The weekly clarion. [volume] (Jackson, Miss.) 1863-1882, 1869-07-22
PAULDING, MISSISSIPPI


from a responsible citizen OF Jasper
county:
PAULDING. MIssIssIPPIl
July Sth, 1869.
Dear Sir AT a meeting held in Paulding
about ten days since, at the instance of Mr..
Musgrove, the prominent leader of the ex-
treme wing OF the Radical party in this sec
tion- he made some remarks To which |
would desire to call your attention. He
mated that during the sitting 1.-THE COnven-
ton he attended session OF the Conserva-
tive caucus OF that convention at the special
instance OF M. Watson of Marshall county,
and that Messrs. Fulton Anderson. !. b.
Freeman, and f. Barksdale, addressed the
caucus, and that the gist of their arguments
was, that as the CONSERVATIVES members were
powelless TO pass any ordinance, or to do
anything that would be of advantage to the
cause OF Democracy in this State, that they
tine Democratic members) should, by ViO-
lence and by the manifestations of a revolu-
tlonary spirit drive the majority to the pas
sage Of such odiOus measures as would de-
Ieat the constitution. and eventually destroy
the operation of the Congressional plan of
reconstruction as far as Mississippi was con-
cerned.
A tissue Of unmitigated fabrications. In
the heat and desperation of the ultra
Radicals during the canvass of 1868, they
were not reckless enough to manufacture
anything approximating it. 1.-THE allega-
tions are true as stated, why did not their
authors bring them to light in that can
vass?
We do not know which more excites
our wonder, the duplicity that prompted
the man to insinuate himself into the con-
fidential conference of individuals on pre-
tence of sympathy with their cause, or the
baseness which has inspired him to reveal
the secrets he processes to have obtained.
1t was understood when Musgrove
gained admission in the conservative con-
ference, that he was there OH representa-
ton of his approval of its objects. 1t has
since been revealed that his mission was
that of spy.
1t is utterly false that the gentlemen al
luded to made the speeches, or gave the
advise, attributed to them by Musgrove.
The facts are these: The conservative
members were elected as reconstruction-
lists, strictly on the Congressional plan,
and were in favor of constitution con-
forming thereto. They held conference
to determine what course they would pur-
sue. Owing to the mistake of the people
in not participating in the preliminary
election, the Radical DISTINGUISHES had
obtained complete control of the Conven-
ton. In the caucus, the question arose
whether it would be wiser for them, quiet
ly TO withdraw from the body, and leave
to the majority the responsibility of franz
ing a constitution, or to remain, and do
what they were able to restrain their ex-
cesses. This latter plan was agreed upon;
and it accorded with the views of the gen
tlemen not members, who were invited to
participate in the deliberations of the
caucus. 1t may be added that the CON
sentative reconstructionistsd did 50 remain,
patiently enduring the despotism of the
majority whose insolence, encouraged by
an idea of numerical ascendency, knew no
bounds, until they were forced by their
own self-respect, to withdraw in conse-
quence of the tyranny of the majority in
applying the gag and cutting off debate
upon odious measures, reported for the
adoption of the Convention.
We will be sustained in cur statement
by every gentleman in attendance at the
conference, that there is not word of
truth in the representations of Musgrove,
who has in all probability, made his last
appearance in what he calls 'Demo-
cratic caucus"