Public ledger. [volume] (Memphis, Tenn.) 1865-1893, 1874-09-15
states Rights and own Rights.


To the Editor of the Ledger;
wish, with your permission, through
your columns to get some information
about the Gibson county troubles.
Whilst l. in common with all good
citizens, condemn the late outrages, and
would throw no obstacle in the way to
prevent the arrest and punishment Of
the offenders, but, on the contrary,
would afford all the facilities in my
power to aid in its accomplishment, yet
am at loss to know by what author
ity of law the United States Commits
sioner undertakes to exercise jurisdic-
ton to arrest and try parties implicated
in the murders.
In his warrant of arrest and mittimus
he says it was for violation of the
enforcement act, and therein having
committed murder in the first degree,
and of depriving them Of their right of
life, and the right to be deprived thereof
without due process.
There should be no conflict of juris-
diction between the State and Federal
Courts; each should adhere to the con-
stitutional landmarks. When was it
ever pretended before or since the en-
forcement act, that the Federal authori-
ties had right TO arrest and try mur-
derer, or any other lelon, for offenses
committed within the jurisdiction Of the
State courts2 II there be a precedent
Tor such proceeding, should be glad to
be informed of it. Besides, | wish to
know of any provision of the enforce
ment act which, by the most latitudinous
construction, can in the remotest degree
be made applicable to the facts involved
in these cases.
If the local authorities we're doipg
nothing to ferret out the criminals and
bring them to punishment, in view of
the magnitude of the crimes, then there
might be some pretext for interference
on the part Of the United States Com
missioner. But it is we'll known that
the Circuit Court of Gibson county is
being kept open and the Grand Jury
constantly at work summoning every
one before them whom they may suppose
has the remotest knowledge of the facts;
and the Governor of the State has offered
the highest reward that the law
permits him to do for the apprehension
of the parties; besides he has visited the
scene of the tragedies in person, and
appealed in person to the local authori-
ties and citizens to aid in arresting them;
and he assures them, if the posse comi-
tatus of the county is insufficient for the
purpose, that be will make requisition
upon other counties for men and mate
riel to aid them. He does not even stop
here. he visits our own city and makes
requisition upon the Chief OF Police,
with all of his appliances to aid and
assist the other authorities, and which
be is doing with that earnestness and
promise Of success that hes always char
aeterized his official conduct.
The warrant of arrest, as published,
fails to show upon whose affidavit the
information was furnished which author
lied the issuance of the warrant This,
too, is a little remarkable. But it is
said that Dug Jamison is the man, and
that he is lodged in Jail as a witness,
and that Captain Garrett's instructions
to the jailer are not to allow any one to
communicate with him, and the Chief of
Police, Athy, was denied the privilege.
Why is this2 Why not cooperate with
the LEGAL authorities, and if Cap
tain Garrett has information that
furnishes a clue to the guilty |
parties, give others the benefit Of itT Is
he afraid to confde in Chief Athyf Can !