The Russellville Democrat., 1875-03-18
A GRAVE QUESTION.
Rhode Island gets a taste of Federal Usurpati0n,
 and becomes,
 Indignant.
Powers of the General Govern ment discussed by Gov
 crnOr Howard.
From the N. r.. Herald. l

NEWPORT, k. l., March }, IS75.
 Governor Howard presented q report of Chief Constable Northup to the Senate this afternoon, rela- tive to the official interference of United States Marshal Coggeshall at the recent seizure of liquors, which were under the protection of thu State. His speech has, it is said. caused profound sensa tion throughout the State. The following is the substance of his speech:-
 THE GOVERNORS s ADDRESS.
 In the collision between officers of the State and the United States 1 was called on by member of the constabulary force and inform ed of an existing difficulty and asked to interfere ill the matter. It seemed to me on an examina- tion of the facts that, although there was no doubt in my own mind that I might direct DOT tion of the military establishment of the State to sustain the State officers of law, yet prudence re- qulred that the question might better be decided by a Court than by an intervention of the military. Besides, I was reluctant to bring the military into antagonism with the police of the city of Provi- .dence. 1 therefore directed the constabulary to make no further effort to seize the liquor then held by the United States Marshal and Chief of the police. As a result, this has been placarded as a vic tory on the part of the United States Marshal and his Deputy. It seems proper that l should therefore say that pusilanimity, if any, is mine rather than that of the State constabulary, and oblo- quy, if any, is mine.
 CoLLUsIvE ATTACHMENTS.
 I agree fully with the uniyer- sal opinion that these attachments are collusiye, and a thinly disguis- ed sham, and 1 share general sense of modification at the in dignity to which our common wealth was subjected. l realized, also, the gravity of the situation, and recognize it as our imperative duty to take measures for an ear ly and proper adjustment of the question. There have been din ned into our ears for the past six months threats with regard to Fort Adams and revenue cutters but so long as these threats were words and idle words they have been treated as such. Yet when it is gravely stated by respecta- ble and intelligent journal that troops from Fort Adams and the United States Revenue cutter Samual Dexter had been placed at the disposition of the Marshal, it seems proper to ask,
 WHY IS THIS DONE?
 whom is it desired to attack Not q foreign foe. Not tarbu lent community in rebellion. Il must be, then, for purpose; wag ing war on the people of State a State whose people from tEC date of it's settlement have beer noted for their intelligent conser vatism and patriotism. It may be improper for the honorable body to consider such. menaces s' long as they are menaces. Bu
 now that issue is directly forced l think it ought to receive you
 attention. Your presence here
 Senators, is mockery and farce
 If such proceedings as these ar
 sustained by the federal govern ,, ment your honorable judiciar and executive may as we'll resig 7 their office and leave the contre and direction of the State affair to the subordinates of the Unite States government.
 2 A GRAVE QUESTION.
 7 No grayer question has bee !. forced upon the State since I
 first settlement; it is vital que