Nashville union and American. [volume] (Nashville, Tenn.) 1868-1875, 1871-11-22

the existence of secret Radical organiza-
ton in that State, called the ssNational
Guard, I" the members of which are bound
together by an cath, and are to operate with
the ballot as well as the bayonet. They did
so operate recently, and defeated several
candidates who had spoken in opposition
TO this Ku-Klux organization. 1t appears
to have been organized for operation
throughout all the States and Territories,
but especially in the Southern States. The
constitution Of the khan provides for the or
ganization of a "National CounciP at Wash
ington, to consist of representatives from
each State and Territory, which is to SUI
preme in its authority over State and diss
trict councils. A military organization is
also provided for, to consist Of a regiment
for each county or incorporated city,
with its field, staff, and company officers
the duties and relations of all being defined
and prescribed. The duties of members of
the "Guard,' as inculcated by this docu-
ment, are carefully limited to mutual ode
fence" and "protection." We all know
what that means in the South. II is simply
organised robbery, to be protected by this
oath-bolmd organization at all hazards.
The concluding article is significant. 1t
runs as follows:
"That the members may, with certainty,
be able TO identify each other the State
council may adopt a eountersign, which
shall be common to the whole State, and
may be changed at the discretion of the
council. Such countersign may be word,
a phrase, a gesture, or all; and the district
councils and commanders of regiments
may, in like manner, adopt and change
countersign for their respective districts or
BEATS"
The whole thing seems to be great
Radical Ku-Klux organization, intended to
consolidate and secure the present ascend
ancy of that mischievous party, by force of
arms and concert of action, cemented by
secret oaths and passwords. Some of the
Radicals in Alabama have felt constrained
to denounce this organization-which APP
pears to have taken pattern after the Grand
Army of the Republic, but is perhaps a
more dangerous association. Judge Samuel
F. Rice, of Montgomery, who was a candi-
date for the Legislature on the Radical
ticket, denounced this organization, as soon
as he became aware of its existence, as
'abounding in temptations to honest and
unwary Republicans, amongst which is
reported an unusual array of glittering mill
tary titles" Judge Rice says in published
card:
"The very name of this secret organiza-
ton marks its authors as impostOrs. That
name is ,'the National Guard as if de
signed to convey to the minds OF loyal men
the idea that the nation had become so weak
or so low as to need a secret or midnight or
ganiZatiOn of its friends.
"From the best evidence obtained, it
seems certain that there is nothing really
national in this organization nothing pro-
motive of the peace, interests, or happiness
of the people that it is a cOntrivance by
which few unworthy, unscrupu-
lous, and ambitious men, who never can,
by fair and open means, get what they want,
expect TO accomplish their selfish schemes
by unfair and secret means; that it is wholly
at war with the principles ayowed by Presi-
dent Grant, and by the Republican party of
the State. and of the United States; that
there is no good in it for any honest or pa
triotic man Of any race; that until destroyed
it will be the standing enemy of peace, the
continuing source of strife, dispensing its
favOrS to the unprincipled, and visiting lis
frOwns and punishments upon the virtuOus
and good and patriotic.
"Of course, men who are base enough to
to cOncoct and promote such scheme, will
always employ their highest skill to tempt
and draw some honest and unsuspeCting
men into It. In this way, no doubt, many
good men have already been inveigled into
this secret organization. Good men thus
deceived and imposed upon, need have no
fear from coming out from the organization.
1t is not mere error that can hurt, it is per-
sistence in error that brings ruin.
NO such selfish and wicked organization
can live, when dragged 10 the light. In
loving darkness rather than light, its authors
furnish prooftha their deeds are evil 80
In my Judgment, such an organizations en-
nifty to Republicanism; it is entirely incOn-
sistent with Republicanism. Republican
all to its benefits and blessings. Republi-
canism proclaims equal civil and political
rights for all, and peace on earth and good
va to men. This secret organization, in
time of peace, appeals to the vain and weak
in its parades of military titles, and turns
their thoughts to the Accomplishments of
war. 1t does not admit even all Republi-
cans into its folds; it is exclusive, narrow,
l. 10, v,rrbli.. Nravr tho
in the shape of oaths) which it puts upon
the consciences and sufffages of the people,
who by the law of the land are free. Its
tendency is TO enslave many of its MEM
bers."
judge Rice stated as his belief that "all
four of the present Representatives of this
montgomery county are members Of said
secret organizations" and that ''these mill
tary gentry want all the offices of the
county, The Montgomery State journal,
the Radical organ at the capital of Alaba-
ma, which has been quite efficient in eX-
posing this military league, has received re-
ports which cause it to believe that Senator
Spencer is connected with the organ
lLdllOUs dul IL DISKS lllll Jldlllll IL
there is any truth in them. 1t denOunces
he organization as a "cruel and wicked
klan,' and although it is a Radical
newspaper, and has been a supporter of
Senator Spencer, it declares itself hostile to
that faction which is 'stab at our peace
and prosperity"
There can scarcely be a doubt that Grant
has seen Judge Rice's letter, and otherwise
learned the existence and character Of this
Radical Ku-Klux Klan, but he has taken no
steps to have the men composing this Or
ganization arrested and punished. That is
not part of his programme. He did not
start ont to modest Radicals who are banded
together by strong Oaths to carry elections
by fair or foul means. They are working
in his interest. If they can carry Alabama
or any other Southern State for him it will
be all right.
THERE appears to be a considerable
movement from Georgia towards Texas.