The Anderson intelligencer. [volume] (Anderson Court House, S.C.) 1860-1914, 1868-12-09

organization. And somewhat prominent
individual, who is himself under heavy
bonds to answer tho charge OF completely
in the murder of tho lamentcd Randolph,
has had tho hardihood to publish an ad-
dress to the Executive, threatening still
further outrages and additional victims.
As discouraging evidence OF the dcteri-
Grafton of journalistic morals, it may be
mentioned that this covert threat OF as
sassipation has been published and repnb-
lishcd without u word Of ccnsurc or dis
sont.
The turbulent condition of affairs in the
localities 10 which | have called your at
tcntion cannot and must not be longer
tolerated y Government unable to cn-
force its laws and protect it's citizens is u
mocicry and sham, mcriting the scorn
and contempt of its opponents and un.
worthy the confidence and support OF its
friends 1t cnnnot administer justice
through its Courts, or collect its revenue
by taxation 4 remedy for these evils,
which strike ut tho very foundation of the
State, should be promptly applied. The
law. must be made supreme. The most
arrogant must be taught to obey its be-
hests; tho humblcst assured Of its protec-
ton.
THE ELECTIONS.
Tho general elections having just passed,
and the political issues involved. which SO
ficrccly ayitatcd the country, having been
determined for considerable period, it is
dcvouty to be hoped that the community
nav be indulged in much needed re-
spite from tho passions and cNcitcmcnls
to which it has so long been subjected,
and that our people may be enabled t"
turn their attention to the development
and improvement OF their material re-
sources, which have been so sadly inn
paired and neglected. 1t gives me mucll
pleasure TO state that assurances have
been received both previous and subsc-
oucnt to the election, from many OF the
most prominent men of the State, hereto
fore in active opposition to the Govern
mcnt. of their regret at the occurrences
of these outrages, and their detestatlon
for their authors, as well AS of their de-
termination to yield Il willing obedience
to the Constitution and laws, relying
upon tho peaceful exercise of their riy hts
ut the ballot box to remedy whatever
they may deem objectionable in them.
This determination has cXcrtcd, and cnn-
not but continue 10 exert. IL favorable in
fucnco upon. the prosperity of the State
tranqnilizing its people. stimulating in
tll>try, and giving character and credit
to It's enterprises. Recognizing with
pleasure these evidences OF returning
good feeling, and wishing to rcciprocatc
every indication Of an approach to friend
ly relations, ] would rcitcrate the recon-
mcndations of my last Message in favor
of Il liberal policy on the part of the Leg g
isature in reference to the removal Of
political disabilities.
SECRET ORGANIZATIONS.
While upon the subject of our past DIFF
fcrences, would take occasion TO express
the hope that national politics will occupy
| hereafter n much less prominent position
in tho affairs of the State and in the minds
of The people than heretofore. Political
issues having been determined for years
to come, at least, there is but little pro-
priety in Keeping up political agitation;
And especially do regret secret political
organizations detrimental to the commu-
nifty, if not entirely out Of place in free
Government With every facility and
advantage of free discussion, carried fire.
oucntly to tho very extreme OF license,
the shrinking from the light Of day to
meet in midnight convcnticlca would seem
discrcdtablc to people proud OF their
intellectual energy. An armed orsaniza-
ton. styling themselves the ku-hluN-
Klan. uniformed and masked, by heir
secret meetings and midnight atrocities
upon pcuccabe and unoilcnding citizens.
and obstrncting lie laws, have nanglila-
ted reign Of terror i'll many ncighbor-
/ hoods. limitations of the secret societies
/ oil Europe during the Middle Ages, they
arc without their excuse or justification.
In those days their power and their ven-
rcance were directed against the tul5u-
lent mobiles aud barons who deficd tue
laws and oppressed the people: The ob-
icct WAS the attainment Of Justice. not the
acquisition Of political power Their vic
Tins were not the law-ahding and The
/ lowly. but the bold bad men who tramplcd
! on right and outraged humanity. Their
symbols were the daggerAnd the cord. fit
cmblcms of their terrible authority and
their mode of exercising it. But even i'll
those days OF rapinc and murder, the re-
Sronsibility OF this dangerous power was
deemed so questionable and hazardous rs
! to lead to its suppression.
In the present condition Of our State
the existence or formation of secret polil.-
ical societies is greatly to bc dcplorc'i
They will bc objects of msgiving and
dstrust. and centres Of rlitaton and cX
citcmcnt Secrecy is but too frequently