Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1876-08-01
SOUTHERN OUTRAGES.
THE HAMBURG MASSACRE.
Message from the President.

In response to resolution OF the Senate,
calling upon the Chief Executive for any
information in regard to the slaughter OF
American citizens at Hamburg, South Caro-
lima, the President to- day transmitted to the
Senate thirteen communications, embracing
letter from Gov. Chamberlain to the Presi-
dent, and his reply thereto; report of the At.
torneY General OF South Carolina, &C.
In his letter of trepsmittal the President
says: "These enclosures embrace all the in
1oTmatl on IN my pos session touching the
late disgraceful and brutal slaughter OF un-
offending men at the town of Hamburg. MY
letter TO Gov. Chamberlain contains all tue
comments wish to make on the subject An
allusion is made In that letter to the condi-
ton OF other states, and particularly to
Louisiana and Mississippi. have added 10
the enclosures letters aud testimony In re-
gard 10 the lawless condition of a portion of
the people OF the latter state. In regard to
Louisiana affairs, murders and massacres OF
Innocent men for opinions sake, or GU &C
count o. color, have been OF too frequent oc-
currence TO require recapltulation or testi-
mony here. All are familiar with the hor-
rible details, the only wonder being that so
many justify them or apologize for them.
But recently committee OF the Senate OF
the United States visited the state OF M,ssis-
sippi 10 take testimony on the subject of
frauds and violence in elections. Their re
port has not yet been made public; but
dence that 1t will fully sustain all that 1
have stated relating TO fraud and violence
in the state of Mississippi"
In his letter dated July rs, 1851 to Gov.
Chamberlain the President says he fully
concurs In the views he Gov. c. expresses
as TO the duty he owes To his oath OF Office
and to the citizens TO secure to all their civil
rights, Including the right to vote according
to the dictates of their own cousciences and
the further duty Of the Executive of the ma
ton to give all needful aid when prope rly
called on 10 DO so. He further says: 1.-The
scene at Hamburg, as cruel, bloodthirsty,
wanton, and unprovoked as II was, is only
q repetition of the course that has been pur-
sued In other southern states within the last
few years1notably In Mississippi and Lou
isiapa: Mississippi is governed to day
by officers CHOSEN through fraud and
violence such as would scarcely be accred-
Tied to savages, much less TO q civilized and
10 continue, or what is to be the final rem.
edy, the Great Ruler OF the universe only
knows. But 1 have an abiding faith that
and earnestly hope that it will come peace,
fully. There has never been q desire on the
part OF the north to humiliate the south
nothing is claimed for one state that Is not
freely accorded TO all the Others, unless IL
may be the right to kill negroes and republi-
cans without fear of punishment and with
out loss OF caste or reputation. This has
seemed to be privilege claimed by a few
Irepeat again that fully agree with YOU
as TO the measure ofyour duties in the pres
ent emergency, and as TO my duties. Go on,
gers threatens the peace of MS state 60 on in
the conscientious performance of his du Ties
to the humblest as well IS the proudest ci III
zen, and L will give every aid for which /
can find law or constitutional power. Gov
ernment that cannot give projection to the
life, property, and all guaranteed civil
rights Tin this country the greatest is an un-
.rammeled ballot) to the citizen Is, so far,
failure, and every energy OF the oppre ,ed
should be exerted always within the law.
and by constitutional means) to regain lost
privileges or protection. Too long denial of
guaranteed rights is sure to lead TO reyoIu-
ton, bloody revolution, where suffer ng
must fall upon the guilty as well as the 10 90
cent. Expressing the hope that the better
lude ment and cooperation Of the citizers OF
the state over which you have presided 50
ably, may enable you 10 secure a fair trial
ana punishment OF all offenders, without
distinction OF race, color, or pre- vious coz
d1tion OF servitude," and Without aid from
the federal government, but with the prom
Use OF such aid on the conditions named Ia
the foregoing, subscribe my self, very re-
spectfully, your obedient servant,
u. s.. GRANT.