Wood County reporter. [volume] (Grand Rapids [i.e. Wisconsin Rapids], Wis.) 1857-1923, 1863-05-07

Gen. Carrington's Order respecting the
Carrying of Concealed Weapons, the
knlshts Of the Golden Circle, Disloyal
Embiems. &C.
As considerable hiss been said by some
of the opposition papers in denunciation
of the recent order of Gen. DARLINGTON,
at Indianapolis, we print it below. 1t is
worth while to observe what measures are
denounced by the partizans opposed to the
administration and the war. If We mis-
take not, most loyal men will find nothing
in this order to complain of. On the con.
trary, it will strike them as eminently fit,
patriotic and just in its letter and spirit ::
HEADQUARTERS DISTRICT OF INDIANA
DEpARTNINT OF TIE OHIo
INDIANAPOLIS, April 19, 1868.
General Orders No. o.
I. In the face of appeals to the people to give
up the illegal practice of wearing concealed wsa-
pons and to abandon secret armed associations the
practice continues The inevitable result has been
the loss or valuable lives It is the clear duty of
every good citizen, of whatever party, to maintain
order, and stop these things at 1t Is clearly
the duty OF the press to concur in such action
There can be no half and half policy. No party
can gain character by the recognition of such
cieties They aspire to local power Independent of
both State and general governments. They can
imperil, but cannot insure, the rights Of any.
II. Marked, among such associations, are the
knights of the Golden Circle. Their oaths are
discyal their signs and signals are dsloyal. Let
all calm and reasoning citizens, who have entered
their lodges, renouncs them. They have met with
arms in their hands, they have guarded the ap-
proach to those meetings with armed sentineIs-
They have used their influence to protect dsss1ters
They have passed resolutions to defy United States
laws, ssnd the government of the United States,
to their obligations and continue their secret drill
are denounced as public enemies, to be dealt with
as such.
III. The habit OF attending political meetings
armed is another evil too common, and portentous
of mischief. Let every citizen 60 with the right
temper to his political meeting ner fear thai any
will interfere with his right, doubt that he will
be protected in their enjoyment.
But it should never be forgotten, that in times of
public peril it becomes the absorbing int of
every citizen subordinate everything to the gen.
eral good, and to direct all party issues that the
preservation Of the government in its integrity and
entirety shall be unqualified and sure.
Nv. In this connection let 1t be not forgotten
that violent partisan haransues do no good, but
embitter all Other issues. Enblenas that in other
times might be adopted at pleasure only incite ana.
mostly when they are borrowed from such as are
recognized by rebels, and had their origin with the
first prisoners brought to the North. Ihev from
their dress, were denominated butternuts."-
They early adopted the copperhead upon their
banners, and it is still maintained upon the flags
of several rebel States.
1t is very slight sacrifice to forbear their use as
party emblem, Uhe7a it is undeniabLe that their
early association ao1th tho rebel cause has 0Srexa
them character aohach complexities party relasions
and creates constant conflict and alarm In more
than half the counties of this State. Their use
gives prestige to the party With which their
Wearers assume to identity themselves, but COM
promises it with the people.
v. Will leading men and the press of all parties
believe that the commanding officer of this district
truly represent his government and theirs in ex-
pressing his purpose to regard the rights of all,
while holding absolutely and unqualhedly to the
maintenance OF our common country7 For men
who plot our overthrow, there is but one ISSUE
With this neither of the leading political parties is
charged. OF this the Knights of the Golden Cir
Gle, in their leaders, are guilty.
This appeal, preceded by repeated notice Of their
existence and aims, and, while denouncing Them is
coupled with tbs earnest hope that all good men
will unite in tbs objects expressed to adhere to the
habits Of peace, and f0rbear the use Of words or
emblems that embtter parties and compromise or
outrage the loyal sentments Of any.