The weekly democratic statesman. [volume] (Austin, Tex.) 1871-1883, 1871-11-09
Force versus Reason.

We have private letters from Groes-
beck in our hands, received by gen.
tleman in this city, from which we are
allowed to Gull the following facts.
One of these letters gives an account
of lawlessness committed by the State
troops now in Limestone county. Capt
Williams, who commands company
of State Police at Springfield, sent two
negroes of his company to Tehuacana
to post notices in regard to the collec.
tion of the military tax, and these men
while returning from that place CON-
mitted a highway robbery. On the
road they met Mr.. Yelverton, upon
whom they drew their six-shooterS,
threatening to kill him unless he gave
them his money. This was given up;
and upon complaint being made at
headquarters the two scoundrels were
pointed out, and are now confined un-
der orders Of Gen. Malloy. A military
court was to dispose of the case on the
9th of October. The tone of this
letter is Respondent. The writer thinks
the people are in the hands of merci.
less band, and there is no chance to
foretell what the result will be.
The next letter says that the Rev.
Mr.. Stegall has been attacked with
pneumonia, and in consequence has
had to be removed from prison. Be
fore this removal took place bond
was required, signed by Stegall and
two other responsible citizens, the con-
ditions of which bound are in sub
stance as follows:
That the above mentioned \. II. Stegall |
shall report daily at the Office of the Provost |
Judge in the city of Groesbeck, until other
wise ordered by said Provost Judge and it is |
also further conditioned that the said A. Il. |
SLegail, - -, - --, shall |
not at any time, in any way by word, conver-
sation, advise or action, hinder, delay, or inN
terfere with the collection of the military tax, |
levied by the Governor, or military authOri-
ty upon said community of Limestone; and |
further that they will at all times and in all |
places keep the peace as good and quiet citi-
zens, and exert their influence with other per-
sons to the same end and effect.
Such is the novel style of security |
required. The bond is not only for the
forthcoming Of Stegall, but requires the
bondsmen to use their influence for the
collection of the military tax. Do those
in authority consider it a hopeless case?
Do they fear they are overstepping the
bounds Of justice? Force is the rule;
not reason or justice. Four hundred |
armed negroes, lawless and ready to
obey the most terrible orders, are
stationed in Limestone county to carry |
out the tyrannical dictates of Gov.
Davis. Why hesitate? Why force
citizens, as the price of a mans life, who |
languishes in cold and damp prison,
to sign bond requiring them to use
their influence to further this accursed |
viilainy? Both Generals Reynolds |
and Malloy thought when they reach
ed Limestone county that martial law
was not required, and yetone hundred
and fifty negroes extra have been mus
ed into service in the county since
Malloy arrived with his force. What
does it all mean? Is this the nucleus
which is to swell until Texas sue
cumbs to Radicalism? The oppres>
sions practiced in Limestone county
are not directed alone against its citi-
zens. They are felt by the people Of
Texas at large. It is an unjust attack
upon the rights of Texans; the driy-
ing of another spike into the plank,
which is intended to close from our
sight the last vestige of civil liberty.