Worcester daily spy. [volume] (Worcester [Mass.]) 1850-1888, 1871-04-18

Mr.. Reemeln, of Cincinnati has been travel
ing in the south, and writing letters to a Cincin-
matt paper, in which he gives the result of his
observations of tie present condition of society,
the causes and nature of the disorders which
: have existed, and other matters which have
bearing upon the political, social and indus
trial future OF that section. A good deal of his
attention was naturally directed to the kuklux
and its doings. Mr.. Reemelin had not much
faith in the existence of any such organization
when he started on his journey. He was dis
posed TO regard it as a myth, invented by radi-
cal politicians TO promote their nefarious de-
signs. His letters have been quoted by demo-
cratic papers, as evidence from a responsible
and unprejudiced source that the reports of
kuklux outrages were greatly exaggerated, and
that the few which had unquestionaby been
committed had such provocation as to palliate
if not excuse them.
But, though he evidently would like to con-
vey that impression, his letters contain proof of
the existence of the kuklux and of what they
considered sufficient provocation for their out
RACES. Mr. Reemeln found ex-confederate officers
and other persons of their social position and
character very pleasant company-and it seems
to have been his habit, when in their society, to
say, as an agreeable pleasantly, that he had
always wanted 10 see Il genuine kuklux, and
begged TO know if there was not one in that
company. This Of course amused his south
ern friends, and put them on the best of
terms with their companion. His question:
with his manner of putting it, was equivalent to
saying: '1f you, who have been confederate
hull 10 -
boast of it to me, then there is no such thing,
and am forced TO believe that the stories of
their doings are all radical inventions" This
frame of mind was what they generally wished
10 cultivate in observers from the north 1t
suited their purpose, and it was not for them to
say anything to remove an impression readily
adopted.
But sometimes, finding Mr.. Reemen so ready
to accept their views, they went little further
and suggested a method by which his curiosity
to see a kuklux might be gratified. On one oc-
casion, being in company with four confederate
officers, he asked his usual question and it was
received with the usual hearty burst of laughter.
When this had subsidized, they told him that he
was on the wrong scent, hut they could show
him way and place where he could be sure
OF seeing kukluX. Ihey told him, as he says:
"To go about two miles out OF town; to turn
into the first plantation, and to talk with the
negroes, and persuade them that they were paid
TOO little wages; and, if the white planter came
along, TO repeat all had said 10 him; then to
loiter about the neighborhood, and stay over
night, and before morning would see several
kuklux.'
His curiosity was not strong enough to induce
him to try this experiment, but he appeared to
think that the condition of society the statement
revealed was not very much amiss. man
from the north WHO "minds his own business"
as they say, and cannot be suspected of holding
intercourse with the negroes, will be unmo-
Tested; if he is foolish enough to talk to them
about politics or wages, he may be hung, or
whipped, or tarred and feathered, hut he has
brought it upon himself He may be pitied, but
his ASSISTANTS can not be severely blamed.