New-York tribune., 1875-02-27
MINORITY REPORT ON MISSISSIPPI.


VIEWS OF THE DEMOCRATIC MEMBERS OF THE
HOUSE SPECIAL COMMITTEE-NEGRO MIsG0vERN-
MENT-wHIrE LEAGUES IN THE INTEREST OF
REFORM DECEMBER's CONFLICT NClTED BY
SHERIFF CROSBY AND GOV. AMEs-wIrHDRAwAL
OF FEDERAL INTERFERENCE THE ONLY REMEDY.
WASHINGTON, Feb. 26.-Representatives Speer of
Pennsylvania and O'Brien or Maryland. OF the
Mississippi Special Committee, have united in a re-
port concluding as follows:
From review Of the whole testimony, we briefly
state conclusion first that in the city OF Vcksburg
and County Warren the white citizens pay about 30
per cent OF the taxes which have grown enormously
oppressive the negroes chiefly assess collect
and dsburse them.
Second That the debt of the city, which IN f6s was
$4,000. is 100000 far can be ascertalned
That has aceumuated TO this by the reckless ana
improvident legislation Of the Republican officials aud
is grievOus burden imposed on population VI A'0W
people, less than half OF whom are white people.
Third: That corrupt and Infamous riog' composed
negro officials has existed said city ana county or
several years. who by forgeries peculaon and syste
matte frauds the revenue have injured the public
taxes to rates resulting N practical conhSeau ~,
Fourth That Peter Crosby, the s1erlh ana lat COZ
leetOr the political and personal ileDd ol the cor
rupt officials, and by his power III sunmOnlDg Jutles
their conviction rendered practically Impossible.
That the Sheriff admitted TO bail his political frends
when charged with gravest Oenses. bonds motto
rously worthless and the chief impedment TO the
FY0h: That Judge Brown mad publicly declared that
the prosecution OF Cardozo the leader Of the rng for
maeasance in Office, was persecution when no honest
Of either par party sogS hs con
dence in the tribunal over which he presided
Sirih That the Taxpayers League wac organized
OF politics or color in t9t sole object
aa stated in ia constitution and decidred IN ts
ings, TO secure capable officials and honest govern
Srrenn. That the bonds of Crosby as sheriff and
collector utterly insufficient II not absolutely
Eighth That the Board OF Supervisors were advised
of the utter nsuiieiency Of Crossys Donnr Dd
10 give good and sufficient bonds. III.
Ninth That the tune having arrived for the collec
ton OF taxes, the taxpaJ ers having no adequate
remedy justified IN their demand for Crosby.
resignation and that his resignation Was vOhptary ana
nG Tenth The eodict Of DGc 7th resulting the killing
of two whites AMI "A coored persons, was solely ana
wholly caused by the armed attempt of the negroes or
Warren County TO invade Vcksburg: that ths invasion
was melted and instgated by Peter Crosby and tnat
Crosby and encouraged TO take TINS course
and was promised AID In 1t by Gov Ames.
Eierenh.: That the defense OF the city was made
under direction OF the Mayor, and al the prepara
ons and conduct OF the citizens were Justified By ma
ture's highest -seIfpreservatioD TAey acted IN
defense OF their families and their homes. Any Otner
course would have cruelty to the families OF both
races Gen. Packer testified, It was mercy to
women and childen, whlte ana hlack tnat the he
groes we're prevented from entering the CITY,
Toelnh: That the purpose OF the invader was only
Nned by the will OF leaeers and that they had
succeeded in entering the city they would nave been
assisted by large number OF wei armed and thor-
oughly organized negroes IN the city, WHO were reauy
to cooperate with them.
Thtrteeuih That there is not and has not been any
organized resistance at VcksDurg on the part OF the
whites 20 lawful authority, but, the contrary, the
white peope, owning nearly all the property anu pay
ing nearly all the taxes are sincerely desrOus OF pre-
serving peace and good order. Their Interests social
and business give strength this DESIRE and the
patence they have exhibited under accumulated
wrongs and outrages sucn as citizens or Northern city
would not tolerate for day Is the marvel OF our
civilization. ,,.,,
Fourfeenh There is no White League political or
gaDlZatIon Mississippi whose object III 10 deny 10
colored men, because OF color or for any reason, any
rights or privileges guaranteed by law Nor there any
political organization of white men which mas any other
object tnan TO election of honest aud capable
officials. -, ~
FiGeenM That the cali Of the Governor on the Pres
den1 ior military aid based partisan statcments
devoid truth At the time the call was made
was quiet peaceaDe any city OF the
same population III the United states, and has 90 re-
mained 10 the present hour
r nSirtenh Alter Crosby's resignation Flanagan was
elected Sheriff. and took peaceaOie possession OF the
sDerin was q question for the courts alone TO
determipe, and yet shameless disregard Of
cyi law and of rights Of the citizens Flanagan has
been marche OF the courthouse by United states
soldiers at the point OF the bayonet.
SeuenteenM That the condition OF MISSISSIPPI Is In
deed deplurable. With Governor who has declared
that n not In office he would reside
In the State II gwen the whole OF It, With cor
rupIion prevailing TO an alarming extent IN
counties where negroes and carpetDae have
the control; with property dcpreciatDg
and taxes increasing utter ruin can ne arrested only
by restoring TO the people honest government ana the
the Federal army. -