The tri-weekly standard. [volume] (Raleigh, N.C.) 1866-1868, 1867-07-25
ORGANIZATION OF THE UNION LEAGUE OF
AMERICA.
Report of Thomas w. Conway. ESD, to
the National Council,s U. L. of A.

|
The following report ofthe organization OF
the Union League of America in the South
will be laid before the Union Republican
Congressional Committee to-day by Thomas
w. Conway, Esq, who has just returned
from an extended tour through the late re-
bel States:
WASHINGTON, D. c., July 16.
Hon. j. NJ Edmaunds, President Of the No
tional Council Union League Of America ::
SIR: About the first of April last you in
formed me that the National Council OF the
U.L. A. desired me to proceed Southwark
for the purpose of promoting the cause OF
LOYALTY to the Union throughout the non-re-
constructed States, by means OF organization
of Union Leagues and the delivery OF popu-
lar addresses.
Ready for any service that I could render
in promotion of so laudable an object as that
of the salvation of the Republic, l accepted
the mission offered me, and on the 18th OF
that month departed from this city, bearing
in my hand letter of instructions signed
bv YOU on be half of the National Council
of which you are President This letter set
forth the facts concerning the present de-
plorable condition of the Southern region OF
our country, and the several political and
industrial reforms necessary to the future
peace and prosperity of that section were
named as the incentives which moved the
National Council to enter vigorously upon
the work of extending the leagues as the
best agency for the accomplishment OF the
great ends in view.
was instructed to join my efforts to those
of the patriotic citizens of the Southern
| States who should be found already orga-
nized and at work in the same cause which
was sent forth to promote, and to use my
best efforts to bring to notice any injustice
or oppression upon any citizen by public Of
ficers or by Individuals in orderly and
| lawful way to secure, if possible, full repara-
ton to the injured. And furthermore, it
was enjoined upon me, in all cases where
| loyal citizens, members of the league, should
be found unable to read or write, to use my
best efforts to have them properly in
tructed
! furthermore, the letter of instructions
which was placed in my hands set forth
that I" the civil and political equality of cit
liens should he fully acknowledged and
taught as cardinal principles, and temper
ance, industry, obedience to law, and the
general education of the people, should be
insisted on by all members of the order, and
their suffrages should be given only to men
who earnestly advocate, and in private or
public positions faithfully support these
principles, and measures" In conclusion,
! the letter stated that /" it is and will be made
a cardinal principles of our order to act Wig
orously in the advancement of material in
terests, and to recommend and adopt the
most iudicious and effective plans to pro-
mote the pecuniary welfare and common
thought of all the people," With these in
structions and those others relating to the
motlus operandi of the organization, felt
| that my mission to the South was as much
one of philanthropy as it was of patriotism.
| A report of my tour through eight Of the
| Southern States and of the work accom-
plishel under the auspices of the National
Council, and in accordance with your letter
of instructions, will not be without interest
at this juncture.
]. AS TO THE ADAPTATION OF THE UNION
LEAGUE TO THE PRESENT WANTS OF THE
SOUTH.
The want of organization among the I'm
ion men of the South was the most alarm
ing Of all. It is so now in all places where
there are any doubts as to the success of
the cause of the Union. In many cases
ascertained that colore1 men, in going to
or coming from political meetings, either
in the daytime or in the night were way
laid by ruffians who hid themselves in am
bush waiting to attack with pistol-shots,
stones, clubs, or other weapons 1t was
found that in many places political informa-
ton could not be openly impaired to the
large number of citizens in the South who
are yet untutored and unlearned, who desir-
ed to aid the cause of the Union intelligent
ly, without the certainty of mourning the vi
client opposition of the mob element, and
therefore many were deferred from attend
ing meetings. Much trouble has been expe-
Iienced in this way, and it terminated in
most places only when. by the organization
of councils of the Union League, a convlc-
ton of security and strength was impaired.
This conviction has now become almost uni
versal among the loyal men of the South. 1t
matters not whether the parties are white or
black, they feel alike secure from attacks of
organized mobs whenever they deem it nee
essary to meet together to devise any plans.
They know that the enemy, ever ready to
frust"ote their plans, either by open or Sc
cret plots, cannot enter their councils, and
that, as consequence he must remain in
the dark as to what may be their intention
or how the pending political campaign is to
be conducted.
Long and intimate experience with the
work of organization of bodies of men con-
vinces me that the Union League of Ameri-
ca, from what have already seen of its work
ing in the South, is the only means by
which we can successfully win glorious
victory for liberty and the Union in the
South; and I am furthermore convinced
that this opinion is shared by the most dis
tinguished, trustworthy, and patriotic citi-
zens throughout that section. Here l may
with pride and delight mention a few
incidents to prove what have just sta
ted:
In my visit to Virginia I met Gen. Scho-
field and Gen. Brown, the one commanding
the district and the other IN charge of the
Freedmen's Bureau. On learning my bust
ness in the South, and after perusing my
letter of instruction, Gen. Schofeid said -
81 thank God you have come with SO good
work to inaugurate, and wish You the
greatest success. We want to see the Union
men of Virginia fully and thoroughly orga-
nized, and your plans are the best have seen
or heard of. will give you every proper
assistance in my power"
Gen. Brown made similar remarks ALL
his officers whom I met while in the State
were actively engaged in some way in aid
ing the work of loyal reconstruction Dis