The People's vindicator. [volume] (Natchitoches, La.) 1874-1883, 1874-08-29
b. ,a The Welfare of the People is Supreme Law
Origin Of the Black League in
the State of Mississippi.

| ~~o~~t ~e VAA~ A)AeSNn AVdS O0 ~
the State of Mississippi.
UNION BRorHERlsooDs, ETC.
| \. O. Bulletin, plst.
/. The Republican sheets of the NORTH
accepting the mendacious REPORTS Of
their Southern oadtutors, have pre-
sistentiy misrepresented every; effort
made by the white people of the
South to secure an honest election
aud administration. And In no one
particular have they labored more
strenqously than they have to create
a false Impression concerning the
object Of tie "White Leauge," IT,
|'noslng the fact that q counter League
on tue part of the blacks has existed
ever since the year 1865. ., s,..,
A brief history of the origin of the
Black League in the State Of Mis-
sissippi may contribute, in some meas
ure, to correct the opinions formed in
consequence Of these false statements.
Soon after the close aB the war the
South was flooded will, class of adj
venturers who discovered, in tie ig-
norance and superstition of the negro,
q sure means of elevating and en-
riching themselves. They began by
alarming their dupes with reports
that the white men intend to deprive
them of their recently.acquired lib.
critics; that they were resolved to
grant them no privileges under the
law, and that all their efforts were
being directed to the end Of reducing
them again to slavery. Under the
specious pretext of providing q main
tenance for widows, orphans aud su-
perannuated negroes, they organized
societies which were given the name
Of "Union Brotherhoods." Small
sums of money were cxacted from
each member, osteusibly for the pur-
pose IF providing a benevolent fund.
but, in reality, to further the ends Of
their carpet-bag leaders. : ae,
These brotherhoods were soon
transformed iuto secret organizations,
aud assumed the name of "Black
League." Imposing upon the credu.
lity and superstition of the NEGROES,
they bound them by the most terrible
Oaths to secrecy; and instructed them
in signs, passwords, and all the other
forms of secret orders. So thorough
~ under the control of these leagues
were the members, and even those
who were not members, that they
dare not take the responsibility Of
acting Independently of their instruc-
tions. When the constitution Of 1868
was defeated, by a majority of 1000,
in Mississippi, numbers Of negroes
were prevailed upon, and assurances
Of protection against outrage from
their fellow-negroes, to vote against
1t. They trembled rs they polled
their vote, aud invariably exclaimed
that they looked for protection to the
white people. In many instances
they were really attacked, and their
lives threatened, while, at the same
time, they were upbraided with hay-
ing violated their oaths. In all sub.
sequent elections not one of them
has dared to vote contrary to the
direction Of his league. Just before
election a courier passes from planta-
ton to plantation, and reads an edict,
purposting to be an address from the
Central Republican Committee, but
what in reality is a secret order from
the headquarters of the league.
The Black League of Mississippi
has long been, iu effect, o military or.
ganisatien. The members have de.
MED themselves, in many instances,
the necessaries of life, in order to
procure arms and ammunition, Negro
ministers, from their pulpits, denounce
dire judgments upon those who have
the rashness to act for themselves,
and hurl denunciatious against the
white people Of the most incendiary
character. Religion is ptostitated to
party ends, and prayers are address.
ed to the Deity, breathing vengeance
and hatred against the white race.
Now let the Radical press Of the
North investigate this matter. Let
them aoquaint Themselves with the
machinery of their party In the
South and for the love of justice
aud conAistency devote its columns to
enfranchfsing q second time the pets
of ttsspsrty.e Let them raise the cry.
Of intimidation, and call in Yequisi-
ton, the powers Of the enforcement
art t. secure TO tile Black Leaguers
e'fpse ozercfse of sufrage.if III ii
& party sat down at the Widespread
supper table Of / Steamer, upon which
onU II the dishes contained 4 trout
ofmederate size. A seriohs looking
individual drew this dish toward him,
saying apologeticslly !; '.This is fast,
Day with me-" His next neighbor, al
Irish gentleman, inserted hit fork
into the 6sh, and transferred It to his
own plate, remarking: "Sir, d. you
annnnao fhot nnhn1u In. o-i -