The Abbeville press and banner. [volume] (Abbeville, S.C.) 1869-1924, 1871-04-07
GEN. KERSHAW'S LETTER ON TIE
AFFAIRS OF THE STATE.

General Kershaw has published q
reply to the letter Of Senator Rob
ertsoD, requesting his aid and that O.
other prominent citizens of the State
in behalf Of law and order. After
recapitulating the causes Of irritation
which have produced the prevailing
disorders, he expresses his wonder
that these disturbances have been
confined to the counties of Laurcns.
Union, Spartanburg, York and Ches-
ter, and have not pervadcd the ontirc
State.
What are the causes Of trouble as
enumerated by the writer?-the re-
lection Of all concessions and over
lures of peace mado by the Reform
party previous to the late election
the organization and armi.g g of the
negro militia-the operation of an
election law, which, by fraud, by
force, and by arti6cc, secured the do
mination of the blacks, irrespective
of the will of the peoplc-thc open
and shameless squandcring of the
public money, by the Legislature
the exacting of the taxes of two
years, aggrcgatins more than $1,000 :
9cO, during the present year--thc
creation of swarms Of salaricd offices
filled BY incompetent and corrupt
officials. But calling and irritating
as these provocations are, there has
been no general arming of the whites,
, or the formation of ku klux or other
unlawful associations, except where
the prior organization and awning Of
the negro militia made these neces-
sary and justiiuble acts Of self DE-
fence. -
"In Laurens and Chester says he there
were collisions between the armed
militia, or National Guards, (ncgroes,)
and tho whites, in open daylight, the
circumstances Of which are well
known to you. In the other COIN
ties, disguised parties have, from time
to time, within the last three months,
administered Lynch law in certain
cases. While these occurrences are
greatly to be dcptorcd, and some of
them merit and have received almost
universal condemnation, the collisions
in JIaurcns and Chester, by far the
most serious of them ALL, aro regard
cd by the best men who know the
facts, as necessary and justifiable
acts of sclf.dcfcnce on the part Of the
whites. 1t is very generally believed
that their prompt action prevented
the general war of races, which
thoughtful men have regarded immi-
ncnt for some years past"
,While these things have occurred in
the Counties mentioned, which call
now quieted by tho disarming of the
militia in other Counties profound.
peace has prevailed. Here, for in
stance, we have enjoyed an unbroken
reign of quiet and order. There was
ut the last Court Of Sessions, not one
act of violence demanding investiGa-
tion, circumstance which eli tied
tho congratulations of the presiding
judge" ..
'1Icrc there have been no organized
and threatening demonstrations Of
the militia, who, though, armed, have
not, I am informed, been furnished
with ball cartridges. On the other
hand, am satisfied there has never
been in this County any organization
corresponding in any way to what is
termed the "Ku Klux Klan," or any
unlawful association. l take it that
this condition of things exists in by
far the larger portion of the State.
But like canscs produce like results,
and, therefore, any demonstration on
the part Of the negroes, and especial
ly the aimed militia, which would
render our people apprehensive of, an
attack. would very probably induce
organizations for defensive or preven-
tive operations, and possibly lead to
similar disastrous conflicts rs ensued
ut Laurcns and Chester. ::
In conclusion, whilst expressing his
cordial co-opertion in any measure
for tranquiIizing society here, he an
nornccs his settled conviction that.
while he docs not apprchend any fur
ther disturbances, unless there be
fresh irritations, there can never be
that. security which will ever pre-
servo the peace Of society, until some
Of the errors Of the past bo corrected
and some of our grievances be remov-
cd. An class legislation should be re-
pealed. Taxpayers ought to DO &C.
cured a representation in the Lcgisla-
tsre. adequate to their protection.
Honest, capable and competent men
should be placed in office. ~..
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