Pawtucket tribune. (Pawtucket, R.I.) 1890-189?, 1893-08-18
WHAT AFTER THE OPINION?

The question naturally arises after the
opinion OF the Supreme Court In the pre-
sent political embroglio, What is to be
doneY And 1t is grave question. The
State is a community governed by laws
made by itself end 1t Is In common duty
bound to respect those laws. The consti-
tuition OF the State is the fundamental
law until II shall have been changed.
When changed by the legal method OF
changing that constitution, we must
abide by it just as we must abide by the
present constitution.
The constitution, no matter what we
think OF il, is the law OF the land OF
Rhode Island until the people of Rhode
Island alter 1t In lawful manner. The
word "lawful" sometimes embraces what
would be called revolutionary change IL
the people accepted the change peacefully,
thereby denoting their desire for such a
change. But that change must not be
contrary to the general idea OF the consti-
tuition OF the United States. When that
happens then there is treason, both on the
part of the State and of the individual
who openly abets the act. -
ANY person who aids or abets an act,
or does anything overtly overthrowing or
tending to overthrow our constitution, is
as guilty OF treason felony as a State
would be when openly and with force re-
sisting the constitutional laws of the
United States.
This brings US back to the main ques.
tion: Is Governor Brown liable to I'm
peachment for treason In knowingly vio-
lating the constitution, or is he simply
liable to indictment for wrongfully and
and msliciousiy violating the laws OF the
State so as to perpetuate himself in power?
We think that he and his abettors are
guilty in both instances, and that steps
should be taken to press this matter.
The opinion OF the Supreme Court is
one which simply and rightly says, in a
few words condensed. 1t is not within our
jurisdiction because we have no power In
the premises. Each branch OF our gov.
ernment as founded by the fathers and
accepted and apprec lated by us is co-or-
dinate but independent OF the other. All
three WORK together as whole system,
yet in their separate functions they act
separately and independently. II the ex-
ecutive breaks the laws he is amenable to
them just as any other man is. II the
legislature does wrong 1t is amenable to
the people. II the judiciary does wrong
1t Is amenable to the legislature and the
law OF the land.
But leaving all these matters aside,
what Is best to be done? Would 1t not look
better for the State and all the depart
ments for Gov. Brown TO call the Assembly
together at once and count the votes and
then meet in grand committee and elect
State officers?
We do not care how 1t results. Neither
do the people. They have been taught to
revere our forms OF government and we
should not hesitate now. Settle 1t now.
II the matter is postponed to the jan
uary session Of the Assembly there will
be nothing but wrangling and .unbecom.
ing exhibitions on both sides. Life is too
short for these interminsble quarrels and
the rank and nle of both parties are tired
Both parties should unite on this settle
ment. II they do not, then the only
remedy Of the people is to 1rive out tn,
leaders of both parties and say ga plague
on both your houses"