Public ledger. [volume] (Memphis, Tenn.) 1865-1893, 1868-09-16
The Militia Call.

The Militia Call.
The proclamation of Brownlow, calling
ont the militia in the Radical interest, il
looked for by some as imminent If mis-
chief comes of it the Radical party will
be responsible. for it is known to all that
nothing is needed but the performance OF
their duty by officers of the State in the
execution of the laws. And it is equally
we'll known that the violations of law
have come almost wholly from Radical
voters, and that Demo- are every
where law-abiding aud willing to aid in
the enforcement of the laws. The Nash
Vile Banner very we'll says of the militia
call. sIf we have been apprehensive
concerning it at all, that apprehension
has not Teen 80 much on our own account
AZ upon that Of the authors of the con-
teuplated mischief themselves, and the
deluded madmen who might be indnced
under their direction and persuasion to
carry it into execution. If violence come
of it, we have no fears that the outraged
people of the State will not be many
enough, and strong enough, and brave
enough. to defend themselvesin an effec-
tive way, and IN short order" The same
paper also shows clearly that the call, 1t
made, is for a political purpose. on the
pretense Of Ku-Klux, when, if that we're
wanted, some other would be found or
made with equal facility, and that it is
designed to "enroll the entire negro
voting population into disciplined and
armed voters, controlled by the Radical
Executive Committee" That this is the
object of the bill, and that it had its
origin in Washington, and with the pur-
nose of surrounding the ballot box with
bayonets was not concealed. One of the
legislators who voted for il SO declared.
Another said:
He wanted the mililia-the people Of
his section wanted il, and he did not
care whether the rebels wanted it or not
they would have It anyhow, as far Gs be
was concerned. They we're on the eve
Of one of the most exciting elections they
had had for many years, because when
this election is decided they would ascer.
tain whether there would be peace in the
land or not
That there was no just cause for 1t ap-
pesrs also in proof. The Nashville
Press and Times, the Radical organ at
Nashville, published only few days age
the following paragraphs:
Rev. Herman Bokum, State Commits
sioner of Immigration. delivered an ad-
dress the other day in Cleveland, IN which
he stated that he had recently made a
tour through Middle Tennessee, and
while disorders exist 10 some parts, the
great mejority Of the counties of Ten
nessee are are as peaceful as any counties
| in the North.
Elder Lovery, who is continually
travelling through the State, bears SINH
Ter testimony.
Yet the bill is passed in time Of pro-
found peace and on frivolous ard false
pretenses, and in spite of the remon-
strauces Of some of the more conserva
tive members Of the Legislature. Major
John E. Thompson is quoted by tbs
Banner, from a speech lately delivered
by him in New York, as follows:
In the spring Of this year joint letter
was written to Brovnlow. sigued by every
Congressman from Tennessee, except
Senator Patterson, 10 which they in
formed him that, judging FROM theil
standpoint at Washington, they felt con
strained 10 advise him to call out thu
State militia for the purpose Of keeping
the peace in view Of the coming Presi
dential election. Browblou puolishsS
the letter. and IL vssrepublished in ever,
newspaper in the State. 4. Il cane upoi
the people like burst Of thunder 10
clear sky.
The measure undoubtedly was initiates
in Washington. the fact is rscollecied ,.
al, aud the Banner with the fpiri; 0
true TennssseeAns, concludes:
Il will tall short Of the Of jsss Tor uhicl
Il vas designed. Il will friEb.en 10 di'
franchise3 aud outraged citizen Of Ter
nessee from resortirg 10 every rened
short Of bioodshed 70 hurl the miseraoi
tyraony fron poser. Il viil deter G
tue Dsnofst from working With b
. vbeis hsArNsnd mind foF the rout Q