Indiana State sentinel. (Indianapolis, Ind.) 1861-1865, 1863-04-29

HEADoUARTEKs DISTRICT or INDIANA.
Department of the Ohio.
Indianauolis ADril 10. 1861 \

indianapolis. April 10, 1853
l. In the face OF appeals to the people to give
up the illegal practice of wearing concealed wea-
pons, and TO abandon secret armed associations,
the practice continues The inevitable re-
suit has been the loss of valuable lives 1t isthe
clear duty of every good citizen, of whatever
party, to maintain order aud stop these things at
once II is as clearly the duty of the press 10
concur in such action There can be no halfand
half policy. No party can gain character by
the recognition of such societies They aspire to
local power, independent of both State and Gen.
eral Government. They can imperil, but can
not insure the rights of any
H. Marked, among such associations, are the
Knights of the Golden Circle. Their oaths are
disloyal; their signs and signals are disloyal. Let
all calm and reasoning citizens, who have en-
tered their lodges, renounce them. They have
met with arms in their hands. They have guar
ded the approach to those meetings with armed
sentinels They have used their influence to
protect deserters. They have passed resolutions
to defy United States law, and the Government of
the United States, which protects them They
who shall still adhere to their obligations, and
continue their secret drill, are denounced as pub
lie enemies, to be dealt with as such.
Ill The habit of attending political meet
ings armed, is another evil too common, and por-
tentous of mischief Let every citizen 90 with
the right temper, to his political meeting. nor
fear that any will interfere with his rights, nor
doubt that he will be protected in their enjoy
ment.
But il should never be forgotten that in times
of public peril, it becomes the absorbing interest
of every citizen to subordinate everything to the
genera good, and to direct all party issues so that
the preservation of the Government in its integ
rity and entirety, shall be unqualified and sure
". In this connection let il he not forgotten
that violent partisan harrangues do no good but
embitter all other issues E~nblems that in other
times might be adopted at pleasure, only incite
animosity when they are borrowed from such as
are recognized by rebels, and had their origin
with the first prisoners brought TO the North
They, from their dress, were denominated "but
ternuts." They early adopted the COpperhead
upon their banners, and il is still maintained upon
the flags of several rebel States
1t is IA very slight sacrifice to forbear their use
as party emblem, when il is undniable that
their early association with the rebel cause has
given them a character which cDmpcates party
relations. and creates constant Conflict and alarm
in more than half the counties Of this State
Their use gives no prestige to the party with
which their wearers assume TO identify them
selves, but compromises it with the people.
V. Will leading men and the press of all par
ties believe that the commanding officer of this
District truly represents his Government and
theirs, in expressing his purpose to regard the
rights of all while holding absolutly and unquali-
hedly to the maintenance of our common country?
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 Circle. in their leaders, are guilty.
This appeal preceded by repeated notice of
their existence and aims and while denouncing
them, is coupled with the earnest hope that all
good men will unite in the objects expressed TO
adhere to the habits of peace. and forbear the
of words or emblems that embitter parties and
compromise or outrage the loyal sentiments Of
any.
By command of BRIG. GEN. CARRINGToN.
H. Z. MADISON. It. & A. D. c., A. A. A.G.