The Anderson intelligencer. [volume] (Anderson Court House, S.C.) 1860-1914, 1871-05-25
The Ku Klux Sensation.

Ihe kepuDllcan newspapers oI tnls OtilIo
are constantly discussing the operations of the
Ku Klux, and sensational headings are pdraded
before their readers ON every occasion that is |
offered, to prove the existence Of widespread
organization thtoughoat the State under this
mysterious guise. Even private difficulties are
magnifed into Ku Klux outrages, and the peo-
pie of the North learn through this channel
that South Carolina is daily witnessing the
most horrible deeds of bloody revenge against
Republican office-holders. Now, we are free
to admit that there have been too many of
these lawless gangs in some sections of the
State, but the truth is not near 30 bad as the
Radical journals are disposed to believe. 1t
f.has become the fashion to send Ku Klux no
tices, with skull and .cross-bones, and horrid
imitation of a coffin, to every obnoxious char
tacser who has rendered himself locally infa-
NOUS by his official conduct or private mis-
deeds. In many instances, these warnings"
afe the poorest kind of jokes, as witness the
attempt of a. Republican ofice-holder In
Georgetown to frighten Congressman Rainey
and his other political associates, and which
had the effect of making the aforesaid Con-
gresham play the Ounce, by writing lengthy
letter to the editor of the Washington Ctroni-
Gle; enclosing copy of the terrible warning" "
1t is very poor joke, however, and yet it
serves to point moral to sensational Journal
lists, if they would only heed its significance.
Is it not possible that portion Of the Radical
party are seeking by this method to rid them
selves of formidable rivals within its ranks
Or, If this Is not the object; do not these
bloody epistles proceed from desire to feed
the Ku Klux sensation, and thus perpetuate
their power over the deluded hegtoes, by
proving the dangers through which they are
passing for the sake of Republcanisms So
much for these notices emanating from within
the folds of the Radical party, whetherintend-
ed as jokes or for some covert purpose. But
we have no doubt that q majority of the warn
ings which come to light are sent by persons
outside of that party. And yet, what do they
amount to2 In certain cases, the effect has
been to drive away pestilent characters from
the neigbborhood, but the greatest number re-
suit in simply nothing at all, The recipients
never hear of their dread pursuers again, and
the whole affair ends in Little farce.
/ Where has the genuine Ku Klux ever gven
warning Of their approachf We believe there
is such an organization, and that it was origi-
nally intended for the publication Of the coun-
try and the protection of good citizens against
lawless characters. But its purposes have been
sadly perverted, and in this State there are
numerous deeds attributed to this organization
never contemplated for a moment in the secret
recesses of that mysterious band. Indeed, we
confidently believe that only one or two in
stances of retribution may be rightfully charged
to the Ku Klu1. And yet there have been nu-
merous outrages perpetrated. Now, what is
the remedy? The unconstitutional and dunwise
power placed in the hands Of the President
will not bring about better state of things.
The experience of State authorities, immediate
lily after hostilities ceased, when they were as;
sisted by nearly onc-half as many troops as
now compose the United States army, attests
the futility of attempting to put down these
outrages by force. Counter organizations such
as are suggested will not accomplish the object,
for general conflict may shortly be expected
in that event. But we say to the Radical jour
nails "keep the peace" in your columns, by re-
fusing to publish the exciting, sensational mar
ratives which have disgraced them for the last
several weeks. Avoid the sembance Of inius-
Etice, and rely upon the sober, rejecting portion
of the population to bring order ont of chaos.
All this pandering tothe sensational is destined
to fcedthe fame, and the people will nothold you
guiltless if the maelstrom is reached, and the
State is plunged into an internecine war.
I Every Democratic newspaper in the State,
when the occasion has offered, has condemned
the so-called Ku Klux outrages in unmistakea-
BILE terms In common with many Others we
have not been called upon to give expression
to our opinions on this subject except in q gen.
eral way, as this locality has been entirely freed
from this unhappy condition Of affairss But
there is an.imperative demand for peace. The
State needs rest from plundering officials, bur
densome taxation, and aggravating, senseless
commotion. The demand is for calm, dispas-
sionate action, deliberate and prudent counsels,
and an entire absence of all violence, that the
mode and manner of extricating the State from
the hands of bad, vicious men may be deter
mined upon and accomplished Without these
things, and all effort is useless to prevent the
most lamsntablc consequences Of anarchy and
general ruin.
: The National Bank of Chester has gone
: In respect to ooIored population, as shown
| by the census return, South Carolina stands
Fifth in number.
- Rev. W. B. w. Howe, of Charleston, has
been elected Assistant Bishop of the Episcopal