The daily phoenix. [volume] (Columbia, S.C.) 1865-1878, 1871-05-19
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A Conrerence-;rhs. Ks. lxIas La, -.
|T Anu uabeBof our citizens, by. invita-
[tion; villted daMajor Merrill; Post. Com.
maddanS at;shis place, on Saturday last,
TO confer upon the subject OF the dis:
forderly andsturbulent spirit; which has
prevailed in this eectibn Of the State.
Mnjor Merrill expressed his regrets that
bands Of disguised men had recently
been whipping and otherwise mal-treaE-
ing white and colored citizens OF this
section.. He mentioned incidents con-
nected with each OF tile most recent ncts
of violence, which impressed those pre-
cent with the idea that he is kept inform
ed as to the operations of disguised por-
sons in this County. He stated that he
had In his possession the names Of
number of the parties who had engaged
In these, lawless acts; and was also in
possession of proof amply sufficient to
convict somo of the persons before any
impartial jury. He seemed to ho
amused ut tho idea that tho names Of the
guilty parties were not known to the
people, and asserted that he could fur
nish them, md could also have snch per.
sons arrested in few hours. He ex-
pressed the belief that the renaon why
| these parties persisted in such ncts, was
the certainty they felt that no person
would dare to testify against them; and,
in this connection he exoneroted the
dereliotion in the discharge of their
duties, by not arresting and bringing to
trial the guilty persons. For the reason
that victims are afraid to make com
plants, no warrants are Issued, and con-
sequently the sheriff or other proper
officer is powerless to make arrests.
Major Morrill, frankly stated that his
sole object in asking conference, was
that he might induce the influential citi-
zens Of the County to adopt prompt and
decisive measures to suppress any fur
ther disturbance, and thereby avoid the
consequences Of military interference;
that he much preferred that the civil
authorities should regulate their own
affairs; and that he was satisfied that il
| the people opposed to lawlessness would
unite and sustain each other aud the
civil authorities in snppreHsing such
acts, domestic disorder would cease at
once. He referred to tho fact that a
large number of the laborers in the
North eastern section OF the County
we're afraid to sleep in their houses, and
that such q state of affairs could not
longer be tolerated; that he was daily
expecting notice That the writ Of habeas
corpus had been suspended in this Coun-
ty. but still hoped, by the timely action
of the people, the necessity of declaring
martial law would be avoided.
It is now left with our people. to say
whether or not they intend to regulate
their own civil affairs. To succeed in
restoring quiet and order, men must no
longer withhold their expressed and une-
quivocal disapprobation. Can we longer
permit the best interests of society to
be imperilled without protest. when
the remedy is so plain and obvious? All
unlawful acts are wrong in principle,
and the only difference can be as to the
remedy. In this case, TINT remedy lies
in public opinion. Let public opinion
condemn violent acts as wrong, and So
ciety will no longer be afflicted with
domestic disorder.
Any farther repetition of acts Of vio-
lence in this County, We feel assured,
will be regarded by the military authori-
ties, under the Ku Kiux Act, as deninl
Of tho equal protection of law to all OF
our citizens. The military will proceed
by arresting the supposed guilty parties
to suppress acts Of violence, MS directed
under the Ku Klux Act: and parties,
| Wnen arfe6Ged, Will DC delivered over to
the United States Marshal, to be tried
before the United States Court at Co
lumbin. Charleston or Greenville. Un-
der such circumstances it will be next to
impossible to procure bail. The limo.
cent as we'll as the guilty are liable to be
suspected. and the expense of trial in the
United States Court will necessitate costs
in procuring witnesses, counsel, fees,
&C.. that few Of our citizens eau meet.
| The Ku Klux Act compr ,hends all
persons found in disguise, or in unlaw.
full assemblies on the highways, or on
the premises of another. This Act will
be enforced, and rigidly enforced; and
unless our people at once determine that
there must be no farther acfs OF violence
in the County, We will soon have occasion
to observe the practical operations of the
law IN it's utmost severity and with all ite
unpleasant consequences.
YorkriAe Enquirer.
The following circular has been issued
to the County Auditors throughout the
State by State Auditor Deane, based
upon the decision Of Judge Orr, and is
| Of tofoat n III