Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1880-01-05
9aiIp Aenntbff Journal.
Augusta, Monday Morning, Jan. S, 1880.
THE OPlNION.


THE OPINION.
We publish this morning the opinion Of
the Supreme Judicial Court, in answer to
the twelve questions submitted by Cover
nor Garcelon. The Judges are unanimous
IN their conclusions. not ripple Of dissent
appearing. from the venerable Chief JUS
tice Appleton down to the junior member
d the court, Judge symonds. His Honor.
Judge Libby. lifelong democrat, joins
cordially with his colleagues, and stamps
with the Reproduction Of an homes, mind. the
great conspiracy against free ballot.
The united and luminous Judgment Of one
Of the most learned Benches 10 be found in
the Union. deals deaihblow to the cor
rupt combination that has sought 10 throt-
tie and destroy popular electionsin Maine.
The conspiraiDrs displaced thirty-seven
members Of the Legislature, whom the
people had elected. and sought TO put in
their places thirty-seven men whom the
people had rejected And when the qres-
tons we're submitted to judicial arbitra-
ment, every one Of the thirty-seven is
swept away with one wave from the strong
hand Of Justice and Of Law. Not single
sarvivor Of the entire thirty.seven is left
afioat, and not spar IL lcft for one Of them
10 cling to. They have gone down over
whelmed with popular opprobrium. and
with judicial condemnation.
Some Of the discomfited conspirators
are mnttering that this opinion is merely
advisory. and that they will go forward in
entire disregard Of the judgment Of the
Court. and organize the Legislature on the
basis OF fraud which the Court 40 signally
condemns. This is the idle vaporing of
men in the first wrath OF great disap-
pointTent We live under Government
Of Law. and the Court Of supreme and
last resort has spoken. The people
Of Maine do not intend that the
voice OF the court shall he disregar,cd
or disobeyed. The Executive department
has in more than fifty eases since
Maine was n State asked the Judgment of
the Supreme Judicial Tribunal. ION i'm
portant questions Of law" and never in a
single instance has there been reluctance or
hesitancy in obeying its commands. .Aad
there miH moi b. NOR. Common sense and
common honesty have not wholly died out
in the Democractic party. and the very
stones in the streets will cry out against
the base attempt To turn this State over to
anarchy-agaiust instituting u government
Of Frsnd and Force. instead of u govern
ment OF Justice and of Law.
Governor Garcclon made a wise and
timely concession To the popular demand
when he submitted the questions. lie has
his answers. and if he possesses any of the
character and tirmncss which his supporters
attribute 10 him. he will enforce the
Judgment Of the Court. The power lies
ready to his hand. and unless he has lost
all perception of duty and every instinct Of
honor. he will march straight forwardt to the
end. lie has leit but the briefest span Of
official life. hut il is long enough to enable
him in part TO ctiace the evil which he has
inflicted on the State. The success Of Jus
tice does not depend on Governor Garcc-
Ion, hut Governor Garcelon will find that
much to him. throughout his life. depends
on the integrity with which he follows the
course he has himself laid down.