Governor Admits Defeat Of State

Press, Volume CI, Issue 29942, 2 October 1962, Page 15

Governor Admits Defeat Of State

1N Z P A.-Reuter—Copyright >

JACKSON (Mississippi), September 30. Governor Ross R. Barnett, who bad sworn to go to gaol rather than see a negro at the University of Mississippi, indirectly admitted defeat tonight in the fettle to block Mr James Meredith from enrolling, the Associated Press reported.

Governor Barnett issued a statement from the Governor’s mansion in Jackson after being informed Mr Meredith was on the “Ole Miss" campus. “I know that we are now ompletely surrounded by armed forces and that we are physically overpowered." he said. "I know that our principles remain true, but we must St all odds preserve the peace and avoid bloodshed. "Surrounded on all sides by the armed forces and oppressive power- of the United States of America, my courage and my convictions do not waver. My heart stiU says ’Never.’ but my calm judg-

rnent abhors the bloodshed that will follow.” he said.

He urged all Mississippian? to avoid violence. His statement closed with words directed to United States Government officials.

"Gentlemen, you are tramping on toe sovereignty of this greet State and depriving it of every vestige of honour and respect as a member of the union of States You are destroying the Constitution of this great nation May God have mercy on your souls "Mississippi will continue to fight the Meredith case and all similar cases through the Courts to restore the sovereignty of the State and constitutional government,” he said.