The weekly standard., 1869-09-15
The Ku KluX Trials.

We have carefully refrained from saying
anything concerning the trial which has
been going on at New Berne, as we wished
the people to see all the evidence presented
in the cases. Now, however, it will not be
out of place to comment upon the facts
elected by the evidence given during the
trial.
1t has often been charged by Republican
papers that many of the murders committed
in Jones, Lenoir and other counties were the
work of the KU KLUx This has been vehe
mently denied by the Democratic papers,
who have also denied the existence Of any
such organization as the KU KLUx KLAN.
In Jones and Lenoir counties the murders of
CoLGRoyE, SHEPARD and Others were said
to have been done by horse-thieves and other
desperate men, but any assertion that the
KU KLUx could have hand in it was hotly
denied. The facts elected from the exam
ination of the repentant KU KLUX at New
Berne, however, give fiat contradiction to
the assertions Of the De nocratic papers.
What are these facts2
1t is proved, by evidence which no man
can dispute. that such al organization as
the KU KLUx exists in Moth Carolina;
That this organization calls itself the
CONSTITUTIONAL UNION GUAl D, or KU KLUx
KLAN;
That it is formed for the purpose of de-
feating the Republican parry, and to
restore white mans government" or,
in other words, for the purpose of doing
what was failed to be accomplished by the
rebellion;
That the members are sworn with solemn
oath do all in their power TO effect the OBJ
jects of the organization, even to the taking
Of life, or swearing TO falsehood to, screen
a comrade;
That the murder Of Sheriff CoLGRovE was
done by the order of the KU KLUx KHAN;
that other men were also marked as the
victims of the assassin;
That the organization is widespread
throughout the South, and that murder is
the chosen weapon of these conspirators;
These are the facts proved by the evidence.
And how are they knownl
Because the evidence is given by men who
have been members of the c. Q. c., and
who have been witnesses to many of the
crimes which have shocked the country.
One of the witnesses testifes that the
murder of CESAR GRANT was voted upon
in open meeting, and that he and several
other men were ordered to do the deed.
The deed was done, and those who did it
reported to the Commander of the KHAN
and afterwards an ear of the murdered man
was cut off and carried to one of the leading
spirits of the murderous crew.
This witness, by combination of circum-
stances, was induced to become witness
against the KLAN. - .st
And this is how the facts became known.
What have the people of North Carolina
to say to this? Will they notroot out these
bands of murderers
Or are the horrors of war of murder
against murder to be inflicted upon our
State? The people are aroused to the fact
that they are the victims of an organiza-
tion Of demons who murder men who dare
to vote to sustain the government-they
are aware that the assassin may be awaiting
them-but men do not die without resistance.
If this awful state Of things is allowed to
continue i these political murders are con.
tinued, the passions Of he'll VIII rule in this
State-murder will be met with murder and
the land will flow with blood. s.,.,z. +.
We appeal to the good men of the State
to do all in their power to avert the horri-
bic fate which seems about to seize upon
North Carolina. a afsa
We appeal to the good men of the State
to the good men of both parties to use
all their influence to stop these murderers
In their hellish career. 81. Hti 't---'