The Forest Republican. [volume] (Tionesta, Pa.) 1869-1952, 1876-07-19
Our Washinaton letter.
Special to the REPUBLICAN,.

Special to the REPUBLICAN,.
y SWAsH1NGroN, D. c., July. IA, '76.
From accounts received here of the
recent massacre in Hamburg, S. c., it
appears that the Ku-Klux of that vi
cinity surpassed themselves in any
previous effort of their atrocious call
ing, and almost rival SittingBu and
his band in every savage characters
tic. Details from Ku-Klux authori-
ties do not essentially differ from those
derived from other sources and but
little attempt is made to conceal the
satisfaction Of the ex.Confederate
writer's over the cowardly murder and
torture of unarmed men whose only
provocation was their attempt at self
defence. The following in brief, ap-
pear to be some of the facts: Ham
burg, directly opposite Augusta, Ga,
on the north bank Of the Savannah
river, is populated almost exclusively
by col0red people. On the Fourth
inst, its colored militia company Ca
part of the State militia) sought to
celebrate the day by a peaceful pa.
rade. 1t was ordered out of the high
way with oaths, that two chivalrous
Southern gentlemen might pass. Com
pliance was at first declined, but sub
sequently the ranks were broken as
commanded to avoid trouble. The
next day the company officers were
commanded to appear before trial
justice to answer for their aggravated
offense. The writs were obeyed and
after an partial examination further
proceedings were postponed until the
9TH inst. On that day the town was
filed with hundreds of white men
from the surrounding country and
from Georgia, well armed, apparently
under command of one Butler, ma
lignant, unreconstructed rebel who
insolently demanded that the mem
bers of the militia company should
surrender their arms. It was agreed
to do SO if Butler would guarantee
their safety. This condition was re.
fused and the company retired to their
armory. This was Immediately at
tackled by the desperadoes, but failing
TO dislodge the occupants with the
means at hand, and after an inefeet-
ual attempt to fire the building, it was
accomplished by artillery. During
an attempt to escape from rear win
dow, some of the negroes were riddled
with bullets, and others who we're cap.
tured were shot down like dogs, after
they were disposessed of their arms
and the bodies mutilated. Their ap.
peals for life were met by blows, and
responded to by oaths and derisive
merriment. After these bar5arities, the
town, according to one account, was
sacked. Every account thus far re-
eeived goes to show that pretext was
deliberately sought, through two inso-
lent, blaspheming blackguards for the
butohery of these inofensive men
who at their own homes and among
their own people were quietly enjoy
ing the day without purpose to in
terfere with any one. The leaders
here, paralyzed for the moment by th'
political consequences threatened, have
neglected to defend this Democratic
constituency by a shout of ''bloody
shirt" or campaign lie"
The Sunday civil service appropria
ton bill has heeu agreed upon, save
the portion in relation to repeal o
the registration law upon which poin
the Senate refuses to yield The Sen
ate consented TO a reduction of abon