Mineral Point tribune. (Mineral Point, Wis.) 1869-1938, 1871-12-14

HidSAlCCu upOu tAChl 81 lllIlGIOGH anu atib
that suggest congressional action for their
protection. 1t seems to me the affair is sub
ject of legislation by Congress. / cannot now
state as fully as | desire the nature of the
complaints by emigrants of the treatment
they receive, but Will endeayor to do so dur
ing the session OF Congress. particularly if the
subject should receive your attention.
The ku-AiuX Law.
There has been imposed upon the executive
branch of the government the execution of
the act of Congress- approved April goth, 1871,
and commonly known as the Ku-Klux law
Ii. a portlon of the state of South Carolina
tho necessity OF the course pursued will be
demonstrated Ivy the report of the commission
to investigate southern outrages. Under the
provisions of the above act | issued
proclamation calling tine attention
CT the people of the United States to
the same, and declaring my reluctance to exer-
else any Of the extraordinary powers thereby
conferred upon me, except IN case of I'M
peratiye necessity, but making known my
purpose to exercise such powers whenever
1t should become necessary to do 30 for the
purpose of securing to all citizens of the Uni
ted States the peaceful enjoyment of the
rights guaranteed to them by the constitution
and the laws.
After the passage of this law information
was received from time to time that combiua--
tons of the character referred to in tins law ex-
listed and were powerful in many parts OF the
southern states, particularly IN certain coun-
ties in the state OF South Carolina
Careful investigation was made. and it was as
certained that in nine counties of that state
such combinations were active and powerful,
embracing sufficient portion Of citizens to
control the local authority, and having, among
other things the object of deprying the eman-
cipated class of the substantial benefits Of
freedom and of the privilege 9th free poht-
ical action of those citizens who did not SYM
pathize with their views.
Among their operations were frequent scuuriugs
and occasional 0ssassinations, generally perperaed
at night by disguised persons the victims almost
all being citizens of different political souti
ments from their own, or free persons who had
shown disposition TO claim equal rights with other
citizens Thousands of inuffrnsye and well dis
posed citizens were the sufferers by this wless yo
leucc.
Thcrcupou on the 18th of Oct. 1871 a proclamation
was issued in terms of the law, calling upon the
members of the combinations To disporse within five
days. aud to deliver To the Marshal military the
United States, all their arms, ammuntions, uni
forms, DISCUSSES, and other means and implements
used by them for carrying out their unlawful pur-
poses.
This warming not having been needed on the
nth of October another proclamation was issued
susponding the privileges of the writ Of habeas
corpus in nine counties in that state. Direction
given that within the counties SO designated persons
supposed, upon credible information, to be meme
bers OF such unlawful combinations, should be ar
rested by the military forces of the Unod States
and delivered TO the Marshal, to be dealt with ac-
oording to law.
In two of the said coup hes-York and Sparans-
burg arrests have been made. AT last ac-
counts, the number of persons thus arrested
one hundred and sixty-eight. Several hundred,
whose crimnality was ascertained to be of an nfe-
rior degree, were released for the presont. These
have generally made confessions ur their guilt.
Great caution has b, exercised In making arrests,
Notwithstanding the large number, II is believed
that innocent is in cuAtp1y
The prisoners viii be held for regular trial in the
judicial tribunals Of the United States. As soon as
il appeared that the authorities of the United States
about to take vigorous measures to enforce the
law many persons absconded, and there il good
ground for surprising that all such persons have
violated the law. fun report of what has been
done under this law will be submitted to Congress
by the Attorney General.
The Mormons ana Polygnmy.
In Utah there still remains remnant of barbar-
ism, repugnant To civilization, decency and to the
laws Of the United States. Territorial officers, how.
ever, have been found, who are willing To
perform their duty In spirit Of equity and
with due sense OF sustaining the modesty of the law.
Neither polygamy nor any other violation of the
statutes viii be permitted within the territory of the
United States. II IL not with the religion of these
seif-sty led saints that dealing, bnt their
practices. They will be protected in the worship of
God according to the dictates 81 their consciences
but they will not be permitted to violate laws under
the cloak of religion.
It may be advisable for Congress to consider what,
in the execution of laws against polypamy is TO ba
the status of the plural wives and their offsprings
The propricty of Congress passing an enabling act
authorizing the territorial legislature of Utah to
legitimize all children born prior to time fixed IN
the act, might be justified by Its humanity to these
innocent children. This is Il suggestion only aud
not recommendation. NO
The Indian Policy.
Tho policy pursued towards tho Indians has re-
suited fayoraby, 80 far as can be judged from the
limited time during which il has boon In operation
i al al nt
to whom has been entrusted the execu-
ton of tho policy, and the board OF commissioners
authorized by the law of April 10Th, 1862 many
tribes OF Indians have been induced TO
settle upon reservations, TO cultivate the
soil, and perform productive labor Of various
kinds, and to partially accept civilization.
They are being cared for in such way II II hoped,
TO induce those stll pursuing their old habits OF
life 10 embrace the only opportunity which is left
hem TO avoid determination. / recommend liberal
TO carry ont the Indian peace policy
not only because it IL human. Christian-like aud
but because 1t IL perfectly right.
recommend to your favorable consideration, also,
he policy Of granting territorial government to the
indians, IN the Indian Territory west OF Arkansas
md Missouri, and south of Kansas, In doing so,
very right guaranteed to the Indians by treaty
'houd be secured. Such a course might, in time,
20 the of collecting most of the Indians,
between the Missouri and the Pacific, and south Of
he British domnons, into one territory, ~ one
tate The Seci etary Of tho Interior has treated
i;;on mis- subject at length, and | recommend to
You his suggestions.
The CiviI Service,
1t has been the aim OF tho adininislration to en-
orce honesty and efficiency In all public Offices
Every public servant who has violated the trust
placed in him. has been proceeded against with all
he Iigor OF the law. III bnd have secured
places II has been the fault of the system established
~ law and customs, for making appointments, or
he fault OF those who recommend for government
positions persons not sufficiently well-known
o them personally, or who give letters endorsing
he character OF Office seekers without proper sense
# the grave responsibility which such course de-
olives upon them. A civil service reform which
an correct this abuse IL much desired. la mercan-
lie pursuits, the business who gives letter of
to friend, TO enable him to OBJ
ain credit from stranger, In regarded a. morally
for the integrity of his friend and his
bility TO meet his obligations.
rcformatory law which would enforce this prin-
iple against all endorsers of persons for public