The Van Buren press., 1866-10-12
Eternal Vigilance is the Price Of Lib

credulous if We tell them we believe Sc
cret political societies are dangerous to
the morals of o community or State.
Men bound together for political purpo
ses-bound by q solemn oath, and taught
to hold that oath as inyiolable as honor
can makei it, being at the same time actu-
ated and governed by the most unrcason-
able of passions, political prejudice-are
too apt to feel that the eye of public GEN.
sure is shut as to them and the unrelenting |
critic of fhonor, honesty and patriotism, is |
barred from an insight and exposure of
their conduct Under such crcumstanc-
es the morality of the best of men is Sc
verely tried. The anxiety to succeed in
his political maneuyreing; to override
his opponent, and confound him in his
counter plans, all tend to close the NOR
al senses to everything save the one idea,
success.
The fear of detection prevents more
crime in this world than the detestation
or adherence of the act itself, or the
apprehension of future remorse.
"a In these secret societies, instituted for
political purposes, the fear of detection if
crime be committed, is greatly allayed.
orn 10 Stain MI
each other, and we know human nature
too well to believe for moment, that
there are noemany men who are unscru-
pulous enough to cover up crime, and
even aid and abet its commission, when
the object is the consummation Of some
cherished design, prompted BY the con-
centratod passions of political ambi-
tion.
These remarks are called forth because
our attention has been repeatedly called
to Tie fact that secret meetings are being
heldin different parts of our county for
purposes unknown to any but those Of a
certain political persuasion. These men,
iMht iMhtqsEar qeyss dfF fF1th Ike Community what tbcv
intend has not yet transpired. 1t is said
the association is for the detection and
capture of dishonest persons--horse-
thieves, etc. From the material compo
sing these meetings, we are led to believe
something of more serious character,
and far greater moment to the people of
Crawford is at the bottom of all this zeal
for the good of the community.
Our sister State of Missouri affords IA
examples of the foulest murders upon
grounds wholly pretended and unbound
ed. The atrocious deed being commit
ted'the obnoxious person put out of the
way, witnesses in any number seem to
spring into life-the guilty goes I'M
punished, and the world never knows
the true grounds of the murder. That
unfortunate State is cursed with just such
associations as are now taking root in
our county.
we again protest against being consid-
cred an alarmist, still we feel it our duty
in view of the fact that a deadly strug-
gle isspending, upon the issue Of Which
depends the life of our Republic, to de
mand of our good and patriotic citizens
to he vigilant and not be taken by sur |
prise, Remember the last Congress took
charge of thegovernment arms, and they
are even now being distributed among the
adherents of such men as Fletcher of
Missouri. In defiance of his pliehted
word to Gen. Sherman, he still contin.
ues to arm and equip his negroes, and
cut-throats, and they unhesitatingly de-
clare that large portion of their fellow
citizens shall not be permitted quietly to
exercise the right Of suffrage.
Our safety depends upon our vigil
ance. Our Justification depends upon
our orderly conduct, as well as our dis.
position to obey the laws. Let all be
watchful; let all be quiet, and as free
from passion as possible. Crime, in all
its muldfarious forms must be punished.
Inc government of the United States
VIII protect its citizens, if they manifest
disposition to abide by the civil laws
We must notpermit murderers, rulllans,
and assassins to wrest from us our lib
critics and our rights Let us take warn |
ing by Missouri and Tennessee, ever re,
mcmbering that New Orleans was prepar-
ed for, her bloody riots by the same
means now commenced in our county.