Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1871-05-08
THE kEkLUX.

The reports coming from the South of
the work of the Ku-Klux organization,
make it evident that the procla nation Of
the President warning disturbers of the
peace to desist from their practices and de-
claring his purpose to execute the Enforce
ment act thoroughly was issued very sea-
sonably. The testimony of General How
ard as to the doings of the ku-Klux in
Mississippi. in his recent letter to Sccreta-
ry Belknap, reveals condition ofthings
in that State, agreeing with the statements
by Senator Ames Three counties of which
he reports are literally overrun with des-
peradoes. The schools are broken up,
white and black are murdered, and out
RACES of all descriptions are performed.
Turning to the Charleston correspondence
of the New York Herald, we learn that
bands are organized, clad in gray, armed,
and that they marched through the streets
Of that city the other day eight hundred
strong. to music and the smiles and en-
couragement of the fair sex, who covered
windows, balconies, doorsteps and side
walks. These companies are raised without
State authority. They have no legal organ
ization. They are simply clubs meant to
make resistance if possible by arms to the
laws and to intimidate and beat down re-
publicans. This wonderful and powerful
organization, says the correspondent of
the Herald, ''has through its powerful
agencies complete control of the State of
South Carolina" 1t is called there the
Committee of Safety but is really the
same as the Ku-Klux. 1t is determined
to displace all white carpet baggers or na.
tive renegade Office holders II believe,
says he, that the adherents of this organ
cation are drilling and preparing for some
thing which / will not name, but must al
most conjecture" II believe that The
doom of the thievish carpet-baggers is ap
preaching, and once send them away the
dominant party in South Carolina vii
hold the negro sin vice, although they Il,
not intend to deprive them of the franchise
by any means" In the same correspon
denee the writer says he has learned
that Senator Barber has been driven from
Fairfield county, his house having been
visited by disguised men, who also sent
him threatening notices" Likewise he
learned that Mr.. Benbow, Il school com
missioner, was shot dead, in Clarendon
county, negro killed in Florence, and
David Hallstock, a commissioner of New
bury country only escaped assassination
by being absent, These facts are stated
in paper that has pretended there is lit
tie truth in the reported Outrage, OF the
Ku-kiux, and bya correspondent who
does not conceal his antipAthy 10 the ne
groes, and scarcsl ely his wish that the plans
of the Ku-Klux may succeed. His report
corroborates the commission OF 0utragcs,
and represents the ku-Kux As formidable
and bent upon revolutionizing the State and
defying the law. The movement is the
spirit ofthe rebellion at the bottom This i,
what gives it cohesion and power.
Now the President has issued his pro.
cIamation and along with it troops are
going into the South. The President
speaks with moderation and firmness
He will not use the extraordinary power
conferred upon him unless he is COMPEL
ed to. but the laws must be obeyed, per
sons must be protected in their rights,
must cease, and organizations
hostile TO the government must disband.
The President has spoken well and will be