference on the part of the
general government to protect citizens within
state where the state authorities fail TO give
protection. This is great mistake. While [
remain Executive, all the laws of Congress
and the provisions of the constitution in
Guiding the amendments added thereto, will
be enforced with rigor, but with regret that
they should have added one jot or title to the
executive duties and powers. Let there be
fairness in the discussion of the southern
questions, the advocates of both or all politi-
cal parties; giving honest, truthful reports of
occurrences, condemning the wrong and up
holding the right, and soon all will be we'll.
Under existing conditions the negro, 5otes the
Republican ticket because he knows his friends
are of that party. Many good citizen votes
the opposing ticket, not because he agrees with
the great principles of state which separate
parties, but because generally he is opposed to
negro rule. This is most delusive threat.
The negro is a citizen ana voter, and he is and
must remain, and soon parties will be divided,
not on the color line, but principles. But
we shall have no complaint of sectional inter
ference.
THE ATTORNEY GENERALS REPORT.
! The report of the Attorney General contains
valuable recommendations relating to the adj
ministration of justice in the courts of the
United States. to which envite your attention.
respectfully suggest to Congress the proprie-
ty of increasing the number of judicial districts
in the United States to eleven, the present
number being nine, and the creation of two
additional judges. The territory to be travers-
ed by the circuit judges is SO great, and the
business of the courts SO steadily increasing,
that it is growing more and more impossible
for To laoT, tbo b11cI
ing their attention. Whether this would in
volye the necessity of adding two more Justices
of the superior court to the present lumber.
[ submit to the judgment of Congress. -
INTERIOR DEPARTMENT
The attention of Congress is invited to the
report of the Secretary of the Interior, and to
the legislation asked for by him. The domes-
tic interests of the people are more Intimately
connected with this department than with any
of the other departments of government Its
duties have been added to from time to time
until they have become SO enormous that with
out the most perfect system and order it will
be impossible for any Secre tary of the Interior
TO keep trace of all officials transactions hav-
ing his sanction and done in his name, and for
which he is held personally responsible
THE INDIAN POLICY.
1. The policy adopted for the management of
Indian affairs, known the peace policy, has
Do0u duu0T0u W Will UuOSC Dou0uC1dl results.
It is confidently hoped that few years more
will save our frontiers from Indian depreda-
lions. I commend the recommendation of the
Secretary for the extention of the homestead
laws to the indians, and for some sort Of ter
ritorial government for the Indian Territory
A great majority of the Indians occupying this
territory are believed to be incapable of main
tanning their rights against the more civilized
and enlightened man. Ally territorial form of
government given them. therefore, should
protect them In their homes and property for
period of at least twenty years, and before
its final adoption should be ratified by ma
jority Of those affected The report of the
Secretary Of the Interior, herewith attached,
gives much interesting statiatical information
which abstain from giving an abstract of, but
recommend you to the report itself.
PENSIONS.
The act of Congress prescribing the oath
which pensioners must subscribe before draw
ing their pensions, cuts off from this bounty
few survivors of the war of 1912 residing in the
southern states. recommend the restoration
of this bounty to all such. The number of
persons whose names would be restored to the
list of pensioners is not large. The are all old
persons. who could have taken no part in the
rebellion, and the services for which they were