New national era. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1870-1874, 1872-05-23
The Ku-kIux EXtension LAW w.

Senator SCOTS speech ON the Ku-Klux OK
i tension bill gave additional proof, if that
were needed, that it is necessary for Con-
gress to pass this act, whereby protection
will be afforded to the colored people of the
South. Prior to the declaration of martial
law by the President one of the greatest and
most dangerous conspiracies ever organized
IN the United States held supreme sway
throughout South Carolina and many other
sections of the South. The civil authorities,
IL ever they wished to interfere with the
WORK OF the conspirators, were powerless.
Midnight murders were perpetrated by the
score, and all who did not give aid to the
bands of marauders were in continual
danger.
Senator Scott, with his committee, it is
well known, brought fully to light the terri
bic state OF affairs existing in Spartanburg,
DIRK, Union, and other counties, and it was
through the efforts of this committee alone
that the strong arm of the Government was
lnterposed. Their Investigations developed
the true situation and the objects of the or
ganization. At every step the committee
was furnished with evidence showing that
the ku-hluX organization was formed for
the purpose OF preventing the negroes from
exercising their political rights, and that its
ends were to be attained, no matter what
deeds were necessary to accomplish them.
Thus it was found necessary to suspend
the habeas corpus act. Since this was done,
marked change has been perceptible all
over the South. The frequent outrages COM
mltted before were suddenly ended, and the
members OF the dcep-laid conspiracy began to
flee from the law. Hundreds there were who
stood defiant to the last, trusting to escape
the punishment they so fully deserved. A
large number of these were placed before the
BAR OF justice, but IL was found a hard task
to convict them. The jjuries were composed
OF the same class of men as the prisoners,
and the witnesses resorted to perjury. Not
withstanding all this, the help afforded BY
the military authorities placed the judges and
other law officers of the courts in a safe posi-
ton, and compelled the outlaws to cease
their deviish work. At the present day,
through the watchfulness of the military,
everything is quiet, and the colored people
are free from the dread which before hung
over them. But this will continue no longer
than the habeas corpus is suspended, for just
so soon as the power of the military authori-
ties ceases, the Ku-Klux will again be abroad,
and the old reign of terror will be revived.
To this fact Congress should give its closest
attention, and it will be the wisest policy to |
extend the law. Senator SCOTS speech will |
go far to enforce on the minds of the several |
the necessity for continuing the |
existing rule, and before the debate is closed |
others of the committee who visited the South |
Will no doubt lend their aid to the Pennsyl- |
vanla Senator, and secure the passage of the |
pending bill. 1t is to be hoped that Con- |
gress will not adjourn until favorable action |
is had, for should the old terrorism through |
out the South be re-establshed, the President |
will be compelled to call an extra session, |
thereby entailing needless expenditure of |
time and money! Philadelphia Press.