New national era. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1870-1874, 1871-12-07

eAisled' anu were powerful IN many paris
the southern States. particularly 10 cerrai
counties IN the State of South Carolina.
Careful investigation Was made, aud ID wa
aseertaned that, in nine counties of that Stat,
such combinations were active and powerful
embracing sufficient portion Of the citizens {
con'rol the local authorities, and having
among other things, the object of depriving III
emancipated class OF the substantial benefits O
freedom aud OF preventing the free political &C
uon oil those citizens who did not sympathiz,
with their own views. Among their operation.
| were frequent scourgings and occasional assas
sinatlons, generally perpetrated at night by
! disguised persons, the victims in almost every
case being citizens of different political senti
ments from their own, or freed persons who had
/ shown opposition 10 claim equal rights with
other citizens. Thousands of inofensiye and
well disposed citizens were the sufferers by this
lawless violence.
ThereupOn, on the 10Th of October, 1871, q
proclamation was issued. in terms of the law.
calling upon the members of those combina.
tlons to disperse within FIVE days, and to de
liver TO the marshal or military officers of the
Cnited States ali arms, ammunition, uniforms
DISCUSSES, aud other means and implements used
oy them for carrying out their unlawful pur.
poses.
This warning not having been needed, on the
eth OF October another proclamation was is
sued suspending the privilege of the writ Of
hd0eds corpus III nine counties in that State.
Direction was given that within the counties
so designated, persons supposed, upon credible
information, to be members of such unlawful
combinations should be arrested by the military
FORCES OF tue United States, and delivered 10
the Marshal to be dealt with according to law.
Ia two OF said counties, York aud Spartans
burg many arrests have been made At the
last account the number Of persons thus ar.
rested was one hundred and sixty-eight Sew
eral hundred. whose criminality was ascertain
ed to be of an inferior degree. were released
Tor the present These have generally made
confessions of their guilt.
Great caution has been exercised in MAKING
these arrests, and notwithstanding the large
number, 1T is believed that inn cent person is
now In custody. The prisoners will be held for
regular trial in the judicial tribunals of the
United States
AS soon as it appeared that the authorities
OF the United States were about to take vigor-
Gus measures to enforce the law, many persons
aosconded, and there is good ground for sup
posing that all such persons have violated the
law. A full report of what has been done
under this law will be submitted to Congress
by the Attorney General
In Utah theirs still remains remnant of bar !
barlsm, repugnant to civilization, to decency, |
ana 10 TIE laws OF the United States. Terrific. |
rial officers, however, have been found who are |
willing to perform their duty in a spirit OF |
equity and with a due sense of sustaining the |
majesty of the law. Neither polygamy, nor |
any other violation of existing statutes, will be |
permitted within the territory of the United |
states. 1t is not with the religion of the self }
styled saints that we are now dealing but with |
their practices. They will be protected in the |
worship at God according to the dictates of
their consciences, but they will not be permit |
'eu 10 violate the laws under the cloak OF |
religion.
1t may be advisable for Congress TO consider
what in the execution of the laws against no.
y gamy, is to be the status of plural wives and |
their offspring. The propriety of Congress
passing an enabling act authorizing the Terri.
torlal Legislature of Utah to legitimize all
children born prior to a time ixed in the act.
might be justified by its humanity to these in
aocent children.
This is suggestion only AMI not a recon-
neudaton.
The policy pursued towards the Indians has
resulted iayorably So far as can be judged from
The limited time during which it has been in
operation
through the exertions of the various so.
;ietes OF Christians to whom has been entrust-
"a the execution of the policy, and the Board
IL commissioners authorized by the law Of
April 10, 1869, many tribes of Indians have
Deen induced to settle upon reservations, to
cultivate the soil, to perform productive labor
ot various kinds, and to partially accept civil
sation: They are being cared for in such
way, 1t is hoped, to induce those still pur.
SUNG their old habits of life to embrace the
'nly opportunity which is left them to avoid
determination.
recommend liberal appropriations to carry
'ut the Indian peace policy, not only because
{ is humane, Christian.like and economical
'ut because it is right. / recommend to your
favorable consideration, also, the policy OF
granting territorial government to the Indians
n the Indian territory west of Arkansas and
Missouri and south of Kansas In doinp an
very right guaranteed to the Indian by treaty
hould be secured. Such a course might. in
lme, De the means OF collecting most of the
indians now between the Missouri and the
1acihc, and south of the British possessions
nto one Territory or one State. The Secre-
airy OF the Interior has treated upon the sub
ect at length and / commend to you his sug
,estions
renew my recommendation that the public
ands be regarded as heritage to our children.
o be disposed OF only as required for occupa-
ION, aud to actual settlers Those already
'ranted have been III great part disposed of in
uch Way as to secure access to the balance
y the hardy settler who may wish to avail
lmself OF them. But caution should be exer.
ised even IN attaining so desirable an object.
Educational interests may well be served by
he grant of the proceeds of the sale of public
ands to settlers. | do not wish to be under
tood as recommending in the least degree
urtallment OF what is being done by the Gen
raj Government Cor the encouragement of :
ducation.
i
The condition OF the Southern States is un-
apply not such as all true patriotic citizens
'ould like to see. Social ostracism for opip-
)n's sake, personal violence or threats towards
ersons entertaining political views opposed
. those entertained by the maj ority of the old
ltlzens, prevents immi grafton and the flow of
luch needed capital into those States lately in
eoeliion. 1t will be happy condition of the
ouStry when the old citizens of these States
MI take an interest in public affairs, promul-
ATE Ideas honestly entertained, vote for men
their views, and tolerate the same ;
reedom OF expression and ballot in those en-
ertalnlng different political convictions.
Under the provisions of the act of Congress, ,
pproved February 81, 1871, a Territorial gov
rnment was organized in the District of Co {
amola. Its results have thus far fully realized
ne expectations of its advocates. Under the
lrecuon OF the Territorial officers system of
Improvements has been inaugurated by means
Il which w Washington is rapidly becoming a ,
atty worthy OF the national capital. The citi-
ems OF the District having voluntarily taxed
themselves 70 large amount for the purpose
Il contributing to the adornment of the seat of
government, l recommend liberal appropria-
ions on the part OF Congress in order that the
government may bear its Just share of the ex.