Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1876-08-19

In accordance with the Scott Lord preamble
and resolve passed by the House for the protec-
ton of southern voters, the President has issued
the following order.
WAR DEPARTMENT, WASH
INGToN, d. c., August 10. 1876. 5
To General W. T. Sherman, Commanding tie
United States Army
Sir: The House of Representatives of the Uni
ted States on the 10th inst, passed the following
preamble and resolution, viz. =
Whereas, The right of suffrage prescribed by
the Constitution of the several States, subject to
the fifteenth amendment of the Constitution ofthe
United States, which is as follows; Article 10,
section l. The right of citizens of the United
States to vote shall not be denied nor abridged by
the United States nor by any State on account Of
race, color or previous condition of servitude.
Section 2. Congress shall have power to enforce
this article BY appropriate legislation; and, :,
Whereas, The right Of suffrage prescribed
and regulated should be faithfully maintained and
observed by the United States and the several
States thereof; and,
Whereas, 1t is asserted that the exercise of the
right of suffrage is in some Of the States, notwith
standing the efforts of all good citizens to the con-
trary, resisted and controlled by fraud, intimida
ton and violence so that in such cases the object
of the amendment is defeated; and whereas, all
citizens without distinction Of race, or class, or
color are entitled to the protection conferred by
such article; therefore. be it
That all attempts by fraud or intimidation to pre-.
vent the free exercise of citizenship in any State
should meet with certain, cOndgn and effectual
punishment, and that in any case which has here
tofore occurred or that may hereafter occur, in
which violence or murder has been or shall be
committed by one race or class upon the other
the prompt prosecution and punishment of the
criminal or criminals in any court having jurisdic
ton is imperatvely demanded, whether the crime
be punishable by fine or Imprisonment, or one de-
manding the penalty of death.
The President directs that in accordance with
the spirit Of the above, you to hold all the avail
able force under your command, not now engaged
in subduing the savages of the western frontier,
in readiness to BE used upon the call or requisi-
ton of the proper legal authorities for protecting
all citizens without distinction of race, color or
political opinion, in the exercise of the right to
vote as guaranteed by the fifteenth amendment,
and to assist in the enforcement of certain, con-
dign and effectual punishment upon all persons
who shall attempt by force or fraud to intimidate
or otherwise to prevent the free exercise of the
right of suffrage as provided by the law Of the
United States, and have such force so distributed
and stationed Is 10 be able to render prompt assis
lance in the enforcement Of the law. Such addi-
tional orders may be necessary to carry out the
purpose of these instructions will be given to you
from time to time, after consultation with the law
officers of the Government.
Very respectfully your obedient servant,
(SgnedD I'D. CAMERON,
Secretary of War