The New York herald. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1840-1920, 1875-01-13
GOV. PARKER'S PROTEST.

TRENTON, N. j., Jan. IL, 1875.
The following extract from the valedictory mes
sage OF Governor Parker, delivered before the
Legislature to-day, gives his views on the Louisi.
ana trOuble:-
The recent violation of the federala constitution
in sister state strikes at the very existence OF
State sovereignty. An unlawful blow cannot be
indicted on one State by the federal power without
all feeling It's effect. When the reserved rights OF
State are Interested. Without giving in detail the
unconstitutional proceedings recently had In
Louisiana, TO which aliuslon mas been made, and
with winch you are familiar, 1t Is sufficient to
state that armed soldiers OF the United states in
yaded the State Capitol. entered the very hall In
session ana f0rciDly elected members OF the body
from the seats to which they mad been admitted
elected and their right to membership referred ;
and that the same soldiers, surrounding the
Speakers chair in close proximity, by the lnttm:
datlOn OF their presence in military dress and
equipment, did drive the body from the legislative
hall provided by law for its Deliberations. At the
time OF this transaction, unprecedented in this
country. there was no invasion, insurrection or
domestic violence existing there, and the Legis-
lature having the right to determine upon the
election and qualifications OF Its members, had ex
creased that right, and was IN peaceabe session,
engaged In its legitimate business
VIOLATION OF THE CONSTITUTION.
That such action was clear violation OF the
constitution needs no argument mere state
ment OF few fundamental principles which lie
at the foundation OF our system OF government,
and which are so plain as to nave become axi0ms,
is all that Is necessary. The first great truth bear
government is the creation OF the States; that it
mas no power except that which was bestowed
upon 1T by the states, and that all powers not dele
gated are reserved to the states and the people
thereof. The delegated powers given to the gen.
eral government are expressed in the cOnstitu-
eighty OF State Is complete ana real In It's pro-
per sphere and from this It follows that 1t Is the
United States, to assert and maintain, In consti-
tutional manner, their several rights. The stu
dent OF the constitution will also observe that It's
trainers, fearing the entertainments OF the central
government on the rights oil the States, were jeal-
Gus Of its military power, and hence threw around
its exercise such guards and restrictions as made
army OF the United States can lawfully be used In
any of the States when there is no INVASION there
must be InsurreCton or domestic violence; and
also application for troops from the proper civil
authority OF the State. The right OF such applica-
ton Is In the Legislature II the Legislature is not
IN session, the Governor cannot apply, unless he
first call upon the Legislature to convene. II,
upon being summoned, the Legislature cannot
the right to call federal soldiers into his State.
DRIVER OUT BY THE BAYoNET.
The Legislature could have been convened, In
fact, on That day 1t was IN session. and the extra
ordinary spectacle was presented OF the United
states Army dispensing by force the very body
the right to be there. There was no insurrection
or domestic violence; there was no riot; 1t was
the bayonet, but it was the Legislative Assembly
OF a sovereign state. That was no ordinary inva-
SlOQ OI cOusGlIuLlOuAl IIRuCS, Out SJaD NJ local
sef-gOvernment in a vital part. 1t was direct
violation OF the constitution In its most important
feature, imperlng the rights OF the States and
the liberties Of the citizen.
STATE SOVEREIGNTY.
Nearly forty years ago, IN addressing the people
OF tails country upon his voluntary retireme mt
from the Presidency and from public liie the
gre at soldier and statesman, whose name stands
next TO that OF Washington on the roll OF Ameri-
can heroes, used the following language, every
sentence OF which should be engraved on the
minds or all who desire the preservation OF our
form OF gOvernment:-"The legitimate authority
OF the general government Is abundantly sum-
ated, and It's powers being expressly enumerated
there can be no justification for claiming any
thing beyond them. Every attempt TO exercise
power beyond these limits should be promptly and
firmly opposed. One evil example will lead to
others still more miscnlev0us, and If the principle
OF constr uctive powers, or supposed advantages
or temporary circumstances shall ever be permit.
ted to justify the assumption OF power not given
by the constitution the general government viii
before long absorb all the powers OF Legislation,
and you Will have in effect but one consolidated
government. Every friend OF our Tree institutions
paired and In full vigor the rights and sovereignty
OF the states. and to conhne the action OF the
general governments strictly to the sphere OF It's
appropriate duties."
PROTEST FIRMLY.
recommend thar, In the name OF New Jersey,
state which has ever been loyal to the consti-
sutton and the laws. and which has on all &C.
casiOns sustained the national government in the
exercise OF legt mate powers you do promptly
and In frm and decided language protest against
the recent unlawful action OF the federal author.
tiles In using the military power OF the United
States to invade the constitutional rights OF the
sister State OF Louisiana.