The evening Argus. [volume] (Rock Island, Ill.) 1861-1871, 1866-08-20
From the Kewanee Advertiser, Aug. 9th.
"THE GRAND ARMY OF THE REPUB-
LIC.:
What Does it Mean?

Are our readers aware that there is Sc
cRET MILITARY organisation in existence
throughout the state, and doubtless other
statesso the Union? The testimony is con-
stantly accommodating that, for ends of their
own, the radicals are actively engaged in the
organization of secret military societies, or
companies in the country. In the south these
companies are composed of negroes, and in
the north of returned soldiers, under the i'm
posing title of the "Grand Army of the Re-
public"
In the report of the proceedings of the fire
and police commissioners of Chicago on Tues
day evening, July 3lst, appears the follow
ing
for the loan of 40 muskets for the of indie
pendent military organization of this city, now
forming from returned soldiers ofthe United States
army.
s.Col. Hough stated there was an organization OF
returned soldiers now completed, In 90 counties
in the state. The company belonged to this organ
ization, which is named the 'Grand Army of the
Republic"
ION motion of MI Brown, the matter was post
poned till Friday, for the purpose of consulting the
mayor and city authorities.
Again, we ask, what does it mean? What
is the purpose of this organization, which has
already been perfected in sixty counties
in Illinois? What need is there for such an
organization now, when the country is in pro-
found peace, and why is the organization Sc
| cret, if for good purpose?
The Cincinnati Commercial, a republican
paper, has repeatedly stated that the radicals
were actively engaged in organizing and arm
ing the blacks of the south the telegraphiC
dis patches informed us few days since that
negro companies were drilling by night In
Richmond, and that Gen. Terry had found i,
a.
| organizations and drill, while as almost the
same time an outbreak occurred at New Or
leans, caused in part, at least, by the appear
snce of negro companies upon the streets, ey
IDENTIFY we'll organized and armed. in support
| OF the radical convention, called together fol
the purpose of revolutionizing the state gov.
eminent of Louisiana.
| These facts, taken in connection with the
development of the radical policy at the con
| gressional oaucuses at Washington a few
days before the adjournment of congress, and
| the passage through the house of resolution
| for the distribution of two thirds Of the arms
! and munitions of war now in possession OF
the general government, among the states,
| looks very much like parts Of the same plo,
by the radicals TO insugursts another civil
war, while this petition" 'from Col. Z. NJ
Hough, for the loan of 40 muskess," and his
statement that "there was an organization Of
returned soldiers now completed in IS coun
| ties of the state" shows to what extent their
| plans have been carried out In Illinois, Al
| least.
This"Grand Army of the Republic"is sim
| ply re organization of the so-caled "Unior
| Leagues" changed into military organiza
| ton, bound by secret oaths to obey without
| question, the order of their superiore, who are
wholly irresponsible to the people, and whose
object it is to control elections, by force, il
| necessary, and failing in that to set the de-
cision of tho people at defiance, by inaugu-
| rating civil war in our midst.
For what other purpose can this secretly
organized 'sGrand Army of the Republic" be
readers? fits purpose was a good one, wha
need is there for secrecy? Secret poli.ca
societies at all times dangerous Anf mis-
chievoua, but in time of profound peace
| there is not the shadow of excuse or pretext
for their existence, and when they are mill
tary, as well az political. under the manage
| ment Of unprincipied demagogues, they should
excite the deepest concern IN the minds oil
all good citizens for the safety of the repub
lie.
It is time the people should arise from theil
indifference, and remove from power party
which threatens to overthrow the government
rather than relinquish it's control, at the bid
ding of the people.