‘Rule or Ruin’: A Territorial Lawmaker Turns on Governor Stevens

MR. EDITOR:—I have been confined to my room for a day or two, and do not feel well enough to reply at length to the criticism of the gentleman from ——, on the remarks which I made a few days ago on this floor. His remarks are as unexpected as they are out of time at this stage of the proceedings. He goes on to say that my statements in reference to the Administration taking sides with General Wool, in the [conduct] of its [policy], are not well founded. That it was the policy of General Wool is too well known to members to make it necessary to say anything further in the premises.

As his remarks should place me in a false light, I will go briefly over his statements. He says that it is not the duty of the President to recommend to Congress the redemption of our war [debt]. If it is not the duty of the President to do it, whose duty is it? The President is elected by the people of all the States, to represent all parts of the Confederacy. And of all the people who come immediately under his charge — they have no vote in the Senate or House of Representatives, and of course they should be cared for by the Executive. The people here are [as much] the children of the President [as any], and, of course, directly under his care. He therefore should look out for their interests, and see that they get what is due them from the national treasury.

But as the gentleman says, I voted for the "Union" during the Administration. But in doing so, the House will remember, I stated I did not endorse its Kansas policy. The local questions connected with Kansas do not affect our Territory, and therefore should not prejudice us against the general policy of the national government. I wish it understood that I belong to that class of citizens who are frank enough to point out an error whenever it occurs in the actions of our public men. I care not to what party the man may belong; whenever he commits an error, I am willing to point it out. I know there are many who have a false delicacy in these things, especially if it relates to those leading men under whom they may be acting.

It seems that my remarks on a former occasion have been misinterpreted. It would appear [that] knowing ones in this place would attempt to "prevent men from uttering their honest sentiments." I wish it now understood that whatever personal remarks I made on a former occasion, they were called forth by a member on this floor. In the course of my statements referring to the unpopular appointments, through the [action] of Gov. Stevens, and to the reported [violation] of the laws, I was called out by an opposition member. He said in substance that I could not point out any unpopular appointment; or, that I could not show an instance where the law had been violated. And thus, seeing that I did not intend at the commencement of my remarks to use any personalities in [order], and that I was sorry to be compelled to make reference to persons and facts, I was compelled to answer. I then came down to names and circumstances. I stated what I supposed were facts. If the opposition become [angry] at the relating of facts, I cannot help it. They must commit no error, and we [will] have none to point out. And they, too, [should see] that they do not become corrupt, or the people will cleanse them.

Our right to criticise the actions of Gov. Stevens cannot be doubted by any here. If he does not wish his actions criticised he must retire from the field, and cease to [seek] public service, or be unpopular. If he appoints men in power who do not meet the wishes of the people, he must abide by the consequences. The appointments are before the country, and the only way for me to do is to grin and bear them; for it appears to be the determination of Gov. Stevens to either rule or ruin.

Reference [has been] made to that part of my remarks relating to parties in this Territory. The member from Whatcom says that there are but two parties in this Territory — the Democratic and the Republican — and, informed, spoke rather strongly of the latter. Now I [claim] a right to belong to any party I choose. And [those who] think and speak what they please are my fellow citizens of the United States. A particular party or clique seems to [own] this [Territory], and seem to [want] to exclude all others who [may] differ with it. It is [true] this Territory [has gone] and continued [so] until this day. But it finds [itself in] session of the Legislature, [where] there are a few who doubt about [whether] all the citizens are permitted to think and speak as they please. But it is [humiliating] to high-minded men to [be silenced] in these days, who were made in the image of God, but who have given their [support] to [placemen], and submit their [judgment] to [their] dictation. During the din and [confusion] of [that] day, [such] men tremble in their [shoes], and skulk out of the [way] till the fiery [storm passes]. Those men belong only to that [class] who have offices to bestow. It is by the [elevation] of such men that the [reputations] of the most distinguished and able men of [the land] have been [consigned] into oblivion — men [ever] willing to do for the clique to which they belong that dirty work which no [honest] man will do or [countenance].