The times. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1890-1903, 1892-11-06
PEACE AT THE POLLS. "
MULTO-OFFICER GENERAL sCHO-
FIELD TO HAZE FULL SWAY
How the Federal Authorities VIII Break
the Peace In Attempting TO Keep IL
by Means Of Deputy Marsbals.

WASHINGTON. ID. O.. Nov. 5.-MaJo
General Schofeld will occupy triple POSI-
ton of much apparent responsibility on
election day. By virtue of his rank as senior
maior-general, he is general in command
of the army of the United States. by
designation of the President. be becomes
acting Secretary Of War in the absence from
Washington of Secretary Elkins and AS
sistant-Secretary Grant In consequence
of the absence in Europe OF Major-General
0. o. Howard, commanding the Depart
ment of the East, ne also assumes command
of that department. which includes
within its boundaries the State OF
New York. New Jersey. Pennsyl-
vania, Delaware. Maryland. Indiana. Viz
gnia. West Virginia, North Carolina, South
Carolina. Georgia. Florida, Louisiana, Mis-
sissippi. Alabama. Kentucky. tennessee,
Ohio and the New England States, as we'll
as the District OF Columbia.
All three hOnOTs descend upon bis shoui-
ders at once. His designation acting
Secretary of War in the absence OF tue
Secretary and Assistant Secretary was made
by President Harrison at the beginning OF
his term and has not yet been changed.
Secretary klkins is away in West Virginia
ton and Assistant Secretary Grant left this
afternoon for Minnesota to cast his vote AT
hi home there on Tuesday. Consequently
lhGeneral Schofeld is ActingS. Secretary.
In one or other of his triple capacities
Major General Schofeld's authority will
extend over every part of the United States
where there is the slightest anticipation OF
trouble on election day, subject only 10
revision by his superior officer. the Presi-
dent Of the United States
As already stated in United Press dis
patches. Acting Attorney General Aldrich
has adopted and made part of his instruc-
tions to United States marshais and super
visors that portion of the circular letter
of Attorney General TAFT. issued IN the
Hayes-Iilden campaign Of lo76. relating 70
the power OF United States marshals and
their deputies. general and special, to sum-
mon military of all denominations. mill
tia soldiers aud marines" to act as posse
comitatus 10 g prevent or quell disorder.
The marshals have alse been advised
under authority of the same circular that
there can be no State law or State ofncial
in this country who has jurisdiction TO op-
pose you in discbarging your official duties
under the laws OF the United States.
Section POOP of tue revised statutes pro-
bibts the stationing of United States troops
or naval forces at the polling places unless
necessary to the peace at the polls"
A request from the United States mar
shals ia New York. Alabama or Arkansas
the three States where conflicts between
State and United States authorities are re-
garded as most likely TO occur on election
day-woulA thus be addressed 10 General
Schofield as acting commander or the de-
paTtment of the East.
Ii further seems possible, from tue pecu-
liar condition of things prevailing, that
whatever action General Schoheld. as acting
commander of the department Of the East,
might take Oh reQulsltiOn from the United
States marshals of New York. Alabama or
Arkansas for force of United States troops
TO act as posse 10 keep the peace at the
polls" might come before him as command
ing general of the army for Endorsement
aud as acting Secretary of War for approval.
IL. therefore. may be regarded as probable
unless the President by sOme other deslgna-
ton (Which is quite unlikely should change
this order of affairs, that the action OF the
military authorities will be quite unanimous
on eectlOD-day.
Governor Flowers proclamation in New
York State and Advices from Arkansas aud
Alabama as to the action of State authori-
ties in election matters caused numerous
inquiries 10 lie made both at the White
House and at the Department OF Justice
and the War Department AS TO the probable
action of the Federal officials IN the event
OF a conflict of jurisdiction.
Acting Attorney General Aldrch was IN
consultation with the President for quite
time this morning. and consequently could
not be seen by outsiders.
When he was reached at last he was asked
if he anticipated trouble between the
United States and the State authorities. He
replied: No; | do not anticipate any
trouble whatever, relying, as ] do, on tho
patriotism and good sense OF the people.
Have you considered the possible use OF
troops in protecting law officers"
No: we have not. The possibility of
the necessity of using troops has not been
for a moment contemplated. AS l have al
ready said. the marshais are peace officers
and are carefully instructed not 10 incite or
invite violence Of anv kind"
Nor do | construe Governor Flowers
proclamation as in any wav conflicting with
the views of this department IN It's position
that in an election like the one on hand the
Federal laws are paramount where there IS
any conflict with the State laws. II seems
clear 10 me that the election may be con
ducted peaceably in all the States and that
no conflict should occur between Federal
aud State authorities anywhere If the same
forbearance is practiced by the State au-
thOrites as mas been enloiued on the Fed
eral officers. If | am quoted In this matter
l desire to emphasize the position OF the
department as heretofore stated, that the
United States marshals and their deputies
are not partisans and are not 10 make dis
elimination between parties in the perform
auce of their duty"
Mr. Aldrich was asked if he had not seen
the President during the morning He adj
mitted that he had but wanted it distinctly
unders TODD that his visit had no political
signific ance whatever.