New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1871-04-15
IMMEDIATE ACTION NECESSARY.

To the Edttor OF The Tribune.
SIC: In anticipation of the passage of the Ku-
Klnx bill il would be well to give OF the thoughts
and opinions Of Southern Republicans as to the method
Of its execution its probable effect and the OBJ
ccs particularly aimed at in some localities Tie general
opnn among them is that tho moral effect OF the bill
will permanent AZ it remain dead letter for even
brief space OF time, other bills have remained upon
the statute books Further they do not rely on the Fed
crIl Courts. The terms Of these Courts are burdened
with other ,Tair- and few and far between More
over the entire legal fraternity Of the South, with but
here shining exception sympathizes with the
KuSuN consider the Introduction OF such trials into the
Federal Courts political measures, aud will undoubt-
eddy embarIaSs the or tie law in every
ceivajle way.
But II the President moves az once, there will he DIT
fereu condition OF Affairs instantly produced. The Ku-
kux will Immediately their nding in large gangs,
for they fear martial law. But how the
that hey have producedi A mere menace from the
Executive Department viii, II s true. stop the Ouragcs
IA great measure hut it viii not stop intimidation by
and private threats Of violence hereafter
nor viii remove previous impressions This IS the way,
they ssy martial law must be declared: the Presidents
proclamation be read at avery court in every township,
and posted in public places; courts-martal must
be convened lt the capitals OF tho States,
AID sliJ,-y stationed &C many available points. Tic
coIs-nartl, is true cannot take cogaillHce Of past
oiarsrs These left TO the civil courts alone,
but The courtsmartal can he ready to try any new In
frin semens Of the law 10y disguised men, and can nsti
tate proceedings concerning former crimes 30 as to ex
pose and to demosh tho klans throughout the States
Tie only hope Of Southern Republicans generally is
therefore upon the military OF tine Government
The time is to s rests with the President and
IT, belief is that cannot be made use OF too soon. For
although the punishment Of past ohenses is almost
de- paired OF, left at least belief that future
crimes may thus be prevented
cff .,rf, "a ,ttftc ofta
been most plainly directed needs especial just at
is time size Is proceeding with a revolution under the
control OF the KuKux leaders OF the Democracy, and in
Violation the Constitution Of the State, in calling
Convention 10 alter and amend that instrument without
tb regusite vote having obtained in the Legisla
lure The Governor Of the state T. Il. Caldwell and the
| Supreme Court-twO Departments, nave warned inc
The answer to this warning H. that II the
Governor does stand ASIDE he viii he east out OF office
and the supreme Court IS told that its doom
il already sealed Indeed the presiding officers OF the
two Houses and the Attorney General or the STATE are
charged with the erecution OF the law and thus the
TXaritye mas been stripped OF his constitutional power
The Republicans of the state desire 10 see these
Cony%nan suspended until by lapse OF time becomes
Void: or II that De not done they ask for protection 70
f and propcrty through the military power in order
fo make nght against the IN kux, aud prevent thelr
getting control of the convention, anu et,ty ueiuy
pg the Republican features OF lheir ~. ;
ever il the Convention movement Is checked by the mil
iary power they ask another t Inp ~ NV
shall 90 aud purge the Legislature that eaeu IT, Ny
cxnelng those members who inaugraied the reyoutioh
ZION of others in their stead lf IN the way iar eec
ton be held by the first Monday III November Honu,
there will he majority OF loyal CONSTITUTIONS ci'H'
en- tho Gener,I A assembly Of North carolina
As 10 the other STATES there are various proposops
hnt none have IA vet taken definite head or shape but
the cat reliance among all who are Interested IN .her
welfare is upon the military provision OF Tue p Iesat VIA
Win carefully chosen officers for thr anu
r.uiments of white soldiers from the western plains,
they can sec much good IN ~ eS'fclss, 'y Wien ic
reason 10 believe and know that u . reghents mn th
hav hen recruited at the south are honey comDed Wl
men az the rank and lille bad - the worst huNuA'
NH, ~ ~ the on,rers by long residence among Grim
& have become blinded 10 the atrocity OF their crimes
IT, - me earnest wi an OF Southern Republicans, asa hasS
J -, r. prasiiant nave az early day az may DC
n"hlc 40 that his promise Of peace may be iuihed 70
H., - Later through the fundamentally OF that
o ha ,nre welded successfully 10 preserve,
P"G With j. now their only hope OF perpetualins the
| Union AT the South. ~ 80,
| Uns6i,gt1u. ID. g., April 49, lSIl