Lamoille newsdealer. [volume] (Hyde Park, Vt.) 1860-1877, 1868-04-15
THE KUK-KLUx-KLAS.

CURIOUS StCTieS toiu VI an oISahtIdtioH
under the name above given but care
ful study Of facts and sitting of testimony
lead directly to the conclusion that there
is solid reality under the stuff and non-
sense with which the South Western pa
pers mask this rapidly spreading organi-
zation. We quote elsewhere a more
serious notice Of the Order from Tile
Richmond Eramiaer, a paper doubtless
thoroughly informed in the matter. 1t
is not unnatural at any time that secret
societies should exist, embracing in large
degree men of the same political and
social faith. The harmlessness or the
danger of such organizations lies chiefly
in the character of their members. Say
what we may, the tendency of men to
unite for protection, or for congenial
association, will have its way. Secret
political societies have existed, and doubt.
less will exist to all time. just as Masons,
and Odd Fellows, and Good TemplaH
have existed and spread over the world.
Not only the ordinary hatred of loyal
ty, but the remote hope of political ad-
vantage. has led to the establishment Of
the order mere referred to, known general
/ ly as The Kuk Klux- Klan. Their leading
idea is of course, tho defeat of reconstruc.
tion, and the postpoDement Of anything
like admission into the Union until they
may realize the very remote contingency
Of a grand Democratic triumph at the
North. Such triumph, they seem to
believe, would restore the now silent
South to its old potency in the national
councils; then they could reduce the
niger to his normal spherc;" the bug
bear of nero voting would vanish under a
summary disfranchisement of the entire
race, and, although absolute slavery
might not be restored, the old aristocracy
would be able to hedge the negroes and
poor whites within such labor regulations
as practically to restore the patrarchal
institution in all things except auction
sales of human beinAs.
To this end work the X X. K. They
get up mysterious fellowship adopt a
frightful disguise scatter abroad horri-
bly, worded proclamations; make sudden
forays at midnight, and do all fantastic
tricks that may fit their purpose. That
purpose is to frighten and annoy loyal
colored men land white men, too, if they
CAM so that they will leave the Southern
States. Thus, some time ago, in Missis-
sippi, they circulated ridiculous story
about some horrible monster in the
swamps, dreadful demon that had an
Unsuitable appetite for negro flesh a SIM
liar mo ster was seen in Arkansas. and
scarcely week passes without producing
startling account of another Of the brood
in some neighboring quarter. This does
very well for the cicdulous colored people,
but white men must T ave stronger doses,
aud SO the X. X. X. favor peaceful and
hard working Union men with cloudily
worded warnings, and emphasize these
warnings by midnight visitations, threats
Of violence and sometimes actual assault.
What shall be done? Is it to be tol-
Grated that in land Of civil government
an irresponsible gang of rufians shall
spread terror far and wide over the ma
tional domain--or even over square
mile Of that domain ? That there is a
powerful organization, composed Of the
worst men In the South, and aiming at
the ends VIC have described. no one can
doubt. Gen. Thomas and Gov. Brown
low nave 'es'inea es' leu 10 'ls existence ana
warned Us Of danger The loyal press Of
'he ooa'h give 'ac'S > 'nas nap prove tne stea'
strength aud base purposes Of the Klan,
W"ne 'he ,',p's'a 'ains attempts " w .1e NeUe'
press " iauei' a. 'he aiiair are equaH''y
'uoSeah''ai Prooi VI i's reai'.y aud IN port
ance oos. pro7n'ow ''i 70 "iaeiy sy cei'Sured ' "1