The sun. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1833-1916, 1876-10-22
The Pennsylvania Ku-klux.

Some time ago we instituted inquiries
into the purposes and doings OF the Molly
Maguires, which resulted in establishing
the fact that this organized band of
assassins was in the employ Of the Republic
anparty in Pennsylvania, and that its lead
ers obtained immunity for their numer-
nus crimes and outrages in pay for its
services in carrying elections for the fol
lowers of HARTRANFT, MACKEY, KEN
BILE, and company. For years these
desperate rufiians were permitted to
pursue their career of murder and intimi-
aatlon unchecked, and If, pcrchance, one
of their number happened TO be arrested
and convicted of crime, the gates of his
prison were usually opened for his egress
In very short time by an executive
pardon from Gov. HARTRASFT, or the Old
Man in Harrisburg" as he is affection
Ately termed by the murderous gang.
But the outrages against life and prop
erty In the anthracite coal regions became
20 numerous and so formidable that they
seriously interfered with the operations OF
The great coal companies, and President
GowEN of the Reading Railroad Company,
hnding that no protection was TO be had
u
certain extent in league with the murder
ous band was driven in self-defence to do
FOR society what the Republican officials
Tor political reasons had failed TO perform.
He organized an Independent police, EN-
ployed skilful detectives, fathomed the
mysteries of the secret organization. and
hunted down and convicted of murder
rome OF the worst OF its leaders. The dis
eoveries made by Mr.. GowES corrobornted
tho information that We had obtained from
other sources, and proved, to use his own
words, that there had been meetings be-
tween some Of the highest officers of the
State and the chief OF the murderers, at
which large sums of money were paid to
secure the votes OF this Internal association
90 turn the tide OF a State election"
In another part Of THE SUN to-day we
publish new facts from authentic sources
concerning the associated thugs OF Penn
fylvania, which afford still further con-
firmation OF the charge that these red
handed murderers have constituted part
of the regular Republican organization in
that State, and that their assistance at the
polls has been of the utmost importance In
maintaining the rule of the party of Addi-
ton, Division. and Silence in the rotten
Commonwealth which is dominated by
SIMON and Don CAMERON. The worst
crimes imputed TO the Ku-Klux of the
South Immediately after the close Of the
war, were but trifling misdemeanors
when compared with the fearful atrocities
which have been committed by these paid
agents of the Republican party in Penn
sylvania. But, thanks to the energetic
efforts OF Mr.. GowEN and his associates,
these miscreants have literally reached
the end OF their rope; several of them
have been sentenced to be hanged, and the
rest are still being hunted in their dens.
The names OF the Republican leaders who
have sustained them, and rewarded them
with money, are known. and in due time
will be made public. At present it looks
NJ though the order would be completely
suppressed, and the only thing TO regret is
that the rascally politicians who paid
them for their services are not likely 70
swing from the same gallows with tho
convicted murderers who are now awaiting
their DOOM