New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1871-04-26
THROUGH TIE SOUTH.

The most serious problem now confronting
the people of the United States is that OF the
preservation of order in the South. 1IIE
TRIBUNE can take but one position in regard
TO the essential point at issue. Every power
of the Government must be put forth 10 pro-
tect peaceful citizens in their constitutional
rights. If this is not done, there Is no use IN
keeping up the pretense of Government.
But the facts of the case have been thus far
industriously concealed and vailed by dense
cloud of Misrepresentation. We have seen
and heard enough to convince us OF the ex-
istence of q most disastrous state OF affairs IN
several States; but the Democratic papers, by
blindly shutting their eyes and hardening
their hearts, have induced some to believe that
the stories of Ku-Klux Outrages are mere
invention. We ourselves do not deny the
possibility that in some cases the passions
of the hour may sometimes have led refugees
and Unionists into exaggerated statements.
Before the question at issue can be settled
satisfactorily it is indispensable that we should
have fuller and more accurate information IN
regard to the true state of the public peace
and the general opinion throughout the South.
For this purpose we have sent into the
field intelligent and judicious correspond
ents, from whose reports we expect
valuable additions to our stock of present
knowledge. They go with no orders but
to see everything to talk with everybody
and to report fully. They are especially
charged to seek every convenient opportunity
for conversation with Southern people, of
every party and every condition in life. They
are expected to listen attentively to the
complaints of Unionists, negroes, or soldiers
to embrace every occasion to hear the vapOr-
ing of the Ku-Klux, the bitter utterances of
ex-Confederates, and the cautious hedging of
the sober citizens who equally fear and hate
the midnight maraudcrs and do not dare give
evidence against them. Everything which shall
cOnduce to correct and complete understand
ing of the present status of things i'll the South
shall be laid before our readers and the country
without reserve. We do not choose to await the
investigations of any Committee of Congress.
The evidence taken by any such official body
will inevitably DO affected by the prejudices
and the fears Of the witnesses. Our GORE
spondents will send us more Independent and
intelligent statements than any one clothed in
tho imposing character Of Committeeman or
Envoy could possibly do. We expect in the next
few months to let in such light upon this tangled
web of charges and denials, that ignorance of
the true state of affairs will no longer be
excusable to Congress or the country. IL is
not wise journalism or honest partisanship
to conceal or misrepresent any facts of
moment in crisis so important We
shall leave the Democratic paper, alone
In this short-sighted and disloyal policy,
and cive unrpseryedly to orr readers
NIL obtanable information, without consider |
ing whether it sustains or controverts the |
position of TIE TRIBUNE. The first INSTALL
ment of this careful correspondence appears |
TO day, and further letters will rapidly follow. |