From the Covington Journal of September 21, 1861 comes this report of some of the activities of the Kentucky Legislature as the state vainly tried to stay out of the Civil War, even with both sides having forces in the state by this time..
To Preserve the Peace and Quiet of Kentucky
The Legislature has adopted several important declarations concerning the peace and quiet of Kentucky.
The Conklin Resolutions (adopted in the House by a vote of 89 yeas to 4 nays, and in the Senate by 31 yeas to 5 nays) declares:
1. That the people of Kentucky ought not to engage in civil strife amongst themselves on account of difference of political opinions.
2. That it is the duty of the people to be obedient to the civil authorities, and to respect, in times of war as well as peace, all the rights guaranteed to every citizen by the constitution and the laws of the land.
3.That all good citizens, however they may differ in political opinion, should unite in protecting each other in their rights of life, liberty and property, against invasion thereof by unlawful raids, mobs or marauding bands.
A resolution introduced by Col. Finnell, and adopted in the House by a vote of 92 yeas to 3 nays, declares:
4. That no citizen shall be arrested on account of his political opinions.
5. That no citizen's property shall be taken or confiscated because of such opinions
6. That no slave shall be set free by any military commander.
7. That all peaceable citizens and their families are entitled to and shall receive the fullest protection of the government in the enjoyment of their lives, their liberties and their property.
We invite a hearty concurrence in these declarations. If generally accepted in good faith they cannot fail in accomplishing much good.
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"Col. Finnell" appears to be the General John Finnell mentioned in this online version of Collins' Historical Sketches of Kentucky" The language mentioned above was a summary from his resolutions demanding that the Confederate troops leave Kentucky's soil.
Showing posts with label legislature. Show all posts
Showing posts with label legislature. Show all posts
Monday, September 19, 2011
Wednesday, June 15, 2011
Military Oath
From the June 15th Covington Journal
By the provision of the last military bill adopted by the Legislature, all members of the State Guard are required to take the oath which the officers of the organization have heretofore taken, and if they refuse to take it within thirty days, the State arms held by them are to be returned to the proper authorities. Home Guards organized under that bill, receiving arms from the State, are required to take the same obligation. It is as follows;
"I do solemnly swear that I will support the Constitution of the United States, and the Constitution of this State, and be faithful and true to the Commonwealth of Kentucky so long as I continue a citizen thereof; and I further swear that I will well and truly execute and obey the legal orders of all officers legally placed over me, when on duty. So help me God.
By the provision of the last military bill adopted by the Legislature, all members of the State Guard are required to take the oath which the officers of the organization have heretofore taken, and if they refuse to take it within thirty days, the State arms held by them are to be returned to the proper authorities. Home Guards organized under that bill, receiving arms from the State, are required to take the same obligation. It is as follows;
"I do solemnly swear that I will support the Constitution of the United States, and the Constitution of this State, and be faithful and true to the Commonwealth of Kentucky so long as I continue a citizen thereof; and I further swear that I will well and truly execute and obey the legal orders of all officers legally placed over me, when on duty. So help me God.
Sunday, May 22, 2011
The Position of Kentucky
It affords us great pleasure to say that the lower house of the Kentucky Legislature has passed resolutions to the effect that the State should maintain strict neutrality during the present contest, and approving on the Governor's refusal to furnish troops to the Federal Government. We cannot doubt the concurrence of the Senate.
This was from the Covington Journal of May 18, 1861,.
This was from the Covington Journal of May 18, 1861,.
Monday, February 14, 2011
2 KY Senators discuss the state resolutions, part 2
Regarding the state resolutions I posted about previously right here and one state Senator's thoughts on it, here are the comments of Benjamin P. Cissel, a Democrat from (ironically) Union County.
He clearly was not happy with the legislature's decision.
Mr. Speaker - I rise to make an explanation. I am sorry that the dominant majority here have seen proper by moving and carrying the previous question to put the gag upon the mouths of the Representatives of a free people. The motion and action by the majority is unjustifiable, illiberal and altogether out of the ordinary laws of parlimentary usage and courtesy. But as it is, the gag has been placed upon our mouths, and all that is left me, is a mere explanation of my vote. The 3d resolution is nothing but one offered by myself; the Senator from Logan and the Senator from Bourbon, at an early day in the session, so weakened as to mean nothing; its vitality has been extracted from it. Yet, being unable to do better - if I had to vote on it as a single proposition, I would vote for it. But when I am compelled to indorse the statements in the whole, I cannot do it. I had hoped that Kentucky would have placed herself in a bold and proud position; but these resolutions, if hoped to destroy her character for manliness and independence and place her, through this General Assembly, in opposition which will not be seconded by her gallant and daring sons. Therefore, as a whole, I cannot indorse them, and must vote against them, and from party caucuses and party cliques, I for one intend to appeal to the liberality and magnanimity of a free and enlightened people.
He clearly was not happy with the legislature's decision.
Mr. Speaker - I rise to make an explanation. I am sorry that the dominant majority here have seen proper by moving and carrying the previous question to put the gag upon the mouths of the Representatives of a free people. The motion and action by the majority is unjustifiable, illiberal and altogether out of the ordinary laws of parlimentary usage and courtesy. But as it is, the gag has been placed upon our mouths, and all that is left me, is a mere explanation of my vote. The 3d resolution is nothing but one offered by myself; the Senator from Logan and the Senator from Bourbon, at an early day in the session, so weakened as to mean nothing; its vitality has been extracted from it. Yet, being unable to do better - if I had to vote on it as a single proposition, I would vote for it. But when I am compelled to indorse the statements in the whole, I cannot do it. I had hoped that Kentucky would have placed herself in a bold and proud position; but these resolutions, if hoped to destroy her character for manliness and independence and place her, through this General Assembly, in opposition which will not be seconded by her gallant and daring sons. Therefore, as a whole, I cannot indorse them, and must vote against them, and from party caucuses and party cliques, I for one intend to appeal to the liberality and magnanimity of a free and enlightened people.
2 KY Senators discuss the state resolutions, part 1
Following my previous entry on a set of resolutions announced by the legislature of Kentucky and printed in the February 9, 1861 edition of the Covington Journal, I will now post two speeches given by Kentucky state Senators during the vote on those resolutions, one (reluctantly) in favor of the legislature's decision and one opposed to it. Due to their length, I will create a separate entry for each.
The paper credited these first comments to "Mr. Rhea, Union (of Logan)." I believe this refers to Albert G. Rhea, member of a prominent Logan County family. "Union" may refer to the Union party.
I desire for us to proclaim in language that cannot be misunderstood, that when all effort shall fail in restoring peace and tranquility to the country, and securing constitutional guarantees for the protection of the rights and interests of the slave States of the Union, that our sympathies are with the South, and we will with them make a common cause. When our overtures are all disregarded and our propositions for adjustment are all rejected, what other course can we take in honor and justice to ourselves.
In my judgment, Mr. Speaker, if Kentucky would at once assume this position - for it is her true position, and he who has not yet learned it knows but little of the feeling of the great mass of her citizens - it would do more to arrest the besom of destruction which is now sweeping over all beloved land, than all else we have done besides. Our brethren of the South would no longer doubt our sympathy for them, and they would harken unto our voice when we entreat them to stay the desolating hand of disunion until all efforts shall fail to secure our rights under the Constitution. It would open the eyes of the North to the folly of their course and they would feel and see that we are in earnest- This they do not now believe. They think Kentucky will submit to any and all grievances a fanatical majority may see proper to inflict. This is not true, and the sooner the fact is impressed on the free States the better it will be for all concerned. If Kentucky would take this position, I believe a satisfactory adjustment would be speedily made.
But, Mr. Speaker, I am denied making an effort to engraft such a sentiment in the resolutions. I know full well from the indications manifested that these resolutions are the best the Senate is now willing to adopt, and whilst I cannot get all I desire embodied in them, yet approving much that they contain, and protesting against the indecent haste with which they are being passed through,as well as the gag which has been applied with reference to their discussion, I will cast my vote in the affirmative.
The paper credited these first comments to "Mr. Rhea, Union (of Logan)." I believe this refers to Albert G. Rhea, member of a prominent Logan County family. "Union" may refer to the Union party.
I desire for us to proclaim in language that cannot be misunderstood, that when all effort shall fail in restoring peace and tranquility to the country, and securing constitutional guarantees for the protection of the rights and interests of the slave States of the Union, that our sympathies are with the South, and we will with them make a common cause. When our overtures are all disregarded and our propositions for adjustment are all rejected, what other course can we take in honor and justice to ourselves.
In my judgment, Mr. Speaker, if Kentucky would at once assume this position - for it is her true position, and he who has not yet learned it knows but little of the feeling of the great mass of her citizens - it would do more to arrest the besom of destruction which is now sweeping over all beloved land, than all else we have done besides. Our brethren of the South would no longer doubt our sympathy for them, and they would harken unto our voice when we entreat them to stay the desolating hand of disunion until all efforts shall fail to secure our rights under the Constitution. It would open the eyes of the North to the folly of their course and they would feel and see that we are in earnest- This they do not now believe. They think Kentucky will submit to any and all grievances a fanatical majority may see proper to inflict. This is not true, and the sooner the fact is impressed on the free States the better it will be for all concerned. If Kentucky would take this position, I believe a satisfactory adjustment would be speedily made.
But, Mr. Speaker, I am denied making an effort to engraft such a sentiment in the resolutions. I know full well from the indications manifested that these resolutions are the best the Senate is now willing to adopt, and whilst I cannot get all I desire embodied in them, yet approving much that they contain, and protesting against the indecent haste with which they are being passed through,as well as the gag which has been applied with reference to their discussion, I will cast my vote in the affirmative.
Thursday, February 10, 2011
Kentucky Legislature Resolutions, February 1861
After seeing an interesting post at Robert Moore's Cenantua's Blog describing some articles he found in newspapers, I thought his idea sounded really interesting, so I will be trying to add some coverage from the Northern Kentucky and Cincinnati newspapers in early 1861 before the war came.
One newspaper, the Covington Journal is available online through the Kenton County Public Library's website, so I will certainly be taking advantage of it quite frequently. I hope also to make some return visits to the library to do some microfilm searches of the Cincinnati Daily Enquirer and Cincinnati Daily Commercial, though I realize that time constraints may not let me do that as frequently as I would like.
Still, I think it will be interesting to see what the newspapers thought was worthy of printing and commentary in the early part of 1861, when peace still prevailed in the midst of so much uncertainty, with talk of secession and the changing of hands of the US Presidency. Will any of these newspapers show a preference for any side of these issues? Will the paper printed in Kentucky be significantly different than the ones across the river?
__
I start today with information from the Covington Journal of February 9, 1861. It was a weekly newspaper, so each edition contained many articles. This particular edition has a couple interesting stories in it, including one very long commentary of the situation regarding slavery, but the article I will discuss today is a "report of the Select Committee on Federal Relations" from the state legislature.
Reading this report, it's almost like a "close the barn door after the horse is out" situation. Much of that is based on hindsight available now, of course, but this same issue carries an article declaring Texas's decision to secede (awaiting a vote of the people for confirmation), along with plans from Arkansas to vote on whether or not to have a secession convention. This all, of course, is after several states had already declared their departure from the Union.
This report asks both the southern states and the Federal Government to back off their plans or potential plans and try to come up with a compromise to preserve the Union. It does read like a document from a state that wanted to try to please both sides.
Here is the text of this report.
Resolved, by the General Assembly of the Commonwealth of Kentucky, That the people of Kentucky view with the most lively apprehension the dangers that now environ the Union and threaten its perpetuity.
Resolved, That we appeal to our Southern brethren to stay the work of revolution; to return and make one mighty effort to perpetuate the noble work of our forefathers, hallowed by the recollections of a thousand noble deeds.
Resolved, That we protest against the use of force or coercion by the General Government against the seceding States, as unwise and inexpedient, and tending to the destruction of our common country.
Resolved, That as this General Assembly has made an application to Congress to call a National Convention to amend the Constitution of the United States, and requested the Legislatures of all other States to make similar applications, and has appointed commissioners to meet those which have been appointed by the State of Virginia, and such as may be appointed by other States, at a designated time and place to consider and, if practicable, agree upon some suitable adjustment of the present unhappy controversies, it is unnecessary and inexpedient for this Legislature to take any further action on this subject at the present time. And as evidence of the sincerity and good faith of our propositions for an adjustment, and an expression of devotion to the Union and desire for its preservation, Kentucky awaits with deep solicitude the response from her sister States.
The final resolution then schedules its next meeting and lists the members of this committee, one of whom was L. H. Rousseau, a future Union general. Another member was Thornton F Marshall, a Democrat whose vote was the deciding one in Kentucky's decision to declare neutrality at the beginning of the Civil War. (See also page 580 of the Encyclopedia of Northern Kentucky)
This newspaper followed up this report with comments from a pair of Kentucky Senators. I will review those comments in a future entry.
One newspaper, the Covington Journal is available online through the Kenton County Public Library's website, so I will certainly be taking advantage of it quite frequently. I hope also to make some return visits to the library to do some microfilm searches of the Cincinnati Daily Enquirer and Cincinnati Daily Commercial, though I realize that time constraints may not let me do that as frequently as I would like.
Still, I think it will be interesting to see what the newspapers thought was worthy of printing and commentary in the early part of 1861, when peace still prevailed in the midst of so much uncertainty, with talk of secession and the changing of hands of the US Presidency. Will any of these newspapers show a preference for any side of these issues? Will the paper printed in Kentucky be significantly different than the ones across the river?
__
I start today with information from the Covington Journal of February 9, 1861. It was a weekly newspaper, so each edition contained many articles. This particular edition has a couple interesting stories in it, including one very long commentary of the situation regarding slavery, but the article I will discuss today is a "report of the Select Committee on Federal Relations" from the state legislature.
Reading this report, it's almost like a "close the barn door after the horse is out" situation. Much of that is based on hindsight available now, of course, but this same issue carries an article declaring Texas's decision to secede (awaiting a vote of the people for confirmation), along with plans from Arkansas to vote on whether or not to have a secession convention. This all, of course, is after several states had already declared their departure from the Union.
This report asks both the southern states and the Federal Government to back off their plans or potential plans and try to come up with a compromise to preserve the Union. It does read like a document from a state that wanted to try to please both sides.
Here is the text of this report.
Resolved, by the General Assembly of the Commonwealth of Kentucky, That the people of Kentucky view with the most lively apprehension the dangers that now environ the Union and threaten its perpetuity.
Resolved, That we appeal to our Southern brethren to stay the work of revolution; to return and make one mighty effort to perpetuate the noble work of our forefathers, hallowed by the recollections of a thousand noble deeds.
Resolved, That we protest against the use of force or coercion by the General Government against the seceding States, as unwise and inexpedient, and tending to the destruction of our common country.
Resolved, That as this General Assembly has made an application to Congress to call a National Convention to amend the Constitution of the United States, and requested the Legislatures of all other States to make similar applications, and has appointed commissioners to meet those which have been appointed by the State of Virginia, and such as may be appointed by other States, at a designated time and place to consider and, if practicable, agree upon some suitable adjustment of the present unhappy controversies, it is unnecessary and inexpedient for this Legislature to take any further action on this subject at the present time. And as evidence of the sincerity and good faith of our propositions for an adjustment, and an expression of devotion to the Union and desire for its preservation, Kentucky awaits with deep solicitude the response from her sister States.
The final resolution then schedules its next meeting and lists the members of this committee, one of whom was L. H. Rousseau, a future Union general. Another member was Thornton F Marshall, a Democrat whose vote was the deciding one in Kentucky's decision to declare neutrality at the beginning of the Civil War. (See also page 580 of the Encyclopedia of Northern Kentucky)
This newspaper followed up this report with comments from a pair of Kentucky Senators. I will review those comments in a future entry.
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