Wilmington journal., 1868-10-16
And yet we knew it, and were still willing to

the lips OF Radlcal nonQS anu l0V0leu III
slander against we of the South, has been
used so often, and so strenuous and fire.
auect have been the attempts to provoke
us to an outbreak that, in their eager haste,
they have anticipated it, when no thought
existed on our part and behold US accused
of designs against these adventures, which
they know their conduct so richly calls for.
Our own city is now brought strikingly
forward in the programme of falsehood
which these Radicals have observed.
After having advised and encouraged the
negroes to all kinds of lawlessness after
having threatened as with dire vengeance
if we came in opposition to their wishes
after having insulted our speakers : dis
turbed our political meetings seized upon
and beaten colored Democrats /; threatened
destruction to our clubs and the flag poles
upon whose summit we rear the National
ensign and inscribe upon its folds the
names of the true and the brave defying
us to exercise our rights as citizens after
having themselves formed for nightly drill
and offensive operation illegal organiza-
imperiling our safety and after attacking
citizens because they dared display ban
ner in the streets, the cry goes forth, they
are armirg-the whites are arming-polit-
ical clubs are distributing arms-their po-
litical organizations are but for war pur-
poses-the devilish Ku Klux designs are
in their hearts-what means it
This lie went forth and was treated by
US with the contempt tho source from
whence it emanated has always received at
our hands. A regard for decency requires
of one duty, and the defense Of our
people another.
The matter has been brought to the Ex-
ecutive ear. "Gov." Holden and Gen. Miles
get together, resolved, as thorough parti-
sans, that here is fine chance for politi-
cal capital-they will make the most of it
the Governor will express his fears and
call for troops, and the military Com
mander will expoand the law and set
forth in his most sage military opinion
what constitutes the rights of citizens-to
what extent they are permitted to carry
appear in the columns of the paper which
! has insulted our women and endeavored to
urge US to war-how they now chuckle with
glee-what an admirable campaign docu-
ment 1.-The people were surprised and
hurried into war, in 1861, against their
will" says this model Governor, forgetting
the fact that he was prominently instru-
mental in thus surprising and hurrying
! them. And SO he would surprise and hur-
ry them against their will now.
| From what does all this come? Alarm
ed for the safety of themselves and fan1i-
| lies, at the threats and conduct of the Rad
icals, knowing the negroes to be armed
and organized as exhibited by nightly drill,
few citizens-and no political organiza-
tion-have purchased arms for the protec-
tion of themselves AMI their homes Those
who could afford it procured superior
weapon for their defense, and having
just cause to anticipate; an organized out
break and riot on the part of the negroes,
made doubly sure by the incendiary ap-
peals of their speakers, are determined to
defend and protect their homes
and their all from the brutal lust and rava-
ges of aroused fiends, SO long as God gives
them good right arm and strength to
| do. Have we not the right Cannot we,
as citizens, purchase such class Of arms as
we see fit to defend and protect our homes
our castles-and our all ? Vino says us
nay, and who shall prevent us? On the
part of our citizens We do here most
solemnly deny that any armed political
organizations exist in our midst. Our
clubs have no dealings in such matters
we say it, Radical lying to the contrary
notwithstanding. And we further say that,
instead of there being disposition on the
part of the people to resist the Government
| by force and disturb the peace, there is
every disposition and desire to aid this
Government, SO long as it claims our allie
glance, and to preserve the peace. The
proper officers of the law will find no more
ready and firm supporters in their efforts
to keep the peace than the very people
who have been so slandered and malgned.
| Our very safety urges US to this course.
Dub IL 1S useless TO say more. Radical
ism has an end to gain and will not stop
at truth. The people of this city are con-
fessed by our enemies to be law-abiding,
and will compare most favorably with those
| anywhere. The facts show for themselves;
and having declared against this slander
and exhibited the partisan motives of those
high in power, We submit the following
correspondence to our readers
EXECUTIVE DEPARTMENT.,
RALEIGH, October 7, 1868.
Gen. Nelson A. Miles, CO7l1nadnding, &c.:
SIR Il hayo information that arms have been
imported iuto this State, and distributed among
members of certain political organizationE
These arms not of the ordinary character for
sporting or hunting purposes, butrepeating rifles,
such are used in war.
| have official information that box of Enfield
| rifles has been found secreted in Eewbern. [
learn also that boxes OF arms have beon shipped
to Charlotte, and to points west of that place.
have also learned that arms have been receiy-
ed and distributed in and around Wilmington.
It is known that arms in the hands Of persons
in that city and the surrounding country, of
character to leave the impression that they are to