The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1885-08-23
THE KNIGHTS OF THE SWITCH.
Why the Organization Was Formed, and Some
of the Objects 1t Has in View.

e Everett in Louisville Courier Journal.
Having seen many false reports in the
Courier-Journal about the affairs of this county
(Harrison) in connection with the so-called
blOodthirsty knights of the Switch, and think
ing you have been imposed upon, as we'll as the
citizens Of this county, deem it not only the
right. but the absolute duty of some to
rect these false statements all of which must
have come from the same source, either directly
or indirectly, for the qualification o. their own
unprincipled desires. Now, in reference to these
regulators-for that there did exist such an or
ganization in this county no one will deny-let
us examine, first of whom it was composed and
for what purpose, and, thirdly, the causes, real
or fancied
First-It is composed of good, honest, hard
working farmers, who earn their living by the
sweat of their brow. The purpose was to
enforce right and justice. There was rumor
short in their accounts. The people demanded
an investigation to be ordered by the county
commissioners. This was fought very bitterly
by the Corydon Democrat, which only enraged
the tax payers the more, and the result
about 400 farmers rode into town one night,
paraded the streets. and left letter to both
editors of that paper, telling them that if they
lnterfered any more they would give them 100
stripes each. The editors complied with their
demands the investigation proceeded, aud that
was the last ever heard of them.
Now to the whipping post There have been
several persons whipped here lately, four in the
last ten years. Now, while we Will not attempt
to justify these persons for their unlawfulness.
yet let us see whether it was black and diabol-
zeal revenge, merely personal chastisement
for the good of the subject, his family, and his
neighbors.
Let us consider the character of Isaac 0.
Dooley, the first subject. He was INDECENT, lazy.
ard would not provide for his family. He had
no beds only pile of straw in one corner of the
rude hut, upon which be lay day and night the
county with the help OF his wife. supporting
him. Six of his neighbors went there during
harvest gave him twenty five stripes, and put
him behind a Champion reaper and let him bind
awhile there took him to the house
and persuaded him to chop an abundance of
wood for his wife, and left him soft soap,
with directions how to apply it, and told him the
first time they found him idling his time away
they would work him forty-eight hours without
rest or food. The result is, you will find him
always Industrious Now, what could the law
do with that MANI Nothing. Now all this
whipping is just for such causes, and as for
whipping women that is all base fabrication
But when man comes to this county with the
intention of getting his support dis honestly he
will get the las just as sure as 2 and make 4,
for we want no drones here, and will not have
them
Now, in conclusion, hope you will do justice
to the citizens of this county by the publication
of this article, In order that we may release old
Harrison from this burden of blame so unjusty
attached to her, and think you will feel per
fectv justified in publishing this
Gordon Aug. 81