Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1875-03-06
RHODE ISLAND EXCITED.
Z collision Between Federal and state
Authorities - Governor Howard's
STATES Rights speech.


NEW YORK, March "a Newport, II. l.
dispatch says: Governor Howard presented
report OF CHIEF Constable Northup To the
senate yesterday afternoon, relative 10 the
official interference of nited States Marshal
Coggeshall, at the recent seizure of liquors
which were under the protection of the state.
His speech has, il is said, caused a profound
sensation throughout the state The follow
ing is The substance of the speech: In the col
nSion between officers of the state and the
United States, was called on by member
OF the cOnStabulary force and informed OF an
existing difficulty, and asked TO interfere I'm
The matter. 1t seemed TO me, on an eNami-
nation OF the facts, that although there was
no donbt IN my own mind that i might
direct a portion of The military establish
ment OF the state 10 sustain the state
ofhcers OF law, yet prudence required that
the question might better be decided by a
court then by an Intervention OF the military.
Besides 1 was reluctant to bring the military
10 antagonism with the police of the city OF
Providence. j therefore directed the con
stabularly TO make no further effort 10 seize
The liquor then held by the United States
marshal and chief of the police. AS a result
this has been placarded as a victory on the
part OF the United States marshal and his
deputy. IL seems proper that should there
fore say that pusillanimity, If any, is mine,
rather than that OF the state constabulary
fully With the universal amy opfnon a fbs
these attachments are collusive and
thinly disguised sham and share
a general sense of modification at
"
was subjected; realize also the gravity OF
the situation and recognize IL as our impera-
tive duty TO take measures for an early and
proper adjustment of the question. There
have been dinned into our ears for the past
six months threats with regard 10 Fort
Adams and revenue cutters, but so long as
these threats were words, and idle words,
they have been treated as such. vet when il
is gravely stated by a respectable and intelli-
gent journal that troops from Fort Adams
and the U. :. revenue cutter Samuel Dexter
had been placed at the disposition of the mar
shall IL seems proper TO ask, why Is this done?
Whom is IL desired TO attack? Not foreign
foe, not turbulent community in rebellion.
III must be, then, for purpose; waging war
on the people OF state, a state whose people
from the date of its settlement have been
noted for their intelligent conservatism and
PATRIOTISM. IL may be improper for this
honorable body 10 consider such menaces so
long as they are menaces. But now that the
issue is directly forced, 1 think il ought TO
receive your attention. Your presence here,
Senators, is mockery and a farce. if such
proceedings as these are sustained by the
federal government. Your honorable judi
cary and executive may as well resign their
Offices, and leave the control and direction
of state affairs to the subordinates of the
United states government. No graver cues
ton has been forced upon the state since its
nrst settlement. 1t is a vital question. for i'm
IL are involved the sovereignty of the state
and the harmonious relati OF the state
with the United States. The little state OF
Rhode Island is entitled on such points TO an
equal respect as larger states or the general
government itself / make no argument on
this question. The matter is in the hands of
the general assembly, anu L am confident il
viii be adjusted i'm such a manner as to vim
dictate the honor of the state and maintain
the integrity of the laws. / have not the
slightest doubt that the authorities at Wash
ington, when this matter is properly COM
municated 10 them, Will promptly and EN-
phatically condemn and repudlate the pro
ceedings OF the marshal in these premises