Wilmington journal. [volume] (Wilmington, N.C.) 1844-1895, 1868-10-23
That Proclamation.

Surely any one who reads the prociaina-
ton recently issued by "GoV. holuen
must either be convinced OF the 1ac' 'na'
this august Executive desires to impose on
the credulity of our people and excite them
nv AN exaggerated view of our affairs, or
ia possessed with timidity and cowardlce
himself that with trembling anxiety speeds
his official pen to magnify the real condl-
ton. This proclamation is but recapltu-
lation of the groundless fears expressed IN
the letter to Gen. Miles, and, having pub
ished the one, we consider it entirely I'M
necessary to publish the other. 1t is a
rather queer document, however, the first
portion of which might be esteemed by
Radical worshipers something CT an argu-
ment in behalf of the validity and binding
force of the Reconstruction Acts OF Con-
gress.
We have only to repeat that the charges
there reiterated that the white people are
vindictive and hostile to the blacks, and
desire to interfere with them in the exer-
else of any privilege heretofore conceded,
or that they have armed political organi-
cations conspiring for the forcible over
throw of this bogus State government,
are entirely void of foundation, truth or
occasion. The man who would convey
such information to the Executive ear. and
officially report the fact, knows that ne
speaks falsely, and, if he would but stand
before the community and disclose him
self, he would be recognized as perlured
villain. Political organizations have moth
ing to do with the purchase of few arms
for our protection in the face of threaten
ing events and disclosures, and consplra-
cies are unknown to US either as citizens
or politicians.
"Gov." Holden says "the election must
be absolutely free we desire it so and
would not have it otherwise =; and, while
we would not interfere with any Individual
however humble, who is permitted to ex
ercise the elective franchise, still we say,
for as it also must be free and zoe will MOI
be interfered with. Our people will assist
in preserving peace and order if the occa-
sion should arise-they will not break the
peace, but if attacked in the exercise OF
their rights, or if their safety is threatened
by popular and organized outbreak, ther
they will show they can and will defend
both their rights and themselves.
While we are willing to abide by ever
the laws of Congress, how do we find the
Executive. He still persists in disobeyine
those laws. Congress has forbidden mill
tary organizations in the Southern States
vet we find "Gov." Holden still insisting
on the organization of the Detailed Mill
tia. We want peace and a reduction Of
taxes. This new unlawful burden looks
like war and an increase of taxes.
Let "Gov." Holden dispense with his
Detailed and unlawful Militia, and also
some of his unmanly fears, and lock at the
true condition of the State. In this Con
gressional District the whites have exhibi
ted the greatest forbearance, audit is having
its effect. Now a greater feeling of har
mony prevails than has been known since
the agitation of the suffrage question. Blu
our people cannot feel wholly secure s.
long as they know that there exists an IN
lawful military organization in their mids
which, at any moment, may jeopardlz
their safety.