Public ledger. [volume] (Memphis, Tenn.) 1865-1893, 1867-12-14
"A Few Plain Facts for the People"
FROM tha Knowvtlia Eraa pras.

Republican, whose withdrawal from the
League we have already referred TO on
two or three occasions. DR. A 8 indie.
pendent course Of conduct, it seems, has
sorely displeased those whom be left
behind, and much abuse OF him has been
the consequence This pamphlet is
published in vindieation of himself and
as an exposure of the doings Of the
League. After referring to the facts
that induced his withdrawal, and which
we're the occasion Of the present publica
tion, and after stating his reasons for
the present for not making full expo
sure of all their doings, Dr., A. says:
And though | believe, and so under
stood the obligation when taking it, that
secresy was intended to apply alone to
the signs of recognition, pass words and
debates, nevertheless, In Difference to the
opinion of those who differ with me,
prefer to err upon the safe side, and
will, / trust, be excused by the commu-
nifty for not making full exposition in
detail Of the manner in which / believe
the institution TO have been perverted in
this and some other localities, and pros
tituied to the accomplishment Of designs
inimical to the peace, happiness and
prosperity Of the people, and revolving to
the highest Instincts Of our nature |
shall, therefore, content myself with
saying that my selfrespect and my con-
scientious Interpretation of the obliga-
ton which, as Lacquer, / took, required
my voluntary withdrawal from the organ.
izatlon, attached to which there are yet
some honorable and high-toued gentle-
men, but some of them most strangely
infatuated-many of them hope soon to
greet as ex.members of a society no
longer actusted, or at least governed, by
the noble purposes which once attracted
the good and true within its portals.
Having once moro obtained my inde-
pendence, can, as free man, look my
fellow citizens in the face. | intend in
the future to avoid surrendering my lib.
erty to secret political organization,
however plausible its programme; and,
as one having had the benefit of some
practical experience, would earnestly
advise all other men to do the same,
believing that what is worthy the sup
port of honest men will not suffer from
| exposure 10 Ine llRnl Ol uhy'
There are undoubtedly some very good
meaning men in this organization of ~.
L." who will probably continue to be
passive parts of stupendous piece ol
mechanism, which is propelled by some
of the most INSCRIPTIONS political stra-
tegists that have ever blighted the fair
prospects Of any State.
In my estimation the organization has
accomplished all the good that honorable
men can reasonably hope to effect
through its instrumentality; and, if per.
sisted in, it may cause many honest men
to become the instruments of much and
irreparable evil. Like all similar en-
terprises, after having carried to a sue
cessful issue the purpose Of its creators,
it but illustrates in its decadence the ig-
noble fate of all such institutions If it
were possible ever to keep such organi-
zations under the control of good men,
their termination might be different.
After exposing many of the "atro
cious" doings of the order, in and
about Athens Ito some of which we will
refer at another time), the writer further
says.
In reply to interroGations made oi
me regarding violation of faith by the
officers or accidental quorum of the
members of secret society, unhesi'
tatingly express the opinion that if the
contract made with an organization is
violated on the one part by the officers
and majority Of those present at a
meeting, and the society is not permitted
to correct the error at a subsequent
meeting; but a few persistin controlling,
by dextrous ruse of tactics, the many,
and continue to take advantage of their
own wrong, or otherwise betray the con-
fidence of the honest individual, and
even should majority override the Con
stitution and set at defiance justice and
lao, the injured party is released from
his allegiance to the same, if the usual
remedies fail to procure him redress.
Nevertheless, as there are two sides to
every issue, and as the wrong side will
often be espoused by some credulous
fool land the evil disposed will fire.
quenily profess to adopt, from convic-
ton, wrong views to injure those they
dislike), would advise all who are dis
satisfied with the course of the officers
and controllers of such an organization
TO at once withdraw therefrom. Honor
and manhood render such a course i'm
perative.
The pamphlet concludes with the fol
lowing sensible and patriotic advice TO
all the leagues:
"Citizens of Nc Miun it is compare
lively question of little importance to
you, or myself, whether or not this pub
| LEGATION removes the obloquy heaped
upon my name by a few rabid local
partisans and defamers. Itis, however,
a matter of the greatest moment how
you decide upon those new and startling
issues, for daring to oppose which l have
been calumniated. 1t is important how
you decide-how you spssk and how you
vote. The peace and dignity OF the
commonwealth is involved The Sc
curiiy of life, person and property is at
stake and, what is infinitely more i'm
portant to us all, the dearest in
teres.s of our children after us,
are concerned Will you = can you
my countrymen, forget the glorious
pride Of your Saxon ancestry DO you
wish your State and posterity surren-
dered to degradation most revolving to
those natural instincts the God Of nature
has implanted in your breasts2 Would
YOU see destroyed, at one fell swoop, the
ancient barriers which protect the social
status Of your families Then hesitate
NOT 10 break loose from the tyranny Of q
beartless cabal Free yourselves from
the abominable shackles Of a hybrid
partyl Stand up as freeborn meu, justly
proud Of your blood, and assert your
right as The dominant race, and unite IN
eonsigning to JUST infamy those who
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