Knoxville weekly chronicle. [volume] (Knoxville, Tenn.) 1870-1875, 1875-01-20

10 use neT own language, lelJ TWO
widows and nine orphans desOlate.'
To say that the murder Of a negro or
n white Republican is not considered "a
crime In Louisiana would probably be
unjust to great part of the people, but
it Is true that great number of such
murders have been committed, and no
one has been punished therefor, aud
manifestly, as TO them, the spirit of
hatred and violence is stronger than
law.
WITHDRAWAL OF TROOPS.
Representations were made to me
that the presence OF troops in Louis
lana was unnecessary and irritating To-
the people, aud that there was no dan
ger of public disturbance if they were
taken away. Consequently, early in
last summer, the troops were all with
drawn from the state, with the eXcep-
ton Of small garrison at New Or
leans barracks. 1t was claimed that "a
comparative state of quiet had super
veued. Political excitement as to
Louisiana affairs, seemed to be dying
out, but the November election was
approaching, and it was necessary for
party purposes, that the lame should
be re kindled. Accordingly, on the
l4th of September, ID. p. Penn, claim
ing that he was elected Lieutenan-
Governor in 1872, issued an inflammat
tory proclamation, calling upon the
militia of the State to arm, assemble
and drive from power the usurpers,
as he designated the officers of the
State.
THE PENN REBELLION.
The White Leaguers, armed and
ready for the conflict, promptly le-
| sponded. On the same day the Gov
ernor made formal Tequisition upon
me pursuant to the act of 1875, and
Section 4th, Article 4th, of the Consti-
tuition, to aid in suppressing domestic
violence. On the next day | issued my
| proclamation commanding the insur-
gents to disperse within five days from
! the date thereof, but before the prOcla-
nation was published in New Orleans,
| the organized and armed forces recog-
niZing usurping Governor had taken
! forcible possession of the State House
aud temporarily subverted the Gov
| ernmeut. Twenty or more people were
! killed, including IA number of the po-
! lice of the city. The streets of the city
were stained with blood, and all that
was desired in the way of excitement
had been accomplished, and in view
of the steps taken TO r9press it the rev.
olution was apparently, though it is
believed not really abandoned, and the
cry of Federal usurpation and tyranny
| in Louisiana was renewed with re-
doubled energy.
Troops had been sent to the State
under this requisition of the Governor
and,as Observation-Disclosures seemed immi'
neut, they were allowed to remain
there, to render the executive such aid
as might become necessary TO enforce
the laws of the State and repress the
continued violence which seemed iu-
evitable the moment Federal support
should be Withdrawn. Prior to, and
with view to the late election in
Louisiana, white men associated them
selves together in armed bodies, called
White Leagues, and at the same time
threats were made in the Democratic
Journals of the State, that the election
should be carried against the Republi-
cans at all hazards, which very natur'
ally, greatly alarmed the colOred vO'
tiers. BY Section s, of the Act of Feb
ruary 18th, 1871, it is made the duty o.
United States Marshals and their dep
uties at polls where votes are cast fol
tllltStllldllNNS III OlRlCSSs W htN
the peace and prevent any violations
of the sO-called enforcement acts anC
other offences against the laws of tht
United States, and upon a requisitiol
of the Marshal of Louisiana, and il
view of said armed organizations anC
other protentous circumstances,
caused attachments of troops, to b'
stationed in various localities instht
State, TO aid him in the performance
f of his official duties.
REPUBLICAN VOTERS INTIMIDATED.
That there was intimidation of Re
/ publican voters at the election, not
= withstanding these precautions, admit
I of no doubt. The following are speci
9 mems of the means used: On the 14th O
{ October, eighty persons signed an
] published the following at Shreveport
e We, the undersigned merchants q
[ the City of Shreveport, in obedienc
5 to request of the Shreveport Cam
!. paign Club, agree to use every endeay
n or to get our employees to vote tn
= peoples ticket at the ensuing election
e and in the event of their refusal so /
1 do, or in case they vote the Radios
r, ticket, 10 refuse.to employ them at III
b expiration Of their present contracts.
= On the same day another large bod
:, of persons published in the same plaC
G paper, in which they Issued the 70
u lowing language:
1--WE, the undersigned merchants
the City OF Shreveport-aliye to II
great importance of securing a goo
j. and honest Government to the Stat
5. do agree to pledge ourselves not to at
i vance any supplies or money to an
IS planter the coming year who will giN
10 employment or rent ito labOTers wi
A. vote the Radical ticket in the comir
" cleCtiOu.n
"a ABOUT THE RETURNING BOARD.
re have no information of the pr
20 ceedings of the Returning Board f
!. said election, which may not be -four
u in its report, which has been pu
~ lished. But it is ma
re ter OF public information tn
: a great part of the time taken to ca
y vass the votes was consumed by Il
VI arguments Of lawyers, several of who
~ represented each party before q
u Board. | have no evidence that Il
proceedings of this Board were not