The Indiana State sentinel. [volume] (Indianapolis) 1868-1895, 1889-03-06
NO SPECIAL POLICY
For the South or Any other Section OF Il

For the South or Amy other Section OF the
Country
Is it not quite possible that the farmers and
the promoters of the great mining and manu-
featuring enterprises which have recently been
established in the South may yet find that the
free ballot of the wOrkingman, without distinc-
ton of race, is needed for their defense as we'll
as for his own2 do not doubt that if those
men in the South who now accept the tariff
views of Clay and the constitutional exposi-
tons of Webster, would oOurageously avow
and defend their real convictions, they would
not find it difficult, by friendly instruction and
cooperation, TO make the black man their
efficient and safe ally, not only in establish
ing correct principles in national admin
istration but in preserving for their local COM
munities, the benefits OF social order and eco
nonIical and honest government. At least I'M
til the good offices of kindness and education
have been fairly tried, the contrary conclusion
cannot be plausibly urged.
i have altogether rejected the suggestion of
a special executive policy for any section OF
our country. 1t is the duty of the executive 10
administer and enforce, in the methods and by
the lnstrumentaities pointed out and provided
by the constitution, all the laws enacted by
congress. These laws are general and their adj
minlstration should be uniform and equal As
citizen may not elect what laws he will obey,
neither may the executive elect which he will
enforce. The duty to obey and execute en-
braces the constitution in its entirety
and the whole code OF laws enacted
under it. The evil example OF permit
ting individuals, corporations or communities
to nulliiy the laws because they cross some sell
hsh or local interests or preludces Is full Of
danger, not only 10 the nation at large, but
much more to those who use this pernicious
eXpedent to escape their just obligations, or 10
olfu tIxor, afh hgv
will presently. themselves, be compelled to APP
peal to the law Tor protection, and those who
would use the law rs a defense must not deny
that use OF il TO others. Ii our great corpora
tiOns would more scrupuloUsly observe their
legal limitations ana duties they would have
less cause to complain OF the unlawful hmlta-
tons Of their rights of violent interference
with their operations.
The community that by concert, open or
secret, among It's citizens, denies TO portion OF
its members their plain rights under the law
has severed the only safe bond of social order
and prosperity. The evil works from a bad
center, both ways. IL demOraliZes those who
practice il, and destroys the faith of those who
suffer by il in the efficiency OF the law as a safe
protector The man IN whose breast that faith
has been darkened is naturally the subject
of dangerous and uncanny suggestions. Those
| who use unlawful methods, If moved by no
! higher motives than the selhshness that
prompted them, may well stop and inquire
| what ~ 10 De the emu OF TINS. An uhIdW vi
expedient cannot become permanent condl-
! ton OF government. 1T the educated and in
| huential classes in a community either prac-
tice or connive at the systematic violation OF
laws that seem to them TO cross their con-
venience, what can they Expect when the lesson,
that convenience a supposed class
interest is sufficient cause for law
lessness has been well earned by the ignoran!
| classes? a community where law is the rule OF
conduct and where courta, not mobs, execute
its penalties is the only attractivefeld for busl-
ness investments and honest labor.