Nashville union and American. [volume] (Nashville, Tenn.) 1868-1875, 1868-11-06
RADICALS INCIIING NEGROES TO
RIOT,

h1OLs
1t appears that Smith, the boiling
Radical in the Memphis district, had de-
termined to carry his election by fraud
and force. He is charged with import
ing negroes from Mississippi and Arkan-
sas to vote for him, and with attempting
to get up riot in Memphis on the day
Of the election. This latter charge is
made by the Bulletin, one of the Radi-
cal organs in Memphis, and substantially
by the Superintendent of Police and the
Sheriff of Shelby county. BUTT seems
his diabolical operations were not con-
fined to Memphis. The Bulletin CT the
4th inst makes this revelation in regard
to Smiths Vaccinations:
"Capt. Estes, of the twenty United
States infantry, returned to the city last
evening from Grand Junction, with
portion of the troops who were dis
patched in the morning by General
Granger, to quell the riot at the above
place, and which was gotten up by
gang of one hundred armed negroes be-
longing to the Smith clique. These
rioters who, according to the testimony
of leading citizens Of Grand Junction,
marched down to the polls with mus
kets on their shoulders, under regularly
appointed officers, and took forcible pos
session. No white man or colored sup
porter Of the Hon. Mr. Num- was allowed
to approach the polls, and no one was
allowed to vote unless he displayed
Smith ticket. While they were acting
in this rlotous and outrageous manner,
rumor reached the place that special
train was en- route with United States
troops on board, and before Capt. Estes
and the men Of his command reached the
depot at twelve O'Clock, general stam-
pede had taken place. The arrival Of the
troops was heartily greeted by all the
law abiding citizens Of the Junction, and
Capt. Estes was fully informed of all
that had occurred. He at once commenced
a searching through the houses Of the
negroes, and soon a large number Of
loaded muskets were brought to light,
which were piled, and a guard placed
over them. Capt. Estes then informed
those who were said to have taken part
in the riOtous proceedings, that unless
they behaved themselves, he would ar
rest them, and place them also under
guard. This had the desired eff
feet, and all declared that they
would conduct themselves in a peaceful
manner At the same time they pro-
tested that they had delivered up all the
arms in their possession. This, however,
proved TO be untrue, as Captain Estes
brought to light about twenty muskets
more, and quantity Of ammunition,
which had been hidden under the ties Of
the railroad track, his information being
received from an intelligent colored boy.
These were also taken possession Of The
presence of the troops had most salutary
effect, and the election proceeded with
the greatest quetness until the polls
closed, at the regular hour in the eve
ming. At the earnest request Of large
number o! citizens, who feared another
riot, by direction Of Capt Estes, Lieut..
Hugo remained over night with ten men
to prevent any disturbance, and at last
accounts everything had passed off qui-
city,"
Here is Radical testimony of a delibe.
rate plot on the part of Gen. Smith to
bring about a riot, or drive his oppo-
nents from the polls. The band OF
armed negroes who took possession Of
the polls, refused to allow any one to
vote who did not show a Smith ticket.
The only demonstrations looking to yO-
ting and disregard of the laws in the
Memphis Congressional District, were
made by the supporters Of one Of the Rad
ical candidates as is shown by the testi-
mony Of one of the Radical papers in
Memphis, and the Superintendent OF
Police and the Sheriff of Shelby County.
If it could be shown that such outrages
had been committed by Democrats the
Radical press would set up furious howl,
and many Of them would grow eloquent
over the assumption that " new rebel
lion had been inaugurated. Can these
journals, in common honesty, ignore
these evidences of lawlessness on the
part Of leading Radicals in this State?