The Portland daily press., 1868-04-08
Military Government in Georgia.

Time is an important element in the solu-
tion of the problem OF reconstruction. The
whites must learn that the blacks have recog-
nized rights, in the exercise of which they will
be protected, and the blacks on their part
must learn what their rights are and how to
invoke the protection of the law. Such pro-
cess will take time, but it is only thus that the
aristocratic element can be thoroughly elmi-
mated from Southern society; it is only thus
that the South can be pacified and civilized;
and among all the agencies of civilization
there is none more effective, none more need
ed in that lawless region, than the firm admin
istration of military law. Any government is
better than none, and in community whore
the authority of the law is not respected, it is
q great gain to introduce an authority which
will compel respect.
General Meade is admirably qualified for
the discharge of this important duty. There
is nothing Of the petty tyrant in his compost
tion, but his orders, just and mild, are enforc-
ed with rigor and certainty which is proba-
bly, quite surprising to the average Southern
mind. Just now he is taking measures to Sc
cure fair expression of the popular will at
the constitutional election which begins in
Georgia on the Goth of this month. Encour
aged by the success of the Alabama Confeder-
ates their friends in Georgia have already be-
gun to carry the policy of intimidation to still
more outrageous lengths. Dispatches receiv-
ed by General Grant last week confirm the ru-
mors of the assassination of Colonel A. w.
Ashburn on Monday evening. March 3Oth, at
Columbus, Georgia, and the d: appearance of
DIR. f. G. Maui since the 18th of March. Both
these gentlemen were Republican members
from the county of Muscogee in the conven-
ton which met at Atlanta and, after forming
an excellent constitution, adjourned. Both
were Southerners-Ashburn born in South
Carolina, having lived fifty years in Georgia;
and Maui, born in North Carolina, having liv-
ed twenty years in Georgia. Both were men
of high character Colonel Ashburn was
member of the Southern Republican Associ-
vention of September, 1866; and afterward ac-
companied Governor Al. Hamilton and 9TH
| ers in the celebrated tour through the West
| on the track of Andrew johnson. DIR. Maui,
his colleague and friend, had lately been elect
ed Grant delegate to the Chicago Republi-
| can Convention. These men were murdered,
one certainly, the other probably, for no cause
except their political opinions. Their lives
had been repeatedly threatened.
On receiving this information General
Grant promptly telegraphed to General
Meade, directing him to lose no time in ferret
| ing out the murderers. General Meade re-
turned to Atlanta on Saturday from an official
visit to the scene of the tragedy. No further
developments respecting the assassination
have as yet been made, but a general order
promulgated Sunday recites that this and 9TH
er acts of atrocity simultaneous with the pub
lication of incendiary articles and sending o.
threatening letters, indicate concert of actor
to affect the result of the election by intimida.
ton and violence emanating from secret or
ganization. All are warned against participa
ton in the acts of this organization, and the
law-abiding people are assured of protection
The General forbids the publication of any
thing counselling intimidation or tending t'
bloodshed. Newspapers containing sucn ar
ticles are warned that the General VIII stol
their publication and try the onenuers ny
military commission. Publc WRITER'S ant
sneakers are admoaished from infiamatory ap
meals. Military commanders are authorized