The daily Gate City. [volume] (Keokuk, Iowa) 1855-1916, 1866-04-06
RrDu the oorssposdsnt Of the Nes York Tribsns.
FROM TEXAS.
AUSTIN, Texas, March 9, 1866.

AUSTIN, Texas, March 9, 1866.
When, in 1863, Gov. Murrah. Of Texas,
made bis last message to the Legislature Of
the rebel State, he invoked that body to seek
some means to restore law and order, and
thus officially presented the terrible state Of
society
imperative duty requires me to call your
attention to the fearful decentralization and
crime prevailing throughout the State. In
some sections, society II almost disorgsnized
the voice Of the Law is hushed and it, anthor-
ity seldom asserted. Il is dead letter-an
unhonored thing upon the unread page. Of the
statutes. Murder, robbery, theft, ontrages
of every kind against property against
human life-against everything sacred 70 ,
civilized people-are frequent and general.
Whole communities are undeFa reign Of ter
ror and they utter their dreadful apprehen
sions, aud their agonizing cries of distress, in
vain. The rule Of the mob-the bandit-of
unbridled passions rides over the solemn or
dinances of the government. Foul crime is
committed and the criminal, stepped in guilt,
and branded by his own dark deeds with eter-
nal infamy. goes un~hipped of justice. Not
even warrant is issaed for him-no effort
made by the sworn officers Of the law, or By
the community, to bring him to punishment.
Too often the deed is excused-the commu-
nifty is divided in opinion as to his guilt, and
the criminal is screened from justice-unless
his offending chances to touch some particular
influence. or prevailing notions-and then,
without trial and without the forms Of law, he
is hanged by mob
True in the last days Of rebel rule, this
statement is true to day. The lawlessness Of
the people is expressed in their hostility to
Union men--to the refugees who have re-
turned-to Federal soldiers. and to Northern
men generally. In every part Of the State
Union men are prosecuted, robbed and mnr-
dered, privately assassinated, or hung by q
rebel mob.
A few days ago shocking affair occurred
at Galveston in connection with the colored
troops. which for three or four months past
had been stationed there. They are veterans,
finely drilled. and under the most perfect dis
cipline. During month residence in Gal
weston, strictly observed the conduct of these
men, and never saw the least improprIety
either in camp or in the town: no breaches of
the peace were committed by them-none
we're intoxicated or disorderly But the cit
zens hated them. and determined, if possible.
TO have them removed. Stories cf their bad
conduct we're set a.oa,. One man. claiming
10 be respectable citizen, declared in the
Bulletin that he had been pushed of the
sidewalk. and others asserted that they
were the most impudent n,ggers ever
seen in Texas. A few weeks ago. a
little newspaper was printed in Calves.
generally and the Freedmen Bureau in par
iieular. 1t was sold in large numbers nj Is
cents per copy and greatly influenced the
hostile feelings of the townspeopie. At last,
a citizen, without the least provocaiion, en-
tered . store where he saw three or four col
ored soldiers tsDllng. and. without . word,
shot and instantly killed one OF them. and
tnen made his escape. He was pursued and
oyertaken by the police. but was rescued by
citizens. and again escaped. file OF sol.
ders was then sent alter him, and he was f
nally arrested and confined in gunboat,
where he now is. To preserve the peace
which was now seriously threatened, for both
citizens and negroes were greatly excited
the military authorities quietly took posses
sion OF the town. A large number Of armed
soldiers patrolled the streets, and these pre-
served order.
Almost the entire press Of Texas il disloy-
al 1t seeks TO keep alive sectional hatred.
and enobles treason by presenting historical
recoilections Of the glory aud valor Of those
who fought, and the heroism of the honored
dead. II embraces every opportunity Of Civ
ing currency to exaggerated reports Of wrongs
committed by Union soldiers or by govern
ment officials
The late news from, Washington. together
with the settled and increasing hostility Of the
Rebel element here, has almost disheastened
the loyal men Of the state. They know no,
wha. to do, nor what to expect; but if,
through ambitious designs or mistaken policy,
the secessionists are restored 70 power. and
the military removed, no loyal white man
can live in Texas, and they will either leave
the State or protect and defend themselves
by an organized resistance.
Inview Of the present aspect of affairs, We
implore Congress to be firm, to make no com
promises. to give all the citizens Of Texas
their rights, and for some time to come, q
provisional or territorial government, or per.
nit division oil the state, and all will be
well. There are loyal men enough here to
take the state back into the Union, and to
preserve IT from all harm, but they must have
their rights and be protected in them, or be
overpowered by the enemies Of liberty.
IExAs.