Helena weekly herald. [volume] (Helena, Mont.) 1867-1900, 1875-01-21
no trouble if those who now complain of ille-
gal interference had allowed the house to be
organized in lawful and regular manner


In reference to Sheridan presence in New
Orleans he says: ''He was requested by me to
60 to Louisiana and observe and report the
the situation there, and if in his opinion it
was necessary to assume command, which
he did on the 4th inst, after the legislative
disturbances. No party motives nor preju-
dices can reasonably be imputed to him; but
he is honestly convinced Of what he has seen
and heard there. He has characterized the
leaders Of the White League in severe terms,
and has suggested summary modes of pro-
cedure against them, which, though they can
not be adopted, would, if legal, soon put an
end to the troubles and disorders in that
State.' The President says he has no desire
to have United States troops interfere in the
domestic concerns of Louisiana, or any other
State, and has always avoided ordering or
permitting such interference except when it
seemed his imperative duty, and he would re-
joiceif all necessity for the presence Of troops
in the South could be removed, and adds: Il
regret, however, 10 say that this state OF
things does not exist, nor does its existence
seem to he desired in some localities; and it
may be proper for me to say, that to the ex-
tent that Congress has conferred the power
on me to prevent it, neither ku-kluX Klans,
White Leagues, or any other association u.s.
ing arms and violence to execute their unlaw-
full purposes, can be permitted in that way to
govern any part Of this country. Nor can I
see with indifference Union men or Republi-
cans ostracised, prosecuted and murdered on
account Of their opinions, as they now are in
some localities"
The President says the inaction Of Con-
gress in the Louisiana matter, has, in his
opinion, added to the troubles there He then
reviews the action of McEnery and PENIS
supporters in September last, and his (he
Presidents action in renstating Kellogg, and
says that though the insurgents were dispers-
ed, they have never disarmed nor abandoned
their organization, and are liable to be called
out any time to resist the State government
Under these circumstances the same military
force has been continued in Loui siana as was
sent under the first call, and under the same
general Instructions. repeat that the task
assumed by the troops is not pleasant one
to them. That army is not composed of law
yers capable of judging at moments notice
Of just how far they can go in the maintain
ance of law and order, and it is impos-
sible to give specific instructions providing
for all the possible contingencies that might
arise. The troops were bound to act upon
the judgment Of their commanding officers
upon each sudden contingency that arose, or
wait instructions which could only reach them
after the threatened wrongs had been COM
mitted which they were called upon to pre-
vent.
The President calls the attention of Con-
gress to the fact that upon his recognition of
the Kellogg government he reported it TO
them, and asked action in the matter. Other
wise he should have regarded their silence as
an acquiesence in his course. No action was
taken by Congress, and he has maintained
the position he then occupied. He concludes
as follows:
If error has been committed by the army
in these matters, it has always been on the
side Of the preservation of good order and the
maintenance of law, and its protection re-
fleets credit upon the soldiers, and if wrong
has resulted the blame must rest with the tur-
bulent elements surrounding them. now
earnestly ask that such action be taken by
Congress as to leave my duties perfectly clear
in dealing with affairs in Louisiana, giving
assurance at the same time that whatever may
be done by that body in the premises will be
executed according to the letter and spirit Of
the law, without fear or favor. l herewith
transmit copies of documents containing more
specific information as to the subject matter
of the resolution.
[Signed,] I. S. GRANT.
Yield Of Precious Metals.