The Wheeling daily intelligencer. [volume] (Wheeling, W. Va.) 1865-1903, 1876-01-06
FAILED.
Goyernor Ames, aIessagc.

MEMPHIS, TENN, January 5.-Governor
Ames' message to the Mississippi ,Legis-
lature, read yesterday, opens by calling
attention to the late elections and the
recent events occurring at Clinton in
September, and says that lawless bands
Of men controlled two other counties
prior to that time and that violence
reigned elsewhere in the State and ap.
peals came for protection from all direc-
tions. Sentiment against the militia was
so powerful as to prevent its organiza-
ton, the sentiment growing out Of fear Of
u race issue. Under these circumstances
the Governor called for natiosal troops,
but failed to receive them. A renewed
effort to organize the militia developed a
deep seated bitterness of the race issue,
and the conviction prevailed that they
would only precipitate conflict. II was
sought 10 avoid the seizure in one in
stance OF State arms on their way to the
capital, and the liability Of their being
seized on their way to the capital were
additional causes preventing the organ
ization OF the militia, but because
an attempt was made TO organize
and use militia force a class Of people re-
belled against 1t, and to avoid the threat.
ened deeds OF violence committee OF
citizens powerful in controlling one polit.
ical organization gave their pledges to
preserve peace and good behavior and se-
cure fair election. This novel and hu-
initiating spectacle in the government Of
free people was presented, and the regt-
larly organized legal authority was una.
BILE to preserve peace and good order and
secure fair election. The leaders Of
political organization assumed to do it
with accredited power to accomplish all
they might attempt. TIE deeds Of vio-
lence alluded to had the effect to intimi-
date many voters.
In proof Of the practice ofintimidatIon,
the message recites the following in.
stances: In various counties the meet
ings OF voters for consultation had to be
wholly or partly adjourned. In ono coun-
ty not only was there no preliminary can
vass, but the danger was so great that
no Convention was held to nominate
candidates in certain counties. Tickets
could not be freely and safely distributed,
and in one county, not at all. From one
county the prominent candidates fled be-
fore the election, fearing violence If not
assassination. In another county one
party was intimidated through fear
Of evil consequences if they refus-
cd to strike from their tickets names
Of regularly nominated candidates,
and substitute those OF their opponents,
with whom there existed no political af-
fnity. In certain counties the voters
were driven from the polls by armed
men, and so intimidated that they feared
to vote. In one county, the principal Off
GERS were driven from their posts the day
following the election, and have since
been refugees. In these cases courts have
been unable to dispense justice. The
cause OF this trouble is attributed 10 the
race question. The message recommends
the modification Of the fundamental laws
Of the State, so Us to bring about q
better feeling between the races. The
State finances are unprecedently favorable.
The real debt Of the State beyond its
ability to pay is only S501000. The ex-
penses OF the State Government for the
past year were $6lS,000, reduction
upon the expenses Of last year OF nearly
100000, while the receipts have been
100000 over the disbursements.
The message recommends that taxes be
made payably only in United States cur
rency. An appropriation is recommend
ed for the proper representation Of all the
products OF the State at the Centennial.
The message concludes by stating that
the prosperity and progress OF the State
must necessarily depend upon feeling Of
security. and contentment among the peo-
pie. Distrust and suspicion should be
dispelled by just and liberal legislation.
This done, a solution OF the many diff
culties Of the present time will have been
substantially accomplished.