Public ledger. [volume] (Memphis, Tenn.) 1865-1893, 1874-10-26
MORE cRsARIsM.

Aman of my pronounced Republican prin-
ciples would not be safe in Memphis. -Barbour
Leicis, IN Washington Cify.
Barbour has since denied saying this,
bat the correspondent of the Cincinnati
Commercial has the advantage in the
controversy, for Barbour did not return
to Memphis until he brought troops at
his back. BE fears the hundreds Of ne
groes who voted the Bartlett ticket last
August far more than all the Ku-K lux
in the United States. As evidence Of
this, be travels over the country I'M
attended, makes long trips on horse
back over unfrequented roads, and takes
his ease ia Democratic villages, and we
suspect, an occasional sip of Bourbon
whiskey. 1t is point he never
fails to make that he has caused
three agents to be brought into the dis
trict to investigate claims, but never
boasts openly about bringing three COM
panies of United States infantry, nor
denies it. Whether these agents are to be
removed as soon as the election is over
remains to be seen. Perhaps Barbour
will have no further use fer them, and
that they will 60 away with the troops.
II elections are to be carried in this way
it is about time for the people to ascer-
tain whether they live under a republic
can government or dictatorship. When
the people learn to vote as ordered TO it
will be time to cease having elections. 1t
is farce to talk Of the sovereign people
when they are the mere subjects Of arbi-
trary political leaders. They would be
vassals, with as little voice in the govern
ment as if under the ancient feudal kings
of Europe. We do not say it has
come to this as yet, for our people
appreciate the blessings of liberty, and
do not stand in awe Of any governing
power which they have helped to create.
Yet they cannot be too jealous of their
rights or the slightest infringement
Abuses of power in whatever quarter,
sheuld be rebuked fearlessly and
promptly. 1t is not the presence of a
company or a regiment of our common
country's troops that excites apprehen-
sion, but the precedent it establishes of
apolitieal party using the military forces
of the government to influence a popu-
lar and peaceable election. 1t cannot
be said that disturbances have occurr
or are likely at any Of our elections.
Every citizen, white and black, has had
the freest opportunity to vote Just as he
pleased, as the number Of votes cast on
each side will show. The negroes vert
back on the carpet-bsggers last, August : 4.
is true, to some extent, just as they a =
doing in South Carolina asd in parts
of Louisiana, and that is why Attorney
General Williams, on the advice and re.
quest of Barbour Lewis doubtless, sends
troops here to bolster up waning party
and intimidate both whites and blacks.
He has very greatly mistaken the tenn
per Of the free born people Of Tennes-
see il he thinks this piece Of petty des-
potism viii pass unrebuked. The effect
will just be the opposite Of that intended.
Williams had better send few regiments
TO Ohio, where the greatest Democratic
"outrage Of all comes in the shape Of
asweeping victory at the ballotbox. And
more is to come. The Radicals are only
on the outer rim OF the Withhold of de-.
feat that will engulph them on the "A If
November