Worcester daily spy. [volume] (Worcester [Mass.]) 1850-1888, 1871-04-05
Nasby and the KuItIux.

Mr.. Nasty has been heard from in regard to
the kuklux operations in Kentucky Like his
friends, the two senators from that state, he de-
mics that there is any occasion for the interior
ence of the general government; but, more like
Mr.. Memminger of South Carolina, be admits
that ''there has been what mite be called vio-
Z lence," Sin all cases." however, "made nessa-
ry by the ackshen uf the niggers and northern
ers, who insisted on being treated "ez tho they
wuz our ekals." Mr.. Nasty says that his
neighborhood had been good deal agitated by
rumors that committee was about to investi-
gate the tIifiRg matter of the killing of few
niggers and northern white men in that part of
Kentucky. The Corners, he says, courts inves-
tigation, but has some choice as to the conduct
of it. In order to prevent the misunderstand-
ing that might arise from an inquiry made by
prejudiced committee, it was arranged by HIM
self and "Deekin Pogram" that he, Nasty
should make himself court of examination TO
report exactly the state of affairs in this particu
lar. Accordingly the leading citizens of the
Corners were summoned before him in the back
room Of Bascom's grocery, and put through
searching examination.
Capt. Hugh McPelter, "Deekin Pogram," and
"lssaker Gavitt," were the witnesses. They
were sworn on a spelling book captured from
the last niger schoolhouse burnt, because, as
Mr.. Nasty explains, since men have reverence
for that which they can't comprehend, SPELL
lug book always strikes sne average cross-roader
with awe. The twG first witnesses agreed that
no 3utTages had been committed at the corners,
nor in the vicinity, nor were they aware of any
manifestation of a desire 10 use violence toward
niggers or northern men. A party of citizens,
in dispensing meeting of negroes who had re-
fused to continue work on the farms
of the "deekin" and esquire Pennibacker"
until they had been paid something, had
accidentally killed thirteen of them and burned
some Of their cabins: one carpetbagger, who
was accused of "gloating over the misfortunes
of the sunny SOUTH" had been hung in frolic
by some of the boys with masks on, and these
niggers and a Connecticut Yankee who attempt
ed TO vote, had been knocked down and died
within an hour or two, not of the beating, but
from excitement and Inflammation. With
these exceptions, plainly caused by the exas-
perating conduct of the niggers, and the north
ern men, who set them wild "by hiring of 'em
and paying of 'em," and encouraging them to
vote, the Corners had been perfectly orderly and
quiet.
lssaker Gayitt's testimony varied little from
that of the other witnesses. He had helped to
scare the niggers and he liked it. He was very
fond Of loading up his shot gun, putting on
mask and going out with the other boys He
had shot half dozen, and never was more
amused az H.
tarred one and set the tar on fire. At this point
it was thought best to close the investigation.
Mr.. Nasty sums up his conclusions in the fol-
lowing paragraph:
1t will be seen that the people NV the Cor
ners heY conducted themselves ez neer like law
abldln citizens as Good be expected under the
circumstances. There has been what mite he
called violence, but it will be observed that in
all cases it wuZ made nessaTy by the ackshen
NV the niggers and northerners. But, in dispite
Nv this fact, witch is evident and palpabie /
spose these trifing irregularities will be made
the pTetext for sending federal soldiers among
us spose there will be company NV federal
cavalry stashened at the Corners, witch will com
pei our citizens TO keep their hands off these de-
graded beins, and the still worse northerners,
and to treat them ez tho they wuZ our ekalsP
The letter, which of course appeared originally
in the Toledo Blade, is an effective satire, hardly
at all exaggerated, on the explanations and
apologies for violence and outrage which come
from such persons as General Kershaw and Mr..
Memminger in South Carolina. These gentle
men, like MIR. Nasty, when they think Of the
threatened interference to put down this lawless-
ness, RELY tremble for poper government"
mat they tremble is undoubted; but the cause
OF their dlsquiet is fear that genuine popular
government may be established too firmly To he
oVerthrown by eonspiracies and organized crime
In our remarks, yesterday, about the collec-
ton of the income tax, we doubtless conveyed
the impression, which we ourselves had received
that, in insisting upon a detailed statement al
the sources of income and full answers to al
the questions contained in the blank forms 70,
returns, and in requiring the amounts received
from salaries paid by the United States and div
blends and interest paid by corporations durin!
the last five months of 1870 10 be included in tn
returns Of income, the assessor for this distric
was obeying the instructions received while Mr.
Delano was commissioner of internal revenue
and which had not yet been formally revoked
We learn, however, that in this we wer
mistaken; that the instructions of th,
present commissioner, issued not man,
~eeEs aec5 were very distinct and EN-
ph4ne on these points, fully sustaining til,
srsRnheuaents ot-tne. assessor here, and that tht
DiauA lorns Tor returns prepared and issued b,
Zen fieasanton's direction, are even more mi
mute and searching 10 their inquiries than tbos,
issued under Mr.. Delanos ADMINISTRATOR 81
the office. 1t Is true, nevertheless. that Cen
Pleasanton has, a. we stated yesterday. revolt y