Wilmington journal. [volume] (Wilmington, N.C.) 1844-1895, 1871-03-10
RALEIGH, n. c., March 81, 1871.

RALEIGH, 4. c., March 81, 1871.
Lear Journal This has been the most
| interesting day since the defence opened
Several members of the 'Whito Brother
hood" Fere examined to-day, and among
| them DR.. John a Moore, of Alamance.-
They stated that they had joined such an
organization in the year 1868, but that i.
has been dissolved for nearly two years,
and that its object was simply mutual pro
lection, and resembled wig ilance COM
mittee, in Furnishing persons guilty OF
crimes who escaped the clu tches of the
law. That they entertain no intention or
purpose TO resist the laws, or to subvert
the government, anG only existed IL few
months, and numbered but small por-
ton Of the citizens ia its ranks. So that
this evidence can in no way aid the de-
fenee, nor lessen the guilt of the accused,
but is only waste of time in protr acting
| the trial.
| Qlite farcial scene was witnessed to-
day, by the attempt to prove the good
character Of the desperado, Kirk. The
witness stated that Kirk was very good,
kind and humane gentleman. but the wit
ness himself, was proven, on the cross ex-
animation, to have been deserter from
the Confederate army, and afterwards a
member of Kinks band of cut -throats.-
| Never have such worthless characters over
been allowed to testify in a Court of jus.
tice.
| Quite ludricious scene occurred dur
| ing the cross examination of witness who
had received slight fagillation from the
'Ku-Klux." aud who stated that it was
at the instigatiou OF his wife, who had
resorted to this unique and summary
method of correcting her liege.
Not single, solitary outrage has yet
been proven to have boen committed be
cause OF politics. but were merely the
high handed acts of lynch law by small
bands of disguised men.
The Legislature will at length take some
action in regard to the calling OF Con-
vention. Since the recent action of the
Executive and Judiciary In attempting to
defeat the measure, and thwart the wishes
of the people, the Democrats have been
consulting calmly and deliberately as to
what course they should pursue. In a day
or two new bill will be introduced. in
which the clause "two thirds concurring'
will be inserted, so that any Republican,
who has any real honest conscientious
scruples as to the constitutionality of the
late method proposed, cannot possibly OBJ
iect to this, and it is thought few oi
them may vote for the bill, and thus OBJ
tain the requisite two thirds. The cleo
tion will be held on the 1st Thursday il
August, SO as to allow full and ample
time for the people all over the State
to matureIy consider the matter, and Not,
, advisedly The bill will cont ain only three
restrictions, to secure and guarantee th,
Homestead exemptions, the rights OF th
, colored race, and the Mechanics and La
borers' lien.
The bill to abolish Cantwell and hi
nuisance was reported from the Judiciar,
Committee to day, with the recommends
tion that it do pase, which guarantees it
final passage Would ii not be we'll I,
, provide for this unfortunate individual
suitable place at the Insane Asylum Bu
peace to his ashes we should not 'kick
dead dog"
> Your faithful ulrepresentative, Capt. Ashe
left here yesterday on a short visit to you
city, being the first time he has rested from
his arduous duties for day.
Quite a number of Insurance Agent
representing the different prominent Com
panies, are visiting the city at this time
one of the most successful of whom,
Wm. L. Kenan, Esq, the popular Agen
of that deserving Company, The vii
. mington Life" Hal.