Burlington weekly free press. [volume] (Burlington, Vt.) 1866-1928, 1876-11-03
The State Of Things In Louisiana.

Governor Chamberlain has just written q
letter in relation to the recent outbreaks in
South Carolina which is undoubtedly tho
most authentic account of the struggle now
going on that State yet given to the public.
ard one which ought to be read by every
one, and especially by that not inconsidera-
bic rumber who have blamed Gov. Chamber
lain for calling on the Government for
troops. In relation to the rifle clubs, Gov.
Chamberlain says that they exist in every
county in the State. lie has, he says, the
evidence Of the existence Of 2l3 rife clubs,
with the names of some OF all Of their Off
GERS, having an average membership Of 60
men. The members of this force are armed
with not less than 5000 improved breach-
loading rifle. His estimate Of men enrolled
in the rifle clubs and armed with effective
weapons is not less than 5000, while other
estimates vary from 90, 600 to &c, 900. There
Is much evidence from independent sources
showing that fully 10000 improved breech-
loading rifles have been purchased by rifle
clubs in the State within the last four
months. These organizations are not only
outside the law, but they are strictly pro-
hibited by the laws of the State. The evil
dencc he says sis overwhelming that these
clubs were formed and have been constantly
used as the chief basis of organization of the
Democratic party of South Carolina
Gov. Chamberlain then describes in de-
tail the "Ellenton massacre which was
the Immediate cause Of his call upon the
President for troops. His story, abridged
and condensed, is as follows
Ellenton, the centre Of the scene of the
massacre, is situated in the same county
with Hamburg (Aiken), and about 20 miles
distant. The counties adjoining Aiken on
the north and south are Edgefeld and Barn
well. The riot and massacre continued
from the 10Th to the oath of September. In
the county Of Aiken and the adjoining cOun-
ties Of Eigefeld and Barnweli the white
Democrats began as early as last July sys-
tematically to inform the colored Republi-
cans that the Democrats had resolved to
carry the coming election, and that the
cOlo.ed Republicans would have to vote with
them. 10 August and the carly part of
September these threats took a more definite
form. Tie colorcd Republicans were told
far and wide that # they did not vote the
Democratic ticket they would be killed
Scarcely colored man can now be found to
whom these threats were not personally
made. They were ordered u discontinue
their political meetings, and were told that
a list Of all their leaders had been made out,
and that these leaders would be killed.
SIycrt0n, R0use's Bridge, Chavis's Store.
Matlocks Church, and Mon Bridge are
points IN tue vicinity of EIiclton. In this
section is large coiored population, consti-
tuting perhaps the strongest Republican
section of Aiken county. On the 10th
throughout tie day the rifle clubs were as
scmblng at Matl0cks Church, five or six
clubs beng present Numbering not less than
800 men, part Of tie men being from
Augusta Ga. \ little before sunset OF the
lG.h these clubs formed as military compa-
tieS, and marched upon run down to
Chayiss store. where the Republican club
was supposed TO he assembled. They found
only about ten Republicans present.
The chief Spokesman OF the rifle clubs told
tie collrtd members Of the Republican club
that they must MT meet again, =" that they
V ould al be killed of if they did" The
colorcd men were then informed that ''lhere
had got 10 be a fight between the whites and
the blacks. and the rifle clubs then de-
manded that the colorcd men present should
sep out in line and " fight ii out" This
offer was naturally declined. Finally with
ye!lin-- and threats Of vengeance the rifle
clubs marched off, declaring they were going
to Kill G.o-ter Holland nni Simon Coker |
1.-TWO c9lorcd members Of the Legislaturc) |
that night. During the night Of the l6th |
several c..o.cd men were killed in this sec
lion.