The Canton mail. [volume] (Canton, Miss.) 18??-1882, 1875-01-23
upon the state and country, long after the

upon the state and country long after the
present generation has passed away.
have no desire to have United States troops
interfere in the do restic concerns OF Louisiana
| or any other state. On the 9Th of December
| last, Gov. Kellogg telegraphed to me his ap,
| prehensions that the white league intended
| to make another attack Upon the same day
| made the following answer, since which no
communication has been sent to him:
"Your dispatch of this date has just been
received. 1t is exceedingly unpalatable to use
| troops in anticipation of dangers Let the
state authorities be right and then proceed
with their Duties, without apprehension OF
danger. If they are then molested. the ques-
ton will be determined whether the United
States is able to maintain law and order within
it, limits or not"
1 have deplored the presence of troops
among them. / regret, however. to say that
this state of things does not exist, nor does
lis existence seem to be desired in localities,
and as to those it will be proper for me to say,
that to the extent that congress has conferred
power on me to prevent it, neither ku-kluN
klans. white leagues nor any other associa-
ton using arms and violence te execute their
unlawful purposes, can be permitted in that
way to govern any part OF this country, nor
can see with indifference union mon or re-
publicans ostracized, persecuted and murdered
on account OF their opinions, as they now are
in some localities.
1 have heretofore urged the case OF Louisi-
ana upon the attention of congress, and can
not but think that it's inaction has produced
great evil. To eummOnlZe: IN september
last an armed organized body OF men. in the
support of candidates who had been put in
nomination for the offices Of governor and
lieutenant governor. at the November election
in 1872. and who had been declared not elected
by the board OF canvassers, recognized by all
the courts to which the question had been sub
mitted, undertook to subvert and overthrow
the state government that had been recognized
by me, in accordance with previous precedents
The recognized governor was driven from the
state-house. a d, but for his finding shelter in
the United States custom house, in the capital
OF the state of which he was governor. it is
seriously to be doubted that he would have
been killed. From the state-house, before he
had been driven to the custom-house, a call
was made in accordance with the 4th section,
Atm article of the constitution of the United
Sta es for the aid of the general government
to suppress domestic violence. Under these
circumstances, and in accordance with my
sworn duty, my proclamation of the 18th of
September. 1874. was issued. This served to
renstate Gov. Kellogg to his position nomi
nslly, but it cannot be claimed that he in eur
gents have to this day surrendered to the
state authorities the arms belonging to the
state. or that they have in any sense oisarmed.
On the contrary it is known that the armed
organization that existed on the 14th of Sep
TENDER. 1874, in opposition to the recognized
state government, still retain Their organiZa-
ton, equipments and commanders. and can be
calle out at any hour to resist the state gov
eminent. Under these circumstances the same
military force has been continued in Louisiana
was sent under the first call, and under the
same general instructions. L repeat that the
task assumed by the troops is not pleasant |
one; that the army is not composed of lawyers, |
cal able of judging at a moments notice Of
just how far they can go in the maintenance OF
law and order, and that it was impossible to give
specific instructions providing for all possible |
contingencies that might arise. The troops |
were bound to act upon the judgment Of COM |
handing officers upon each sudden contingency |
that arose. or wait instructions which could |
had been committed, which they were called |
on to prevent. 1t must be recollected, too, |
that upon my recognition of the Kellogg gov |
eminent, reported the fact with the grounds |
of the recognition to congress, nd asked that |
body to take action in the matter, otherwise, 1 /
should regard their silence acquiescing in
my course. No action has been taken by that |
body, and l have maintained the position
marked out. If error has been committed by |
the army in these matters, it has always been
on the eide of the preservation of good order, |
the maintenance OF law and the protection of |
life. Their bearing reflects credit upon the
soldiers, and if wrong has resulted the blame,
with the turbulent elements surrounding them,
must not rest on them.
1 now earnestly ask that such action be
taken by congress as to leave my duties per-
fectly clear in dealing with affairs in Louisiana,
giving assurance at the same time that what
ever may be done by that body in the premises, |
will be executed according to the spirit of the
law, without fear or favor.
/ herewith transmit copies OF documents
more specific information as to the |
subject matter OF the resolution.
U. 8. GRANT
Executive Mansion, Jan. ID, 1875.