Perrysburg journal. (Perrysburg, Wood Co., O. [Ohio]) 186?-1965, 1876-11-03

GOV. chamberlain q rev days ago sent
to the New York Tribune the following
statement:
COLUMBIA, Oct "a.
The condition Of South Carolina Justly at
tracts the attention of the country. The
President of the United States, upon my ap-
plication, conformably to the terms of the
constitutional provision, has decided to grant
the protection demanded. 1t has been sug-
gesJed that the Legislature might have been
convened in this State. The suggestion can
have no foundation except in desire to de-
lay. II a case has now arisen which would
warrant the Legislature in calling for pro-
lection against domestic violence, then the
Legislature could not be convened in time TO
secure protection before the domestic VIC.
lence would have accomplished its purpose.
After calling notice to the fact that the
Constitution does not prescribe the kind
or extent of domestic violence which will
warrant governmental interference, and
that the occasions for the exercise of the
supreme power are discretionary with
the Executives of the State and United
States, Gov. Chamberlain continues:
l now proceed to present a statement OF
the facts upon which the present call upon
the President for aid in suppressing domestic
violence in this State has been made, l shall
have no statement which does not rest on Off
cial information now in my possession. First,
as to the rifle clubs: These clubs are organ
izations having every distinctive feature OF
military companies. They exist, unless dis
banded since my proclamation of the 7th
inst, of which have no evidence, in every
county in the State. have the evidence OF
the existence of 2l3 Rifle Clubs, with the
names of some or all of their officers. These
clubs have an average membership or sixty
men. The evidence shows that the members
of 81 a
with not less than 5000 improved breech-
loading rifles. My estimate of the whole
number of men enrolled in the rifle clubs
and armed with effective weapons is not less
than 10000 or 1900, while the estimates of
my informants vary from 20 900 to $4,000, be-
sides company Officers, The evidence shows
that these clubs are organized into regiments.
have before me, at this moment, an au-
thentlc printed copy of the general orders
issued by the Colonel of one of these regi-
ments, countersigned by the Adjutant, in
which instructions are specifically given TO
the Lieutenant-Colonel, Major and COM
manding officers of companies. The evil
denee points also TO the existence of general
officers having control Of other formations,
composed of regiments and brigades. There
10 much evidence from independent sources
showing that fully 10000 improved breech-
loading rifles have been purchased by rife
clubs In this State within the last four
mohInb. lnese ORGANIZATIONS are not only
outside the law, but they are strictly pro-
hbited by the laws of the State. Evidence
is overwhelming that these clubs were
formed and have been constantly used as the
chief basis of organization Of the Democratic
party. During the month Of August l at
tended Republican meetings, among others
in the counties of Edgeheld, Newberry, Able
Vile, Barnwel and Lancaster, at each Of
which these clubs were present in numbers
varying from 400 TO 900. They were heavily
armed with pistols, and were commanded by
They marched aud maneuVered as ordinary
military companies They attended these
meetings as Democrats, took control of
them In some instances, and in all
instances enforced their demand for