The Lexington advertiser. [volume] (Lexington, Miss.) 1904-1985, 1963-02-07

On September 10, 1862 Justice
Black, speaking for the Supreme Court
of the United States, reinstated a fede-
raj court injunction ordering the i'm
mediate admission of James A. Mere
dith to the University of Mississippi.
That evening a series of confer
ences was held by Mississippi's Gov.
Ross R. Barnett. He was advised by law
yers of highest repute that no further
legal action was possible. The Meredith
case, which had been in the courts since
May 81, 1861, had been finally termi-
mated. He was told that regardless of
the personal opinions, feelings and con-
victions of native born Mississippi fede-
raj district judges, they would carry out
the mandate of the Supreme Court of
the United States.
The governor knew that he was
faced with only two alternatives: COM
pliance or defiance.
Gov. Barnett's background coun.
selled compliance. His religious convic-
tons, legal training, and his duties and
responsibilities as governor of the state
OF Mississippi called for maintenance of
peace and order, respect for constituted
authority and obedience to law.
On the other hand, his political
career had been staked upon success
fully maintaining segregation as Missis-
sippi's primary policy. He had avidly
sought and won the support of the
powerful Citizens Councils. He had &C
copied their leaders into his confidence
and as his trusted political advisors.
His speeches reflected the official Citi-
zens Councils position. Again and again.
he had cried never, never, never to
the ever increasing threat of the in
tegration of the public schools of his
state.
This Hateful day marked a day of
decision for Mississippi. Had the COVER
nor urged compliance, had he said that
although he disagreed with the order
of the United States court, that the
order would be obeyed, the tragedy of
Oxford would not have taken place.
The people of Mississippi would have
followed his leadership.
Instead, pressured by advisors
who continued to cry never, never,
never" he led his state down a path
that inevitably led to riot, destruction
and death.
That night Gov. Barnett denoun-
ced Justice Blacks order as "illegal,"
and said he "wOuld not allow Mere
dith's entrance at Ole Miss despite the
order"
On September 18th Gov. Barnett
i'm a television address to the people
of the state said, mo schools will be
integrated while / am your governor"
He submitted himself to the posslbill-
ty of federal Imprisonment and de-
clared, eff there be any official who
is not prepared to suffer Imprisonment
for this righteous cause, | ask him now
to submit his resignation" He invoked
the doctrine of "interposition" and
issued a proclamation placing the
sovereignty of the state against the
enforcement of the courts decree.
Gov. Barnett's words met with
overwhelming public approval and sup
port. Both of Mississippi's senator's,
five of six congressman and nearly all
elective and appointive state, district,
county and municipal officials strong
ly endorsed his actions. The Missis-
sippi legislature, meeting in special
session, with only two dissenting votes,
adopted resolutions commencing him
for his stand. Congratulatory resolu-
lions, messages, kilograms, telephone