The sun. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1833-1916, 1876-09-06
FAITH Err TAFTS BIG GUN.
DISCUSSING THE NEW USE or THE
UNITED STATES ARNY
Hew the Order to United states Marsb.I.
- Construed by the War Department-Tbe
Legality Of the Order Decidedly Dopbted.

How the Order to United state. Mar.b,I.
| IL Construed by the War Departmrnt-Tbc
| Legality Of the Order Decidedly Deubtcd.
WARRINGTON, Sept. 5.-There was a long
consultation yesterday morning at the War De-
| partment upon the subject of Attorney w. eneral
Tsfts order to United States Msrshais. There
were present at this Interview Secretaries Cbond-
Ter, Robson, and Cameron, Acknowledgement
TAFT, Gen. Sherman, Gen. Ruger, Senator John
| Patterson and Gov. Cham berlaln OF South Caro-
| iina, and District Attorney Beckwith Of Louis
lana. This meeting was for the purpose OF can
vassing the order, which had been returned
approved from Long Branch. Gov. Chamberlain
and District Attorney Beck with were summoned
| to this conference to make reports upon the
condition Of Affairs In their respective States.
The order was fully discussed, and the bearing
which IL would have upon the duties OF the
Federal military and officials was freely talked
over for the better understanding of the Secre-
taries Of the War and Navy and Gen. sherman.
This clause WAS the especial object OF attention
In elections at which members of the House OF Rep.
slee,lon. a. which electors Tor President and vice
voters agsns wsteyer IN general hinder, a
them from free exercise OF the elective franchise En-
dct Of ronn0 aadte personal Freedom and sscnriiv or
ordnv roe that he may intend 10 gre as SSa,Ss Gu
spirdcv because " any that ne already hdus oits en-
This clause, a. construed by its makers, will
authorize the employment OF troops at political
meetings In the South prior to election day.
THIS use Of the army was new even to Gov
Chamberlain, and he 80 remarked. Taft said
that he had carefully studied up this branch OF
the subject and that there was no doubt OF the
power to use the army pose IN a time OF
peace as provided In this order Taft added
that he quoted Caleb Cushing on this subject,
as he Is regarded as an especially high authority
n the South and was Attorney q eneral under
ffesident Pierce when he gave that opinion.
After the conference bad broken up the order
was given out and at once becam c the subject
OF conversation among army officers and poiitl-
Gen. Snerman's stan said that he doubted very
much Taft's power to use the army az he had |
Intended as protection to our frontiers aud by |
SUBSEQUENT action It's power was extended 10 |
much doubted whether the army could bs
called upon BY United States MarshaIs except
70 case OF riot, where Il w~ absolutely nsces
common law rule Of England. which allows the the
sustain the power Of the civil au,hSrities 'O0 10
Gov: amosrlsin has been tho principal
that this order is absolutely necessary to Sc
eur fair election. He said that Il was
10 When danger Is 10 ss s hS s s,a5s.
hendsd are South Carolina, Mississippi,
and s,l,i Louisiana In speaking Of Gen. u. c.
burg massacre, he said that the trial would
begin next week, but 10 the present feyerish
political excitement he had no hope OF any sat
isfactorY result.
Secretary Robson. who was present at the
conference this morning, said be attended on
account OF the presence Of . large force OF
marines at Port Royal. He consulted as TO the
best means OF their disposal, they will be used
under this order Of Taft's IN assisting the army.
MS force OF marines will give the civil officials
OF Sou!h Carolina a small army, to be used In
conducting campaign.
Gen. lerman said that he will not issue any
orders under the Attorney-General's circular
letter. but will publish II In a general order
Whlch VIII De sent TO different commanding OH
GERS Tor their inform alton an1 guidance. Tue
decision OF the Supreme Court. said he, AZ.
iectSd the law as applied 10 : ate elections only.
~ elrctions Tor Members OF Congress aud Presl-
dental elections the law IL In full force. and
~ srsh ais have iigot to demand the assistance
ot all citiZsns, soldiers and marines. There will
ne no chlld 5 play or pireying said the General,
bot tue soldiers will shoot. Peace and order
must De enforced. ana citizens must be protect
70 III their right to vote, even at the risk of
shooting somebody.