Sacramento daily record-union. [volume] (Sacramento [Calif.]) 1875-1891, 1880-08-02

70 smbarrass him BY suggestions He was Depart
ment Commander and lawful head OF the military
administration within the limits Of the department.
But besides, l knew that he had been called to
Washington for consultation before taking COM
mand, and was probably aware OF the views OF the
Administration as to the civil affairs III his com
mand. knew that he was in direct communication
with nv superors in authority, in reference the
delicate subjects presented for his consideration, or
had ideas Of his own which he believed to be Srifi-
centiy in accordance with the views of our common
superiors TO enable HIM TO act intelligenty accord
ing 10 his judgment, and without suggestions from
those not the spot and not as fully acquainted
with the facts as himself. He desired too to be
free to act he had the eventual greater response
hiity and as the matter was governed between him
and myself. As have been writing thus freely to
you may still further unhosom myself by stating
that have not though. it lawful or wise 10 Fed
eral troops in such matters have TRANSFERRED east
OF the Mississippi within the last few months save
so far as they may be brought into action under the
Article Of the Constitution which contempates
meeting armed resistance or
THE INVASION OF STATE
More powerful than the State authorities can sub.
due by ordinary processes, and then only when re-
quested by the legislature or, II II could not be
convened in session by the Governor, and when the
President of the United States i1teryened in that
manner il is state NJ war. not peace The army IL
laboring under disadvantages and has been used
unlawfnly at times in the judgment Of the people
Tin nine certainly and we have lost great deal
of the kindly feeling which the community st large
once felt for US at is time to stop aud unoaG
Officers in command Of troops often find il difficult
10 act wisely and safely when their superors in
authority have different views Of the law from
theirs and when legislation has sanctioned action
seemingly in conflict with the fundamental law,
and they generally defer to the known jndg
ment of their supeFiors. Yet the superior
officers Of the army are 50 regarded in
such great crises, aud are held &c
such responsibility especially those ut or near the
head OF it. that il IS necessary On such moment
o,is occasions TO dare to determine for themselve:
what is laufs and VIVA; IS not lawful under oul
sestem II the military authorities should be in
voked As might possibly BE The case IN such exeep
tional times when there existed such divergent
views as 70 the correct result the army win sufei
from its rast action il 1t has acted wrongfuily ON
regular army has little hold upon the affections OF
The people to-day, and its Superior officers should
certainly as far as lies in their power legally and
with righteous intent, ain 10 defend the right
which 10 us is the laws and institutions which they
represent. It is weliineaning ins;itu ion and il
would be well if it should have opportunity u
be recognized as bUiwar IN support Of the rights
of the Teople and OF the law. ! am truly yours,
WINFIELD S. HANCOCK.
To General W. T. Sherman, commanding army Of
the United States Washington, d. G.