The Eaton Democrat. (Eaton, Ohio) 1875-1903, 1880-09-02

he did not desire it, or that, being in direct COM
munication with my military superiors at the
seat OF Government, who were nearer to him
in time and distance than was, he deemed
1t unnecessary. As Gen. Ruger had the uIti-
mate responsibility Of action, and bad really the
greater danger to confront in the final action In
the matter, did not venture to embarrass
him By Sugget donf. He was department
commander, and the lawful head Of the mill
itary administration within the limits Of the
that he had been called to Washington
for consultation before taking command, and
was probably aware of the views OF the admin
istration as to civil affairs in his command. I
knew that he was in direct communication with
my superiors in authority in reference to the
delicate subjects presented for his considers
ton, or had ideas of his own which he believed
to be sufficiently IN accord with the views OF
our common superiors to enable him to act in
telligently, according 10 his judgment, and
without suggestions from those not on the spot
and not as fully acquainted with the facts as
himself. He desired, too, to be free to act as
he had the eventual greater responsibility, and
SO the matter was governed as between him and
myself.
As have been writing thus freely to you, J
may still further unbosom myself by stating
that have not thought it lawful or wise to use
Federal troops in snch matters as have trans
pired east of the Mississippi within the last few
months, save SO far as they may be brought
ton which contemplates meeting armed resist
ance, or invasion of q State, more powerful
than the State authorities can subdue by the
ordinary processes, and then only when re-
quested by the Legislature, or if it could not
be convened IN session, by the Governor and
when the President OF the United States in
tervenes in that manner it is state Of war, not
peace.
The army is laboring under disadvantages,
and has been used unlawfully at times in the
Judgment Of the people On mine, certainly,
and we have lost great deal OF the kindly
feeling which the community at largo once felt
for us. "It is time to stop and unload" Off
GERS in command of troops often find it diff
cult to act wisely and safely, when superiors in
authority have different views of the law from
| theirs, and wheu legislation has sanctioned
action seemingly in conflict with fundamental
law, and they generally defer to the known
| Judgment of their superlors; yet the su-
perior officers of the army are so regarded IN
such great crisis and are held to such response
bility, especially those at or near the head of it
| that it is necessary on such momentous occar
sions to dare to determine for themselves what
| is lawful and what is not lawful under our sys
! tenn. If the military authorities should be IN
yoked, as might possibly be the case in sucl
exceptional times, when there existed such di
yerpent views as to the correct result, the arm,
will suffer from its past action if it has actet
| wrongfully. Our regular army has little hols
upon the affections of the people of to-day
and its superior officers should certainly, as n
as lies in their power, legally and with rghteou
intent, aim to defend the right zhich to us j
! the law and IT, institution which they repre-
sent. It is 8 well-meEning institution, and
would be well Il it should have an opportunit
to be recognized as a buiwark IN support Of In
rights of the people and of the law am tEuf
yours, WINFIELD .. EANcoCk:
To Gen. w T. Sherman, commanding army Of th
United States, Washington, D. c.