The semi-weekly messenger. [volume] (Wilmington, N.C.) 1897-1908, 1898-10-28

Pritchards Letter tothe Presdeut..He Denounses
White Supremacy Tenets as Incendiary
Speeches by the Whites.
Especial to The Messenger)
Raleigh, n. C., October Ex-Governor Russell this evening issued the fol-
lowing proclamation:
Whereas. The constitution Of the United States in this union republican
domestic violence and
Whereas, The constitution of North Carolina ran to all people
of the state the inherent right to fully regulate their W Intervals govern
ment; to peacefully assemble for the purpose of consulting fol their COM
mon good; to hold peaceable and quiet elections and to discharge and exer-
else in a n orderly and quiet way the manifold duties and privileges of good
citizenship, and
Whereas, The constitution oft this state n tbe law made in rsuanc
thereof forbid that any citizen shall be deprived or restrained of his liberty
but upon Indictment for and conviction of crime and
Whereas, 1t is ordained in the same constitution laws of this state
that writs for the protection Of citizens and processes Of the courts for the
protection of sodety shall never pc suspended neither by usurpng executives
NJ by turbulent mobs, using weapons of intimidation and violence, and
Whereas, 1t has been made known o m by the public press, by num-
erous letters, by oral statements of divers citizens of the state and by for
NAL written statements that the political canvass, o going forward has
been made occasion and pretext for bringing about conditions of lawless-
ness in certain counties in this state such for example IS Richmond and
Robson counties and
Whereas, 1t has been made known to me in such direct and reliable way
that I cannot doubt its truthfulness that certain counties lying along the
southern border of this state have been actually invaded by certain armed
and lawless men from another state; that several political meetings in Rich
mond and Halifax counties have been broken up and dispersed by armed
men using threats of intimidation and n som cases actual violence; that
n other cases property las been actually destroyed and citizens fired on
from ambush; that citizens have been taken from their homes at night and
whipped; that in several counties peaceful citizens have been inundated
and terrorized by threats OF violence to their persons and their property, n
til they are afraid 20 register themselves, preparatory to exercising that high
est duty of freemen-the casting Of n free vote at a ballot box fol men of
their W choice n the coming election.
Now, therefore I Daniel L. Russell, governor Of the state Of NorthC Caro-
IHd, " puISudnCe VI le CoHSIlulIOH du avs u Sdu SIdle du ~ NHlO
Oh 'e auOnorrs vested III LII oS su constitution II j" 10 ssue 'S
my proclamation, commanding all ill disposed persons whether of this OR
that political party or of no political party to Immediately desst from all
unlawful practices and all turbulent conduct and to use all lawful efforts
to preserve the peace and Ito secure to all people quiet enjoyment Of all
their rights OF free citizenship.
And 1 do further command and enjoin it upon all good and lay abiding
citizens O to allow themselves to become excited by any appeals that may
be made to their passions n prejudies by the representatives of any 20
itcal party whatsoever, but to keep cool heads and u.s. their good offices
to preserve public peace and to protect ever the humblest citizen in all his
rights, political and personal. And I do further command and enjoin it
upon all judges and other civil magistrates and upon all solicitors, sherifs
and other officers of la to use their best efforts under HI constitution
and laws OF the state to apprehend and bring to speedy trial all offenders
against persons and property n the political and civil rights of any and
all persons in this state whomsoever.
And 1 do further command and require that all persons who may have
entered this state from other states in pursuance of any unlawful purpose
instantly to dispense and leave this state upon pain Of being arrested and
dealt with accordingly to law.
Done at our city of Raleigh this 25thd day of October in the year of r
Lord One Thousand Eight Hundred and Ninety Eight and in the One Hun
dred and Twenty-third year of American independence.
By order of the Governor DANIEL L. RUSSELL.
BAYLUs CADE. Private Secretary.
Senator Prichard said this afternoon he had made n o request to have
troops sent to North Carolina; that his letter to President Mckinley sim
ply sought to present the true situation a it exists. He says he told the
president he vas opposed to the use of troops; that it ws proposed to *
haust very means at Governor Russels command to secure peace and ha-
mony among the people and a fair expression of the people at the ballot
bx. that b . simn1x wanted to renar the president fol n mergency
that might arise in North Carolina an let him understand the matter;
that NJ request had been made to the var department to have troops sent
and that he does OF think Governor Russell will make such requisiion.
He then said there is intense feeling among the people a. a result of in
hammatory and incendiary speeches which have been made by democratic
speakers throughout the state during the present campaign, but as u
people are lay abiding do o. anticipate n trouble. If the people are
permitted to vte at the ensuing election W will carry the state and Sc
cure both branches If the legislature. do not approve of the sending of
troops int n state except where the civil arm is poweress to preserve
order: I take it that the governor will take all steps in his power and do
lot believe he proposes to ask for any troops if he a preserve order with
out them 1 told the president that unless the feeling subsidized and unless
something was done to alay it I feared we would ave disturbances caused
by the speaking going O in the state and infaming the minds oft the people.
1 believe the statements sent ut are exaggerated and that We will lot have
any serious trouble: If h repub ndt go 1 quietly m yal fa th mgc will SWEEP wH p, a.
IS 1 have not bena biz to max a horoug nva OF tn tuatlon but
districts. Dockery in the Sixth is 1 believe a silver republican.
The Montgomery Sails for Charleston Captain Carriers Conviction
crn MssTa MONTGOMERY N sailed for Charles Geo: Wisner Of the waterways com