New Orleans Republican. [volume] (New Orleans, La) 1867-1878, 1871-10-14
THE Ku-xIux CONE ssBb !.

the Democrats of that State tQtheir knees
before the terrible majesty of the law.
He organized his court, empanneled a
fearless grand jury secured the irdict-
ment of hundred men in single law
less neighboshood, had them arrested,
chained and brought to trial. After a
desperate contest a large number were
convicted, and the judge sentenced them
to various terms of Imprisonment. Every
resort was adopted to evade the wrath OF
the offended law and its upright minister.
Appeals for delay were made and over
ruled. The interposition OF the authori-
ties at Washington was sought, but the
President refused to intervene. Denials
were interposed, supplicat;ons uttered,
threats delivered, but to no effect.
Justice held her way against every
opposition, and as We said, the
wretched men were found guilty and
sentenced. And as the trial, conviction
| and judgment had followed so surely and
swiftly, so the punishment began with
equal punctuality. The criminals were
ordered at once into confinement.
The sensible Democrats at once ac-
cepted the situation. They felt that
new order OF things had been inaugu-
rated, and that in order to be respecta-
Die they would have to be law-abidirg.
They at once allowed themselves to be
converted into saw aud order citizens.
They addressed Judge Bond in the most
solemn fashion, put on the deepest con-
triton. confessed to their crimes, and
duplicated to be allowed to become bet
ter citizens in the future. This is all as
true as the light. We have not written
word here but wha. the letter of the
North Carolina record will prove. But
for fear some Of our Democratic readers
may not accept what We say as literally
true, here is the evidence in the shape of
the correspondence that took place be-
tween Judge Bond and the North Caro-
lima Democrats. It tells all the shameful |
story, and gives the promise of better
things:
LETTER OF THE NORTH CAROLINA DEMOCRATS
RALEIGH. n. c.. September 80, 1871.
Hon. L. H. Bond Judge Of the United States Circuit
We have the honor in the interest Of the
peace Of the people of North Carolina, to
address you this note.
The fact, that = secret, unlawful! organize
ton, called the Ku-Klux or Invisible En-
pire. exists in certain parts OF this State has
been manifested in the recent trials before
the court over which you preside. We con
Tenn. without reservation, all such organ
cations. We denOunce them as dangerous
% good government, and we regard it as the
Eminent duty OF al! good citizens to suppress
hem. No right-nlinded men in North Caro-
ina can palliate or deny the crimes COM
nitted by these organizations. but We think |
I the further prosecution of the persons |
'harged with these Offenses was continued
Until the November term it would enable US
o enlist all law loving citizens OF the State
o make AN energetic and etfectual effort Cor
he restoration of good order. We assure
'Ou that before tine November term Of the
ircnit court We believe that tn;s unlawful |
organization will be etfectualiy suppressed.
In presenting these considerations to
'onr honor. we declare that it is our duty {
I'd purpose to exert all the influence we {
POSSESS. and use all the means in our power
o absolutely suppress this organization.
nd to secure a lasting and permanent {
eace to the State. The laws OF the coun-
~ must and shall be vind;ca.ed We are
atistied, and give the assurance that the j
eople Of North Carolina will unite in ar ,
esting and forever obliteratiny an evil
'hich brings nothing but calamity to the I
tate. IN the name Of a just and honorable E
eople. and by all the considerations which
ppeal to good men, we SOIemnly protest | l.
lat these violations Of law and public jus Y
ce must and shall cease. We have the
OnOr to he etc, yours etc.
homas Bragg, William NJ. Shipp, G
gorge '. Strong, NJ. W. Ransom. q
aniei u. Fowle. Will H. Battle.
ames 3. Bachelor, K. H. Battle, Jr
f. Moore. u. NJ. Barr:uger. h
REILLY OF JUDGE BOND. Z
RALEIGH. \. C.. October entlemen- "
have the honor to acknowledge at the | 4
lnds of his Exce!lency Governor CaJd