The Athens post. [volume] (Athens, Tenn.) 1848-1917, 1868-11-27
COnspiracy--AstOunding Develop
pnants.

COnspiracy--Astounding Develop
... N.. ments. ...........,.
(From the Memphis Avalanche, Nov. 1s.)
The conspiracy against the peace OF
the country, which has ramiiied through
out the South, and broken through all
restraints prcmaturely in various sec-
tions of the South, has made more head
way, apparently, in Arkansas than any
where else. The reason is difficult to
conjecture. unless there be common
cause, and it has dcvolved upon the car.
pet-bag Governor OF Arkansas to in.
augurate the darkest day that ever
dawncd upon the United States--the
commencement of open and undisguis.
cd hostiitics. The intentions of so.
called Governor Clayton to involve tie
people of the StatcA whose interest ne
should protect, have been apparent all
along, and if denial were made the
evidence is irrcfragible that such has
been the case. The negroes are armed
and eager for the onset. The arms de-
stroyed from the Ilcspcr did not con-
stitutc tithc Of the weapons drawn
from abroad to the State. and which es-
capped the scrutiny OF the closest vigil
lance. All the arms that they wanted
have been procured, and secretly,
through the Leagues, the following
proclamation has been promulgated
We have copy by us now, and have
not the most remote doubt of lis gem
uinencss. n more conclusive illustra-
tion of the rascally and tiendish design,
could scarcely be made. 1t came from
a Sheriff of an eastern county in Ar
kansas. and passed through the hands of
a Federal soldier. and is but one of
countless numbers that have been dis
tributed throughout thc State. We give
the secret order, issued to the Sheritls,
as it was sent from Gov. Clayton. If
this be not treason, and do not deserve
condign punishment, then there never
was vile cOnspirator mcrited DEATH
In time of profound peace. to issue
such an order. and expect it to be obey
ed, and to use official zeal to bring it to
a eliminating point. is crime that
should he sumlnarily dealt with We
make this disclosure as soon as aware
of it ourselves, SO that the Federal au-
thorities may make ready TO interpose
to prevent the bloodshed anticipated
by the hcartless miscrcant and unprin-
cipled scoundrel, who. through inta-
nous frauds, was foisted upon the peo-
pie of Arkansas as their Governor
Read it.
CIRCULAR LETTER TO THE SHERIFF AND
OTHER COUNTY OFFICERS.
| have transmitted to your county
copies of my proclamation declaring
martial law in certain counties of this
State. The election being over, the
time has now arrived when the State
government must sustain itself, at the
point of the bayonet if necessary
The American people have, by over.
whclming maiorities, declared in favor
of the validity of the reconstruction
measures and the government set up
thereundcr. The United States author.
tiles, in Difference to this decision of the
people. must now give us protection
but before we ask for help from abroad
we must show q willingness to helr
ourselves. The enemies of the State
government are dcmoralized by the eff
fects Of the stunning blow received or
the Sd instant.
Now is the auspicious time for the of
ficers of the government, State, count,
and municipal, aided by the loyal peO
pie, to recoyer their lost authority, ant
by one grand, thorough effort, establish
peace and order permanently in thi
State. 1t is the intention of the EXecu
tive to lend every energy toward th'
accomplishment of this desired end. l
the officers of the various department.
in the State, and the law-abiding peo
pie will but heartily second him in hi
efforts, it will be accomplished. there
fore urge upon the officers of you
county to put forth united and deter
mined effort in the enforcement Of law
and toward bringing criminals to pun
ishment. You MUST make your autho
rity respected, or bring on an open is
sue. If, after making vigorous at
tempt you fail, then martial law will b.
extended to your county, and upon tn
heads of the people thereof the dread
full responsibility mnst' rest. You ar
requested to perfect the organization o
the militia in your county. If the loya
people do not volunteer in the Stat
Guard, the reserve militia must be or
ganized. When called upon you mus
furnish your quota OF militia to operat'
in other portions of the State. Urg
upon the citizens not to set up their owl
opinions against that of the authorities
a general plan is determined upon, ant
all must render cheerful assent in orde
to make it successful. Warn the peo
pie of your county against Unauthorized
interference in the affairs of other coun
ties, and report promptly all matters o
importance. , p CLAYTON, Gov'r.
Could anything: he more dastardl,
and infamous? The midnight prowle
that robs the hem -roost may have som
mitigating circumstances in the induce
ment. The thief who steals your purse
or the highwayinan who demands il
may be urged by motives that in tn
code of morals would lessen the crime
But Clayton, the wretch who thus pre-
parcs and provides for the slaughte
and plundcr c'f the people whom h
has sworn, and it is his official a
well rs moral duty to protect in al
their rights and privileges, there is
there can be NO apology. "A baser ex
hibit has never seen daylight. 1t is
scheme of murder before which tn
night of st. Bartholomew sinks into in
significance. 1t is horrible to contem
plate. OF what material is the creatur
made? Surely there is more of tn,
monster and tiend in his nature tha,