Public ledger. [volume] (Memphis, Tenn.) 1865-1893, 1868-06-02
267 MAIN STREET, OPP. COURT SQUARE.
The President Appealed to-Ihe Renewal
Of Outrage and Intimidation
~. a.. ~ oIur,hus IDA J Sun. Nav n

The President Appealed W tno neno""'
OF Outrage and Intimidation
From the Columbus tGa.) Sun, May a.
Within ten days past the Military
Governor of District No. 3 has en-
deavored to put this immediate section oil
his unhappy domain under mortal terror
Two white men and two negroes oil the
original parties who were arrested some
weeks since without cause, and dis
charged without accusation, have been
arrested and immured in the cells OF Fort
Pulaski. On yesterday Two other white
citizens we're arrested, and are to share
the dungeons of those who had gone be-
fore. Though the military authorities
have fatty refused to assign any cause
for these proceedings, it is well
ascertaired that they are the incep'
ton of a fresh attempt to fer
ret out the murderers of Ash
burn. 1t is further known in
this community, and we have
strong reasons for the belief, that nobody
is more fully aware of the fact than Gen.
Meade and his subordinates at this point,
that the parties seized and lncarcerated
cannot be connected with that unfortu-
nate transaction. We have the very best
of reasons for stating that these arrests
have been concocted in the still sit
tings of the Loyal League, and that the
suspicions advanced are of so timsy and
improbable character as would fall TO
arrest the serious consideration OF mil.
itary commission that may be formed ot
men, notoriously ignorant OF law, the
rules of evidence, and entertaining a
supreme disregard of the lives aud liber'
ties of any one, save themselves. Two
debased strumpets, one black aud the
other white 1--WE blush to state iD, have
been taken in charge, and sent to Savan-
nah to swear against the parties arrested,
or any others that it may seem desirable
shall be treated to a similar fate. Under
this statement of facts, we feel that we
should be criminally derelict OF duty, II
we should fail, in behalf of this entire
community, to brand these late proceed +,
ings az among the most infamous and
unwarrantabe that have marked the era
of military rule in the South. To remain
longer silent would be but to add to the
intimidation and terror sought to be IN
spired by these acts, and to acquiesce IN
the reports that will be disseminated
throughout the North, that Gen.
Meade, by superior energy and ssgaclty,
has been enabled to lay at the right
doors the responsibility of the taking Oh
of one Of the most obnoxious pests that
ever afflicted civilized community
And we should but half perform our duty
| if we should hesitate to appeal to supe-
rior power for an immediate, active and
effective interference. with those UNJUST
outrageous and illegal'proceedings- In
bebalf therefore, of this community
which, under unparalleled provocatlon'
and insults, has faithfully adhered to al
the duties incumbent upon good citizens
and which is now placed at the mercy o
prostitutes and vagabonds, we protes
against the course OF Gen. Meade
And in the name of the same, we earn
estly invoke the attention and aid o
President johnson. Solemnly asserting
our own and the belief of every homes
and decent person in this county, OF th'
entire innocence of all Of the parties re
ferred to, of any connection with tn
Ashburn affair, we earnestly beg oil MI
johnson to interpose his authority Il
prevent arraignment and trial ot thes
defenseless parties before military com
mission, three hundred miles away iron
the witnesses who could establish thei
innocence, against the false and suborne
testimony of two beastly drabs.
Further, in behalf of the people OF DIS
trict No. 3, who of late have had caus
grievously to feel the mailed hand OF tn
vain and incompetent man IN who's
hands their lives and liberties have bee
unwisely and unfortunately placed, W
pray for his prompt removal.
This appeal is not made without stron
cause. 1t is time that the bitterness, th
indignation, the deep resentment excite
in the hearts of the people by weak an
incompetent ruler should cease,
peaceful, law.abiding and detenseies
people should be protected agaiu'
suborned perjurers and prostitutes, an
the Chief Magistrate of the countr
should see to it that citizens shall not
driven to desperation by wrong and PEI
secution. -
We beg of Mr.. johnson to recall II
fact. that the Supreme Court OF IN
country has solemnly declared that mil
tary commissions are unauthorized an
illegal in times Of peace, and this IN
law of the land he is in duty bound
see executed in letter and in spirit.
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