Virginia free press. (Charlestown, Va. [W. Va.]) 1832-1916, 1871-12-09

law, in portion of the State OF South Carolina.
The necessity of the course pursued will be
demonstrated by the report of the Committee
to investigate Southern outrages. Under the
provisions of the above act, l issued procla
nation calling the attention of the people OF
the United States to the same, and declaring
my reluctance to exercise any of the extra
ordinary powers thereby conferred upon me,
except in cases of imperative necessity, but
making known my purpose to exercise such
power whenever it should become necessary
t. do SO for the purpose of securing to all
citizens of the United Statesthe peaceful en-.
joyment of the rights guaranteed to them by
the Constitution and the laws. t',t2tr
After the passage of this law information
was received from time to time, that comb.
nations of the. character referred to in this
law existed and were powerful ir many parts
of the Southern States, particularly 10 certain
counties Of the State OF South Carolina. Care
full Investigation was made, and it was ascer-
tanned that in nine counties of that State
such combinations were active and powerful,
embracing sufficient portion of the citizens
to control the local authority, and having
among their objects that Of depriving the
emancipated class of tie substantial benefits
of freedom, and of preventing the free politi-
cal action OF those citizens who did not sym
patbize with their own views. Among their
operations were frequent scourging and occa>
sional assaults, generally perpetratsd at night
by disguised persons, the victims, in almost
all cases, being citizens of different political
sentiments from their own, or freed persons
who had shown disposition to claim equal
rights with other citizens. Thousands of 10
offensive and well disposed citizens were the
sufferers by this lawless violence
Thereupon, on the 18th Of October, 1871
proclamation was issued in terms of law call
ing upon members of those combinations to
dispense within five days, aud to deliver to the
Marshal or military officers of the United
States all arms, ammunitions, uniforms, dis
guises aud other means and implements used
by them for carrying out their unlawful pur-
poses. This warning not having been needed
on the 18th of October another proclamation
was issued, suspeudng the privilege of the
writ of habeas corpus in nine counties in that
State. Direction was given that within the
counties so designated persons supposed upon
credible information to be members Of such
unlawful combinations should be arrested by
the military forces Of the United States and
delivered to the Marshal, to be dealt with &C
cording to law.
In two Of said couoties, York and Spartan
l,,rr - han A
last account the number of persons thus ar,
rested was one hundred aud sixty eight. Sew
eral hundred, whose criminalty was ascer-
tanned to be of an inferior degree, were re-
leased for the present.
Those have generally made confession OF
their guilt. Great caution has been exercised
in making these arrests, and notwithstanding
the large number, it is believed that no limo
cent persons are now in custody.
The prisoners will be held for regular trial
in the judicial tribunals of the United States
As soon as it appeared that the authorities of
the United States were about TO take vigorous
measures to enforce the law many persons alb
seconded, aud there is good ground for sup>
posing that all Of such persons have violated
the law.
A full report Of What has been done under
this law will be submitted t. Gosgress by the
Attorney General
la Utah there still remains a remnant Of
barbariSm, repugnaut u civilization, 60 Ge'
cency and to the laws Of the United States
Territorial officers, however, have been found
who are willing to perform their duty in o
spirit of equity and with due sense of sas
tanning the majesty of the law. Neither
polygamy nor any other violation Of existing
statutes will be permitted within the territory
of the United Sites.
1t is not with the religion Of the selfstyled
saints that we are now dealing, but with their
practices.
They will be protected in the worship Of
God according to dictates of their own con-
sciences, but they will not be permitted to
violate the laws under the cloak of religion.
1t may be advisable for Congress to consider
what, in the execution of the laws against
polygamy, is to be the status Of plural wives
and their offspring.
The propriety of Congress passing an ena-
bling act authorizing the territorial Legisia-
ture of Utah to egitamize all children horn
prior to time fixed in the ac', might be JUS
tilted by its humanity to these innocent chill
dren.
This is suggestion, only, and not recon-
mendation.
The policy pursued towards the Indians
has resulted favorably, so far as can be Judged
from the limited time during which it las
been in operation.
Through the exertons of the various So
cetics of Christians to whom was entrusted
the execution of the policy, aud the Board OF
Commissioners authorized by the law of April
10, 1869, many tribes of Indians have been
induced to settle upon reservations, to cult
vate the soil, to perform productive labor of
various kinds, and to partially accept civiliza-
ton.
They are being cared for in such way, it
is hoped, as to induce those still pursuing
their old habits Of life to embrace the only
opportunity which is left them to avoid ex-
termination.
l recommend liberal appropriations to carry
the Indian peace policy, not only because it
is human, Christian>like and economical, but
because it is right recommend to your ia,
L. =. Al ~, IF