The New era. [volume] (Martinsburg, W. Va.) 1865-1871, 1865-11-23
GEEARDsToWS, ". Y Il.
Nov. Goth, 1865.

GERARDsToWN, ". Va.
Nov. Goth, 1865.
Editor. Aeae Ere:
noticed in your issue OF the 9th of
November, an editorial which so truly
and graphically brings before the notice
Of the public, the unfairness of the re-
cent election, and the acts perpetrated
by the Radical party of this District,
that the indignation of every honest and
peaceable citizen Of this community,
should rise and condemn such conduct.
But sir, it appears strange that the Of
ficers of this town should have permit
ted their partizan enthusiasm to have
carried them so far beyond the bounds
of their acknowledged duty, as to have
sent the turnkey Of our county around
at the head of a squad of soldiers, to ar
rest and imprison some of our best and
truest Union citizens. Yes, men who
throughout the last four years of the re-
bellion had remained true to their cOun-
try, although some of them had every
indueement offered them to desert the
old flag, and lend their influence and
property to aid the South in the prosecu-
ton of the war. But, no sir, nothing
could turn them from the course thAs
they believed right, not even the advice
Of those whom they had loved and rev.
erenced could shake their tirmness; but
with an unEltering determination to
give up every thing, friendships, reIa-
tons and all, rather than desert that flag
under which they We're born and reared.
Such are the gentlemen who were ar
rested by authority Of Sheriff Pitzer,
with the aid and concurrence of his
friendly turnkey, backed by soldiers.
who were under the command of a poor
ignorant lieutenant, who either could
not understand his orders, or else did
not wish to do SO, cast into confinement
highly respectable citizens Of this town.
We have too high a respect for the cum
ming and trickery Of our opponents, to
believe that they did not think they saw
a great advantage to be accomplished,
in thus violating that which our Gonsti-
tuition considers the dearest privileges
appertaining to man, in arrestin@ and
illegally depriving ther telloW-citizens
OF their personal liberty. Can the citi-
zens of this county again put confidence
lii these officers, who permit their per-
sonal feelings TO govern them during
such timesasthcse. without think
ing what is legal and what is illegal,
have but one fixed determination
and that is to carry their party tIium-
phantly through, disregarding every
thing, even pablie condemnation. The
Rd6ic0l leaders entered into this polti-
cal struggle with the full knowledge
that they mast succeed, or else their
party organization and party principles
must sink forever; and therefore ii does
not surprise Us 80 much, when after q
little reflection We see tho desperation
81 the party, because We know Tie man
who uphold alld support It's principles.
Conservative men Of the 10th judicial
District, sou deserve We'll your fellow
citizens, Tor the manner in which YOU
acted on the 18th Of last month! You
have done much since The formation Of
your party, but there remains still more
to be done! Lay the foundation OF Your
principles upon a firm basis. Do yoa
ask Tor leader in this great work You
have one in Andrew johnson, Take
that noble champion of true and genu-
inc liberty as your standard bearer; and
the Constitution as Your guide. Then
Will it be possible for you to fail? No,
never; have we not been told by the
Scripture, that truth and justice will III
the end triumph over fraud and vio-
lence. Therefore, stand firm, swerve
not a moment, but rally around the bull
warl1 Of our personal liberty-and let
the Constitution be the beacon which is
to guide your wandering footsteps to
Safety and to Peace.
A YOUNG CONSERN ALIVE.