The New York herald., 1876-10-08
NO POLITICAL RIFLEMEN.

A PROCLAMATION DY GOVERNOR CHAMBERLAIN
ORDERING THE DIspANDisG OF RIFLE CLUBS
IN TWO COUNTIES IN SOUTH cARoLINA-
HAMPToN's CANVASS VERY ACTIVE AND Ex-
CITING.
COLUMBIA, s. c., Oct I. 1876.
Tho In this State is the most exciting ever
witnessed in tho history OF the country Hampton Is
having series OF trumphal ovations which surpass IN
Wild enthusiasm, joyous accIamaiions and grand out
ponrings OF the people thing before On
the other hand, the republicans doing absolutely
nothing. They began by adopting policy which
would givc color TO tho party charge of intimidation
by holding no meetings, on the ground that their
speakers would not be allowed FREQ discussion Of tho
political issues Of the day Tho whole programme OF
tho campaign on their side arranged while Gov
ernor Chamberlain and Senator Patterson were IN
Washington, and the plan was consummated alter
consultation with tho President at Long Branch.
Chamberlain and Patterson that the only hope Of
tho party rested in troops and in strong support Of
tho administration All this tho President agreed to
furnsh and soon after Cham return he began
his operations by the publication OF fourteen column
letter in tho republican organs here, which gavo
highly colored picture OF intimidation, violence ana
persecution Of tho negroes. This followed by an
appeal OF tho Republican State Executive Committee,
similar in character TO the people OF the United States
Both OF these "bloody shirt" documents have been
sent by the cartload for distribution throughout the
North, in conformity with tho plan agreed upon nt
Long Branch TO furnish some prctext and justification
Tor the troops am informed on republican authority
that every county is 10 be literally supplied with
soldiers least days previous to tho election; but
tho desperate straits to which tho republicans are re-
duced eliminated to-day tho Of tho follow
ing proclamation disbandng the rlc clubs In tho
State:-
STATE SourH CAROLINA,
ExEcUTIvE CHAMBERS. I
Whereas II has been made known 10 me by written
and sworn evidence that there exists such unlawful
obsructons, combinations and assembages OF persons
in tho counties OF Aiken and Barnwel That II has be-
como impractcable IN my Judgement as Governor OF
the state to enforce BY the ruling course OF Judicial
proceedings, tho laws OF the State within
by reason whereof II has become necessary. my
judgment, Governor to call forth and employ the
military force oil the State to enforce the faithful
execution or the law; and whereas IL has been mado
known TO as Governor that certain organizations
and combinations OF men exist In all the counties OF the
State, commonly known rifle clubs;n whereas
such organizations and combinations OF men illegal
and strictly forbidden by the laws OF this State and
whereas such organizations and combinations OF men
are engaged in promoting illegal objects and CON-
mitting open acts OF lawIcssncss and violence,
Now, therefore, l, Daniel X. Chamberlain, Governor
OF said State, do issue this my proclamation, as
qured by the thirteenth section OF chapter l32 of tho
General Statutes OF tho State, commanding The said
unlawful combinations and assemblagcs OF persons
tho counties Of Aiken and Barnwell 10 disperse and
return pcaceably TO their homes within three days
from date this proclamation and henccforth to
abstain from all unlawful interference with the rights
OF citizens and from all violations OF the public peace
And do further by this proclamation forbid the
istencc OF all said organizations or combinations of
men, commonly known MS 'sri1e clubs " and all other
organizations or combinations Of men, or formations
not forming part OF the organized militia OF the
State which armed with firearms other weapons
OF war; or which engage or arc formed Tor tho
purpose OF engaping in drilling or exercising
the manual OF arms military manGuvres, or wncn
appear or are formed Tor the purpose OF appearing
der arms under the command OF officers bearing
titles or assuming the functions OF ordinary military
officers, or IN any other manner acting proposing
organized and armed bodies OF men and do
command all such organizations. combinations lorna
bodies OF men forthwith 10 dIsband and
TO exist in any place and under any circumstances in
the State.
And | do further declare and mako known by this
proclamation all the people OF this that in case
this proclamation shall be disregarded for tho space OF
thrce days from the date thereof shall proceed to put
into active all the powers with which. Governor,
am invested bv the constitution and laws Of tho State
for tho enforcement OF the Law and tho projection Of
the rights Of the czcns and particularly the powers
conferred mo by chapter 1872 OF tho General
Statutes Of tho State, well as by the Constitution Of
the United States
In witness whereof navo hcreunto set my hand
and caused the great seal oil the State to be Affixed
Columbia, this Ith day OF October, A. ID. 1876, In
the hundred and first year Of American Independence.
BY the Governor. d. H. CHAMBERLAIN.
II. +. HAyXE, Secretary OF State.
Tho effect OF this proclamation will only intensity
tho zeal and enthusiasm of the white and colored sup
porters OF Hampton. TIE clubs will, in accordance
with It's requirements, formally dsband retaining OF
course their arms which, with the exception of only
two companies, their property. As for pro-
ducing collision with the United States troops as
Chamberlain and Patterson anticipate, that is out Of
the question. Tho troops welcomed overy where,
and, intimidation is practiscd on both sides, the
whites are rather pleased than otherwise at their
presence.