The National tribune. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1877-1917, 1886-12-16

diately PUBLISHED. aud was received by many
who had not yet pledged themselves 10 seces-
sion as quite satisfactory.
Gen. Harney being a citizen Of Missouri and
n soldier Of a high sense Of honor a statement
of this kind had great weight with the thought
ful and intelligent classes But all his earnest
efforts 10 restore peace and qnietness and
feeling Of security throughout the State were
unsuccessful, so that on the 2lst Of May he
signed an agreement with Mai. Gen. Sterling
Price, OF the State Guard having that end in
view. This agreement was published along
with another proclamation 20 the people OF the
State calling upon them TO observe good order
and TO respect each others rights.
A good many thought that this agreement
would be faithfully carried ont on both sides;
that u would have good effect. and that the
calamities Of war would not afllict the people
of tho State. Bat as Gen. Price was In com
mand OF the State Guard and acting under the
orders Of Jackson, the secession Governor the
Union men knew that he would not give
very attentive ear to their grievances, and
under no circumstances call upon Gen. Harney
10 use United States troops TO assist in protect
ing them I'm their lives and property. In
letter 10 the Secretary Of War in regard 60 or
gaBizing several regiments Of Missouri volun-
tcers, Hon. Frank j. Blair, jr., wrote that the
agreement between Harney and Gen. Price
gives me great disgust. aud dissatisfaction TO
worse of than before the agreement for the
seeessioaists could now Cypress them without
fear Of being called 10 account.
Numerous complaints Of Union citizens were
soon coming 10 Gen. Harney from different
sections Of the State of aggressions committed
upon them by secessiOnists. Gen. Harney called
Gen Prices attention TO these complaints, Civ
ing him the localities where the outrages were
alleged TO have been committed. Gen. Price
had an investigation made. but of course found
nothing wrong, the aggressions having been
committed by irresponsible parties. Gen. Har-
ney saw the effect OF the agreement, and he
also doubtless saw that he had placed himself
in position in which he could not afford ade-
quate protection 60 the Union citizens without
an infringement of the agreement. Repre-
sentatiOns of continued
oUTRAGEs UPON UNION CITIZENS
reached the President, as well as reports that
Gen. Harvey had not acted as vigorously as he
might have done. He was therefore relieved
of the command of the Department Of the West
on May 81 for the last time and we may now
take leave Of him, as he does not appear upon
the scene again in connection with military
affairs iR Missouri. lie was true soldier in
every sense of the word. Though he believed
that Missouri could be kept steadfast for the
Union without appealing TO the sword, no one
acquainted with him can with justice accuse
him of wanting in sympathy aud loyalty TO
the General Government. He had in tho
Indian wars and during period Of nearly 30
years served his country with distinguished
ability, scarcely equaled by any other officer in
the army. The last time he was relieved he
felt that the Washington authorities had not
fu'l confidence i'm him and he was profoundly
moved, for in a letter TO the Adiutaut- General
OF the Army he closed with these words:
During long life, dedicated TO my country. I
have seen some service and more than once have
held her honor In my hands, and during that time
my loyalty, believe. was never questioned and
now, when in the natural course of things shall,
before the lapse OF many years lay aside the sword
which has 20 long served my country, my country
men will be slow 10 believe that 1 have chosen this
portion OF my career to damn with treason my life,
which is soon 10 become a record of the past and
which shall most willingly leave TO the unbiased
judgment OF postenty. trust that may yet be
spared TO do my country some further service that
will testify 10 the love bear her and that the vgor
of my arm may never relax while there is a blow
TO be struck in her defense
Gen. Harvey having been removed, the com
mand OF the Department of the West deyOlyed
upon Gen. Lyon. We may now look forward
10 an uncompromising policy, and 10 vigorous
measures toward upholding the authority Of
the Government As matters continued TO
assume a threatening aspect throughout the
State and as the secession leaders knew that
Gen. Lyon had too little confidence in their
professions of loyalty 10 the Government 10
spend much time in parleying with them, Gov.
jackson solicited an interview with him (which
was grantod) for the purpose of arriving al
some plan by which the horrors of civil war
! might be averted from the State
Accompanied by Gen. Sterling Price and Col.
Thomas l.. Snead, he met Gen. Lyon, Col.
Frank p. Blair, and Maj III. A. Conant, on the
part Of the United States, in st. Louis, on the
llth Of June. and had four hours conference,
but without agreeing upon a plan which would
he hot Tacl-sar lta1.
mitted proposition 10 the effect that he would
! disband the State Guard, break up its organiza-
ton, and
DIsARM ALL COMPANIES
which had been armed by the State, repress all
/ insurrectiOnary movements within the State
repel attempts 10 invade from whatever quar-
/ ter and by whOmsoever made aud protect all
citizens equally in ali their rights without re-
gard TO their political opinions; that he would
if necessary, invoke the assistance of the
| United States troops TO carry out his pledges
and that he would maintain a strict neutrality
| If the Federal Government would undertake
| 10 disarm the Home Guards, which We're being
| organized and armed throughout the State, and
pledge itself not 10 occupy with its troops any
localities not occupied by them at that time.
Gen. Lyon and Col. Blair were convinced that
il would be about as reasonable 10 expect lambs
| 10 20 unharmea guarded by wolves as 90 expect
]
by the secession State authorities. Gen. Lyon
expressed his views with mOdesty, but with
frankness, as a servant Of the Government, and
thought that the Governors proposition would
at once oVerlurn the Governments privileges
and Drerogatves aud that il il withdrew il
forces entirely from the State or pledged itsel
that they should only occupy their presen
positions, secret measures would be resorted 4,
for the purpose Of providing arms aud efectin;
organizations which, np0n any pretext. couit
put forth formidable opposition 10 the Gen
eral Government, and that even while arminj
combinations would doubtless form In certain
localities to Oppress and drive out LOYAL citizens
TO whom the Government was bound 20 Civ
protection, but which ii would be helpless 10 do
rs also TO repress combinations, If lis force
could not be sent into the State Arkansas hat
already seeded and offered troops 20 the Con
iederate Government; aud these troops as wei
as those from other seeded States m ight be usei
TO invade Missouri IN carrying out the secession
program. In such an event, under the limita
tion proposed. the General Government couii
not take posts on the borders Of the State &
meet aud rcpcl such force lie thought tina
the Government could not shrink from its dut
nor abdicate its corresponding rights and onl
upon the basis laid down, in his opinion, coul,
the rights of both the General aud Stat
Governments be secured, their legitimate funC
tons exercised, and peace be maintained
The representatives Of the General aud Stat
Governments al this conference being unable {
agree upon a plan which would restore peac
and security throughout the State Gov Jack
son returned 10 Jefferson City, aud on the l2l
Of june issued his proclamation, recitng th
terms Of his proposition made to Gen. Lyo
and calling into active service $4,000 of th