The St. Cloud journal. [volume] (St. Cloud, Minn.) 1866-1876, 1868-03-19
THE TENnnssEE TROUBLES.
q - '''.-' :
WASHINGTON, March IL, 1868.

THE TENNHssEE TROUBLES.
WAsz1xorox, March l5, 1868.
I, R1lsrripg 70 tho reported troubles
in Tsnnsssee, the newspapers mention,
in addition 70 the correspondence be-
twssp Gen. Grant and Gen. Thomas,
reports have been ID circulation to the
effect that tho difficulty in that State
vas in some way ooqutenauoed by the
President. Upon inquiry At official
SOURCES, your correspondent learns
that on -Fsiday last Gea. Grant recsiv-
cd 4. oommunioatioa from Gen. Thomaf,
dsasd Louisville, March 9, inelosing
certain statements Of parties in Tonnes
see. Gen. Thomas writes:
'Gen: Graatswill 80 by these state
meats, n he doubtless has already
learned from other sources, that the
enemies Of the present State govern"
meot in Tennessee are organizing for
resistance to the laws-which resis-
lance is an outgrowth OF the rebellion,
and means oppression and hostility to
everything representing patriotism and
devotion to tho best interests of the
country, although, as yet, it has not
taken tho form Of open resistance to the
United States government. AS Ten
nessee is fully reconstructed State, I
considered the State authorities should
deal with and suppress this orgauiza-
ton of lawless, desperate men, and
have not to the present time, consider
ed myself authorized to take active
measures against them. I shall be
glad to receive any order OF instructions
you may see fit to give in the premisss."
There a,e two brief statements &C.
comparing this COMMUNICATION. The
first is from E. D. Lyons, agent Of
the quartermasters department At
Bridgeport, Ala, who says'he can give
Information regarding the deprsdations
Of tho rebel orde, known a. the "Kak-
lux Klan." The order is in full blast,
I'D negroes With White men who
chance = differ With them in politics,
are subjected to severe treatment, and,
in many cases, union men are forced
To- lsavs. :! Illustrative Of this alleged
hwlessaess, the writer mentions that
one person drew \ revolver upon an.
ether, etc. The second statement j.
from Mr.. Bassom, asmember Of the
Tennessee Legislature, Who wrote, on
March 5th, from the House of Repre-.
sentative Of that State to Gen. Thomas
70 say: :....>: .....:.
"Our State is greatly exercised by
the presence, in many localities, of 20
organized body Of men, without provo
cation, aud in violation of law, seem
'ngIy desperate 10 purpose, are securing
the country BY night, carrying dismaJ
and terror to all. Our civil authorities
are powerless and terror-stricken them
selves, and not only fail to arrest, tu'
are silent and inactive. No information
is had Of the number or ultimate pur
poses Of the organization. It certainly
is not peaceful"
/ MI. Busson says he is advised thai
Gen. Thomas has no authority to plact
= military force in the State, but with
out its presence there is danger Of ,
bloody collision, and be adds:
"a body Of so mounted men las
night passed my house, With cries o.
murder and in her terror, my wifi
came here (Nashville) to-day, fearing
that I would return home and fall !,
victim 70 the threats Of these men,"
Gen. Grant yesterday referred these
papers to the President tor his informa
ton and instruction, bnt it docs not ap
pear that Gen, Grant yet given instruo
lions to Gen. Thomas, as stated in thu
newspapers. The President will prob
ably make return Of the papers, with
some remarks; but under the circum
stances, he cannot make an order 70,
interference in the alleged difficulty.