The Jackson standard. [volume] (Jackson C.H., Ohio) 1847-1888, 1875-01-14
From the Cincinnati Gazette.1
The War in the South Gen. Sheridan IS
Remedy

Gen. Sheridan begins his administra-
ton of military affairs in the South by
statement to the Secretary of War, that,
in his opinion, the terrorism could be re-
moved by Furnishing the ring-leaders in
the outbreaks of rebellion. Who can
honestly deny that Gen. Sheridan has
declared the imperative demand of jus
tice?
In September, the United States troops
having been reduced to mere nominal
military post, an armed rebellion over
threw the State Government. The con-
duct of that affair showed armed organ
ization and preparation for this act of re-
bellion Actual war was levied against the
lawful authority, and large number of
men engaged in its defense were killed
and wounded.
The ring-leaders in this rebellion fanci-
ed that if they could obtain, by this act
of war, possession of the offices of the
State Government, the President would
not interfere with their rebellion, but
would recognize it as an accomplished
revolution. This was most insolent as
surance At the proclamation of the
President backed by the assembling of
q. S. troops, this band of armed rebels
vacated the State offices. What was the
situation then? Simply that of state
of rebellion held in check by military
| IL.
| Was that peace? 1t was no more peace
than when an army in the field hesitates
to attack superior force, and waits for
re-enrorcements or strategic combina-
| tions.
The armed organization continued 1t
had levied war. 1t was only held in
check by the gathering of the United
troops and by the consciousness that the
military power of the nation was behind
them 1t was ready to make another
attack as soon as an opportunity should
offer. 1t was a state of war, not only in
fact but according to the established ju-
dicial construction of this Government.
Yet this was allowed to exist. 1t seemed
to be accepted that this armed rebellion
had condoned its crimes of war and
l bloodshed by simply retreating before a
! superior military force to await an
other opportunity.
Every sentiment of justice was out
ragged by this treatment of rebellion and
the slaughter of public servants as if no
fault had been committed. 1t abandoned
all prudent safeguard for the future. The
| country has seen the consequences of
this Indifference in the massacre at Vicks-
\ burg; in the increase of terrorism in
I Louisiana. and now in another outbreak
\ of rebellion, seizing control of the House
7 of Representatives by violence. This
| coup d etat was as carefully planned as
+ the other. Like the other, it reckoned
that if it could go so far as to get posses
sion of the instrumentalities of govern
ment, the United States would not then
ginterpose to restore the legal authority.
The mode by which the rebels tried to
( seize the organization of the House was
| that high-handed one sometimes prac-
ticed by rascally Democratic politicians
to seize control of a ward caucus, and
which usually results in fight. BY the
statute the Clerk of the previous House
had the legal duty of calling the roll, and
of presiding until a speaker was elected
This is the usual provision in other
States, and is the rule in the United
States. But the Democrotic members
had determined to disregard the law,
and they were present. armed, with their
plan of action arranged
Showing by all authority, one confed-
crate moved that Wilt be temporary
Chairman, and instantly Wiltz sprang
into the chair. Our special says, Dem
ocratic member shouted, 81 nominate
Wiltz," put the motion instantly declared
it carried, and that "Wiltz was purposely
standing at the foot of the Speakers
chair, seized the gavel and commenced
calling to order" The dispatch to the
Commercial, of this city, which can not be
suspected of design to give view fa-
vorable to the Republicans, says: "The
motion was declared carried, by the mem
Der who made it, and in less time than
ten seconds Wiltz was in the chair,
gavel in hand"
: No such Office as temporary Chairman
of the House is known to the law in that
or any other parliamentary body. The
Clerk of the previous House was by law
the presiding officer until Speaker was
elected in the regular way. The enforce
ment of rules during the election devolv-
ed on him. This illegal temporary Chair
man at once assumed all the powers of
Speaker, and exercised great deal more,
and proceeded to reconstruct the mem
bership so as to create Democratic ma
.jority. With the same celerity as his in
stall alton he putthrough the pretense of
election contests, revised the returns,
seated five members who had not been
returned as elected, setting aside all
rules while this was being done.
Having created Democratic majority
in this violent way, he put through the
form of an election of himself as Speaker.
Then he had even the audacity to call on
the commander of the United States
troops to send soldiers to enforce order,
which meant to assist in keeping the
Republican members by force in this
House, which had no more legal authori-
ty than a riotous mob, and to clear the
lobbies of spectators who sympathized
with the Republicans.
Nor did this.seizure of q legislative or
Ranization by violence lack the quality Of