The Canton advocate. [volume] (Canton, D.T. [S.D.]) 1877-1897, 1884-07-31

Pierce is now governor OF all the Duko-
tn $, and it remains to be seen whether he
will wind up his career with the general
feeling of pleased satisfaction and good
will that has characterized the expressions
of the masses on the announcement OF the
overthrow of the Ordway element, or
whether he will leave the chair of sover-
eign power and dignity with the unani-
nous animosity of his subjects. Had
Pierce advent into the territory followed
the term of some true DukOtaian who had
become identified with the honest and le-
gitimate business interests confined with
in his circumscribed domain, the chant of
welcome would not have existed with such
a unanimity of spirit, but coming as he
does after Il four years series OF confusion,
turbulent and unjust domination and al
most tumult from INSTRUMENTATION, his ar
rival is greeted as a measure towards heal
ing the rancor of the disturbing factions
and inoculating more equitable and hon
est feature into the manipulation of coun-
ty seat deals and capital removals. The
carpet bag act that President Arthur has
followed so unsuccessfully is this time ov-
crlooked, and the bare fact that the prof
ligate Ordway and gang are no longer in
power seems to have been successful in
insurng an expressive salutation of well
come to this man from nearly half a mil
lion western boomers, who have decided
that right must rule though Bismarck and
north Dakota be buried in the ashes and
dust of oblivion and sinching defeat.
! Governor Pierce appeared at Yankton
last week and was sworn in by exGovern-
or Faulk, a justice Of the peace. A sere-
made at the Merchants brought out sever
al speeches, and touching upon the sub
iect of the capital location contest, the
new governor says:
The duty of the executive is not to
make the laws, but to execute them. The
only means he has of knowing the will OF
the people is by looking at the measures
which they have enacted through their
representatives. If such representatives
have been false to their constituents, the
remedy lies in changing them and electing
men more faithful to their oaths and
their duty. Now your Legislature has
passed an act regarding the seat of gov
ernmen. What it intended to do, what
it meant to accomplish by that act, is very
plain. What it actually did accomplish
must be determined by future develop
ments This act repealed the law making
Yankton the capital; it appointed acom'
mission to fix upon permanent seat Of
government and, last, it provided that
until such location was made the territori-
al archives should remain at Y Yankton, un.
less the governor should designate some
other point by written order Whether
this last provision was wise or unwlse is
not for me to say; but it is certainly as
much a part of the law as any other sec
ton. The governor, in his discretion, has
acted upon this clause, and it is very
clear to me that the power having been
exercised the order has all the force and
effect of a statute until repealed or re-
voked. That the incoming governor may
again revoke or annul the order is prob
ably true. The question is, should this
be done? >. am told the legislature
meant to transfer the capital of that
there is no question. Recognizing the
fact that it is the duty OF the executive to
carry out the intent and meaning of the
peoples representatives as thoroughly
and completely as possible, I still wish it
understood that have no plans to push
or theories to advance against any compe-
tent authority which may direct me to
modify or reverse my action. am the
subject of the'law. Let the law and peo-
pie who make the law express clearly
what they require me to do and shall
cheerfully obey.
From the above it is inferred that Gov
ernor Pierce will recognize Bismarck as
the capital, unless he receives directly
contrary orders from the department at
Washington, This is not probable, and
it now rests with the people of southern
Dakota whether or no theyrecogaize the
right of the removal by the last legisla-
ture, in making their selections for the IN
coming legislatorial body.
Nothing can be ofLlore general interest
at this moment than information relative
to our candidates. There is no denying