The Evansville journal. [volume] (Evansville, Ind.) 1866-1870, 1868-09-17
from the Frankfort Commonwealth,
Septetuber 4 1864

[From the Frankfort Commonwealth
Septe Der 4, 1868
The editor Of the Louisville Con-
rier does not dcuy the charge that
Thomas e. Bramlette is the head of a
secret Democratic organization in
this State, but strives to palliate the
force of such a truth by declaring
that it is not the Ku Klux Khan, and
that its actions have not been muir
derous in their character. And
forthwith the Courier, that malignant
and fierce abuser OF Union soldiers,
that called them Lincoln hirelings"
and robbers :" and thieves" as
sumes to exercise a sort of protector
ate over their honor and a guardian
of their persons. 1t even eats its own
past record and defends the admins
tration of Governor Bramlette in all
things save his exercise of the par
doning power. Were it not for the
fact that the fourier is Seymouring
as a piratical craft among those Fed
eral soldiers who are unwilling to
stand by their past record, alluring
them with soft words and honeyed
phrases as the serpent does
its victim, we should feel inclined
to sup osr it felt sorry for its own
dIsgra ceful career. But the Federal
soldier who trusts to its professions
will find in tho hour of his necessity
that it sting like an adder. Gov
Bramlettt will find that the same pen
that can hypocritically appear to en-
dorse his administration will drive its
point deep into his own ambition, let
ting out It's life blood.
IF Gov. Bramlette is not the leader
of the Ku Klux Democracy none
will BE- more gratifed to hear the de-
n al than uurself. Much as we re-
GREETED that he could lend himself to
the support of that organization that
seeks 60 proclaim the success of the
rebellion and 60 put the stigma of dis
grace upon the loyal soldier, yet we
were 10th to believe that he could de-
sceud as low as to concoct midnight
schemes in secret chambers, mid dis
guises, grips and passwords, for doing
Wtoogs to the men he led in battle,
and the men who gave him honor and
power aud office. If he is not party
TO such nCfarious councils, let him
haste TO put himself right before his
country.
The Courier contends that the Sc
cret organization of Democrats in
Kentucky is one that is harmless in
ITS nature aud does mot perpetrate
deeds Of violence. The facts do not
sustain the assertion. Neither does
the argument. The facts are well
known that Union men have been
whipped and ordered from home by
secret bands of men calling them
selves "Ku Klux." 1t is equally
true that others have received warn
iugs in various ways from these
same Ku Kluxes." 1t is equally
truc thar murders have been commit
ted IN Kentucky by these same : ku
kiuxes.' We have, in our own col
umns, in the last few months, given
both names aud dates. If these out
RACES arc committed by the Ku
Klux Khan, and the Khan that Gov.
Bramlctte is said to be leader of does
not endorse them, why does it not
give its objects and purposes? LII
they are lawful there can be no OBJ
lection to making them known. 1t
they are unlawful, then there is
good cause for concealing their pur-
poses.
The Courier justifies the existence
of Ku Kiux Khan with its murder
ing adjuncts in other Southern States,
but says there is no need for one in
Kentucky. The bare endorsement of
such foul conspiracy is proof of the
malice aud thirst for innocent blood
that rankles in its heart. The pen that
can justify the deeds of blood COM
mitted by The Ku Klux Khan in other
States will have little cOmpuuetion in
exulting over like acts in Kentucky.
The statement by the Courier that
the secret Democratic organization in
Kentucky, with a lodge in Louisville,
is composed mainly of Union soldiers,
is false one. The branch in this
city.is composed of those who were In
the Confederate army, of lifelong
Democrats, and a few men who were
once Union men but cannot now be
relied upon to prove it. If there is
single soldier Of the Federal army in
1t. we can't find him. Like causes
and Influences doubtless operate else
where