New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1871-03-16
AMNESTT-PERSONAL SECURITY.

The votes already taken indicate a decided
majority in the House for q sweeping measure
of Amnesty, while the deliberations in caucus
indicate an equally decisive preponderance of
those who insist on the efficient protection of
life and liberty at the South. These maiorities
are very differently constituted, but they arc
both essentially right. 1t is expedient that the
disabilities imposed for completely in the Rebel
lion of six to ten years ago should be removed;
it is essential that tho rebels of 1871 shall be
suppressed and their outrages punished. There
is no conflict between these-twO propositions.
Men who are now deporting themselves as
good citizens should not be denied the COM
mon rights of citizens because they were
wrong long ago; while men who do wrong
now should be made to desist at whatever
cost. A wise and strong government may we'll
overlook bygone errors, while it is impera-
lively bound to give present protection and
security to its loyal and peaceful supporters
Mr.. Elliott, one of South Cardinals new
representatives, asserted on Tuesday that the
Ku-Klux distUbers of the South are " the
." very class of men whom it is proposed to
"relieve of their political disabilities" In the
absence of proof, probabilities are entitled to
weight; and MIR. E.'s naked assertion does not
suffice to prove that the midnight riders and
raiders in masks and multiform DISCUSSES by
whom the South is now disturbed are the ex
colonies, ex-legislators and ex-magistrates Of
the old slave-holdng regime who are alone
excluded from Office by existing disabilities.
If MI. L. had asserted that pears and water
melons are generally stolen by clergymen and
deacOns fifty to eighty years old, his mistake
would not be more Obvious than it now is.
The truth of the matter tells against Mr..
Eliotts position. The Ku-Klux are generally
wild youngsters, badly trained and naturally
reckless of moral and legal restraints, but
often sons, or nephews, or cousins, of those
who are excluded from Office by their part in
the Rebellion. This exclusion is n part OF the
raiders excuse for their crimes. They see
those whom they most respect and honor
prescribed for acts which they esteem right
eous and patriotic; and they are impeiled
thereby TO revenge themselves on those whom
they regard as the abettors and uphOlders of
this Injustice Mr. Elliott's speech will con-
firm many in this malevolent and mischievous
impression. "These nggerS around us" they
will say, profess all manner of good VIII
"and kindly feeling toward their White
"neighbors but that fellow in Congress be-
trays their real Gnimus. Only give them
"power, and they would disfranchise all who
" are not Blacb.n Mr. Elliott we doubt not,
is well-meaning but he has done his race
lasting harm by his first demonstration in the
House. His allusion to Gen. Farnsworth as
syrnpathiser with the Rebellion was exceed
ingly iniudcious and unfortunate.
Congress ought not to adjourn without pass
ing generous measure of Amnesty and an
efficient Ku-Klux suppression act. Each Is
needed and would prove signally beneicent.
But, if Amnesty must still be waited for, the
need of legislation aimed at the Ku-Klux be-
comes still more urgent and imperative. Am
nesty would do somewhat toward disarming
and dissolving the Ku-Klux; its failure will
embitter thousands, and thus infame the spirit
which keeps that organization alive, active,
and formidable We entreat Congress not to
adjourn without having accorded all the Sc
curity that repressive laws can give to the
imperiled loyalists of the South.