Wood County reporter. [volume] (Grand Rapids [i.e. Wisconsin Rapids], Wis.) 1857-1923, 1875-02-04
FEBRUARY 4, 1875.

the record presents to the country.
Now, it is fact, and the Senator does
know it. that 102 men responded to
that roll, fifty Democrats and fifty two
Republicans, for that has been the rec
ord all the time, and the Senator can
not help but know it. But the facts
are things that are not wanted here.
they petitioned the Government to put
the mob out and let the Legislature or
ganize, and that is what he did, and
all that he did, and from that Grant is
denounced, and Grant knew no more
about it than the Sentor from Miss
ouri. For that Sheridan is denounced,
and he had nothing TO do with it. For
that the Republican party is denounc-
ed, which had no knowledge of it.
For that everybody in the Republican
party is denounced as not fit to con-
troll or partisipate in the affairs of this
government.
Sir, it is sometimes a very good
thing for US to continue referring to
our own record. [ have another piece
of history here that probably will be
Of some information to our well-infom-
ed Democrats who have been talking
SO loudly about military usurpation. l
have shown you that they elected one
President. they elected him twice.
who was one cf these military usur-
pers. Let me read a little history
about another military usurper, and
for the benefit Of my friend from
Maryland Mr.. Hamilton), wish he
was here. He forgot this the other
day, although he is Senator from the
State. Here is little order that [
hold in my hand, dated ''Headquar-
ters of the Army Of the Potomac,
Washington, Sept. y, 1861" address
to Gen. Banks, a Conservative Inde-
pendent member of the next House Of
Congress 4:
GENERAL: After full consultation
with tile President, SECRETARIES of
State, War, etc, it has been decided
to effect the operation proposed for the
18th. Arrangements have been made
to have a government steamer at An
napolis to receive the prisoners and
carry them to their destination.
Some four or five of the chief men
in the affair are to be arrested to-day.
When they meet on the 18th, you will
please have everything prepared to ar
rest the whole party, and be sure that
none escape.
1t is understood that you arrange
with Gen Dix and Gov. Seward the
modus operandi. 1t has been intima-
ted 10 me that the meeting might take
place on the 14th ; please be prepared.
[ would be glad to have you advise me
frequently of your arrangements in re-
gard to this very important matter.
If it is successfully carried out it
will 90 far toward breaking the back
bone Of the rebellion. It would prob
ably be we'll to have a special train
quietly prepared to take prisoners to
Annapolis.
I leave this exceedingly important
affair to your fact and discretion, and |
have but one thing to impress upon
you-the absolute necessity of secrecy
and success.
With the highest regard, 1 am, my |
dear General, your sincere friend, |
GEORGE B MCCLELLAN
Major General, Uniied States Army
Now, what was the order for? To
arrest the Maryland Legislature.
Mr.. Conkling--,And Maryland had
not been declared in insurrection.
Mr. Logan-And Maryland had not
been declared in secession. Gen.
Banks issued his instructions, which
will read, to Lieut. Col Ruger, com
the Third Wisconsin Regi-
ment
Sir: The Legislature of Maryland
is appointed to meet in special session
tomorrow. Tuesday, Sept. 16. 1t
is not impossible that the members,
Or portion Of them, may be deferred
from meeting there on account of GER
tain arrests recently made in Baltimo-
re. 1t is also quite possible that on
the first day of meeting the attendance
may be small Of the facts as to
this matter l shall see that you are we'll
as they transpire. 1t be-
comes necessary that any meeting OF
this Legislature at any plase or time
shall be prevented.
You will hold yrurself and your
cammand in readines to arrest the
members Of both Houses. A list OF
such you are to detaiu will be enclosed