The New York Herald Newspaper, January 14, 1875, Page 3

NEW YORK AERALD, THURSDAY, JANUARY 14, 1875—TRIPLE SHERT. THE PRESIDENTS APOLOGY Message to the Senate on Louisiana. THE FEDERAL CASE STATED. The Elections of 1872 ‘a Gi- gantic Fraud.” NO RELIABLE RETURNS. “Kellogg Obtained Possession of the Office, and, in My Opinion, Has More Right To It Than His Competitor” Sheridan’s Policy, If Legal, “A Sure Remedy.” BLAME THROWN ON CONGRESS. A Long Series of Despatches and Reports. THE = LIRUTRNANT = GENERAL'S. MURDER LIST. as rs What is Thought of the Message in Washington. WASHINGTON, Jan. 13, 1875, TO THE SENATE OF THE UNITED STATES:— I have the honor to make the following answer to a Senate resolution of the stn inst., asking for information as to any inter- ference by aby military officer or any part of the army of the United States with the or- Ganization or proceedings of the General Assem- bly of the State of Louisiana or either branch thereof, and aiso inquirmg in regard to the exist- ence of armed organizations in that State hostile to the government thereof and intent on over- tarning such government by /orce. To say that lawlessness, turbulence.and blood- shed have characterized the political affairs of that State since its organization under the recon- struction acta is only to repeat what has become well known as a part of its unhappy history, But it lay bé Proper hereto refer to the election of 1868, by which the republican vote of the State, through fraud and violence, was reduced toa few thousands, and to the bloody riots of 1866 and 1868, to show that the disorders there are not due to any recent causes or to any late action of the federal autnorities. 3 AN UNDISGUISED CONSPIRACY. Preparatory to the election of 1872 a shameful | and undisguised conspiracy was formed to carry | that election against the republicans without re- | gard to law or right, and to thatend tne most glaring trauds and forgeries were committed in the returns after many colored citizens had been denied registration and others deterred by fear from casting their ballots. When the time came for 2 final canvass of the votes in view of the foregoing facts William rv. Kellogg, the republican candidate for Governor, brought suit upou the equity side of the United States Circuit Court for Louisiana and against Warmoth and others who had obtained possession of the returns of the election, representing that several thousand voters of the State had been ae- prived of tne elective franchise on account of their | color, and praying that steps might be taken to | have said votes counted, and for general relief. To enable the Court to inquire as to the truth of ‘the allegations a temporary restraining order was issued against the defendants, which was at once wholly disregarded and treated with contempt by thoze to whom it was directed. Tiese proceed- ings have been widely denounced as an unwar- Fantable interference by the federal jusiciary with whe election of State officers, but it is to be remem- Dered that, by the Fifteenth amendment to the constitution of the United States, the political equality of colored citizens is secured, and, under ‘the second section of that amendment, provided that Congress shall have power to enforce its pro- Visions by appropriate legislation. AN ACT SECURING COLORED SUFFRAGE. AD act was passed on the Sist of May, 1870, and amended in 1871, the object of which was to pre- vent the denial or abridgment of the suffrage to citizens on account of race, color, or previous con- ition of servitude, and it has been held by all the federal judges before whom the question has arisen, including Justice Strong, of the Supreme Court, that the protection afforded by this amend- Ment and these acts extends to State as well as other elections; and that it 1s the duty of the federal courts to enforce the provisions of ‘the constitution of the United States and the laws passed in pursuance thereof is too clear to admit of controversy. Section 15 of the sald act, after numerous pro- Visions therein to prevent an evasion of the Fil- teenth amendment, provides that the jurisdiction of the Circuit Court of the United States shall ex- tend to all cases in law or equity arising under the Provisions of said act and of the act amendatory thereof. Congress seems to have contemplated equitable as well as legal proceedings to prevent the denial of suffrage to colored citizens, and it May be asserted that if Kellogg’s bill in the above named case did not present a case for the equitable interposition of the Court ‘hat no such cise can arise under the act. That the courts of the United states have the Tight to interiere in various ways with State elec- tions so a8 to maintain political equality and rights therein, irrespective of race or color, is com- paratively a new, and to some it seems to bea startling idea. But it results as clearly from the Fif- teenth amendment to the constitution and the acts that have been passed to enforce phat amendment as the abrogation of State laws upsetting sla- ry, results from the Thirteenth amendment to the constitution, While the jurisdiction of tue court im the case of Keilogg vs. Warmoth and others is clear to my mind, it seems that some, of the,orders made by the Judge in that and the kindred case o1 Antoine were illegal. But while they are so held aud considered it is not to be forgotten that the mandate of his Court had been contemptouously defied, and they were made while wild scenes of anarchy were sweeping away all restraint of law and order. Doubtigss the Judge of this Court made grave mistakes; but the law allows him great latitude, not only in punishing those who condemn his orders and injunctions, but in preventing the consumma- tion of the wrong, which he has judicially for- biaden. HIS EXCRLLENOY’S OPINION. Whatever may be said or thought of those mat- ters it was only made known to me that the pro- cess of the United States Court was resisted, and, agaaid acts especially provide for the use of the army and navy when necessary to enforce judicial process arising thereunder, | considered it my duty to see that such process was executed according to the judgment of the Conrt, Resulting from these proceedings, through various controversies and complications, a State administration was or- Ranized with William P, Kellogg as Governor, Which, in the discharge of my duty under section 4 article 401 the constitution, I have recognized aa the government of the State. It has been bitterly and persistently alleged that Kellogg was not elagied. Whether be wag or noy ts not altogether certain, nor is 1t any more cer- tain shat his competitor McEnery was chosen. The election was a gigantic fraud, and there are no reliable returns Of its result, Kellogg obtained possession of the oMoce, and in my opinion bas more right to it than his compet- itor. THE GREAT CRIME 80 CALLED, On the 20th of February, 1873, the Committee on Privileges and Elections of the Senate made a re- port in which they say they were satisfied by tes- timony that manipulation of the election machin- ery by Warmoth and others was equivalent to 20,000 votes, and they add that to recognize the McEnery government, would be recogolaing a government based upon fraud in defiance of the wishes ana intention of the voters of the State, assuming the correctness Of the statements in this report, and they seem to have been generally accepted by the country. The great crime in Lonisiana about which so much has been said, is, that one is holding the omice of Governor who was cheated out of 20,000 votes, against another whose title to the ofice is, undoubtedly, based on fraud and in de flance of the wishes and intentions of the voters of the State. Misiniormed and misjudging as to the nature and extent of this report the supporters of McEnery proceeded to displace by force in some counties of the State the appointees of Governor Kellogg, and on tne 13th of April, in an effort of that kind @ butchery of citizens was committed {| at Colfax which in bloodtuirstiness and barbarity is hardly surpassed by any acts of savage warfare. | A NUMBER OF NEGROES KILLED, ‘Yo put this matter bevond controversy I quote from the charge of Judge Woods, of the United States Circuit Court, to the jury in the case of the United States vs.Crutkshank and others, in New Orleans, in March, 1874, He said, “In the case on | trialthere are many facts not in controversy. 1 proceed to state some of tiem in the presence and hearing of counsel on both sides, and if Istate as a conceded fact any matter that is dis puted they can correct me.” After stating the origin of the dificulty which grew out ofan at- tempt of white persons to drive the parish judge and sheriff appointees of Kellogg from office, and their attempted protection by colored persons, which led to some fighting, in which quite @ number of negroes were killed, the Judge states:—‘Most of those who were | not killed were taken prisoners, Fifteen or sixteen of the blacks had lifted the boards and taken refuge under the floor of the Court House They were all captured. About thirty.seven men were taken prisoners—the number is not definitely fixed. They were kept under guard until dark. They were led out two by two and shot; most of the men were'shot to death, a few were wounded, not mortally, and, by pretending to be dead, were afterward, during the night, able to make their escape, Among them was the Levi Nelson, named 1n the indictment. The dead bodies of the negroes killed in this affair were left unburied until Tuesday, April 15, when they were buried by a deputy marshal and an officer of the militia from New Orleans, These persons found fifty-nine bodies. They showea pistol shot wounds, the great majority in the head, and the rest of them in the back of the head, In addition to the Mfty-nine dead bodies some charred remains of dead bodies were discovered near the court house. Six dead bodies were found under a warchouse, all shot In the head, but one or Wo weré shot {i the breast. ‘the only alte man to their close was Hadnot Harris, - The | Court House and its contents were entirely consumed, There is no evidence that any one in the crowd of whites bore any lawful warrant for the arrest of any of the blacks. There is no evidence that either Nash or Cazabot after the affair ever demanded the offices to which they had set up claim; but the Register continued to act as the parisn judge ana Shaw as Sherif. “BLOODY AND MONSTROUS CRIME.”” ‘These are the facts in this case as I understand them to be admitted. To hold the people of Louisiana generally responsipie for these atrocities would not be just, but it isa | lamentabie fact that insdperable obstructions , were thrown in the way of punishing these mor- | Gerers and the so-called conservative papers of the State not only justified the massacre but de- nounced as federai tyranny and despotism the attempt of the United States officers to bring them to justice. Fierce denuncia- | tions ring through the country about office. | holding and election matters in Louisiana, while every one of the Colfax miscreants goes an- whipped of justice, and no way can be found in this boasted land of civilization and Christianity to punish the perpetrators of this bloody and monstrous crime. THE COUSHATTA MASSACRE. Not unlike this was the massacre of August last. Several Northern young men of capital and enter- | pub!ished in the same place a paper in which they |me since that tlme and published; my first information. was from the papers of the morning of the 5th of January. I did not | | know that any such thing was anticipated, and no injured irom the beginning of these troubles | iy ‘exempt the military from any intentional wrong | upon by the Governor for that purpose. prise had started im the little and flourishing town of Coushatta. Some of them were re- publicans and office-holders under Kellogg. They were, therefore, doomed to death. Six of them were secured and carried away from their homes and killed im cold blood. No one bas been punished, and the conservative press of the State denounced all efforts to that end and boidly justified the crime. Many murders of like characier have been committed in individual cases which cannot here be detatlea. For example, S. 8S, Crawford and Jadge P. H. Harris, District Attorney of the Twelith Judi- clal district of the State, on their way to court, were shot from their horses by men in am- bush on the 8th of October, 1873, and the widow of the former, in @ eommunication to the Depart- ment of Justice, tells a piteons tale of the persecu- tions of her husband vecause he was a Union man, and of the efforts made to screen those who had committed a crime which, to use her language, “left two widows and nine orphans desolate.” To say that the murder of a negro or white citizen was not considered a crime in Louisiana would probably be unjust to a great part of the people, but it is true that a great num- ber of such murders have been committed, and no one has been punished therefor, and manitestly, as to them, a spirit of hatred and violence 13 stronger than law. A PICTURE IN. DARK COLORS. Representations were made to me _ that | the presence of troops in Louisiana was unnecessary and irritating to the people, and that there was no danger of public disturbance if they were taken away. Conse- quently, early in last summer the troops were all withdrawn from the State with the exception of a small garrison at New Orleans barracks. It was | claimed that @ comparative state of quiet had supervened. Political excitement as to Louisiana affairs seemed to be dying out, but the November election was approaching, and it was necessary for party purposes that the flame should be rekin- dled, Accordingly,-on the 14th of September, D. O. Penn, claiming that he was elected Lieutenant Governor tn 1872, issued an inflammatory proclam- ation calling upon the militia of the State to arm, assemble aud ‘drive from power the usurpers, as he designated tne officers of the State. fhe White Leagues armed and, ready for the conflict, promptly responded. On the same aay the Governor made a formal requisition upon me, pursuant to the act of 1795, and section 4, article 4 of the constitution, to aia in suppressing domes- tic violence, On the next day I issued my procia- Mation commanding the insurgents to dis- perse within five days from the date thereof, but before the proctamation was published in New Orleans the organized and armed forces recognizing a usurping Governor had taken forcible possession of the State House, ana tem- Porarily subverted the government. Twenty or more people were killed, including a number of the police of the city. ‘vhe streets of the cliy were stained with blood. All thas was desired in the way of excitement had been accomplished, and in view of the stens taken to repress it tne revolution was apparentis, though, it {8 pelicved, not really, abandoned, and the cry of federal usurpation ana tyranny in Louisiana was renewed with redoubled energy. Troops had been sent to the State under this re- quisition of the Governor, and as other distarb- ances seemed imminent they were allowed to re- main there to render the Executive such aid a: might become necessary to enforce the laws of the Stase pnd ranresg the continned violence | to observe and and laws to direct such interference. Ihave always Fades tq bg which seemed inevitable the moment federal sup- port should be withdrawn, THE WHITE LEAGUES, Prior to and with @ view to the late election in Louisiana white men associated themselves to- gether in armed bodies, called “White Leagues,” and at the same time statements were made in tue democratic journals of the State tnat the elec- tion should be against the republicans at all hazaras, which very naturally greatly alarmed the colored voters. By section 8 of the act of February 28, 1871, it is Made the duty of United States marshals and their deputies at the polls where votes are cast for rep- | Tesetitatives in Congress, to keep the peace, and prevent any violations of the s0- called Enforcement acts and other offences | against the laws of the United States; and upon a | requisition of the Marshal of Louisiana, and in view of said armed organizations and other por- tentous circumstance, I cansed detachments of troops to be stationed in various localities In the State to ald htm in the performance of his official | duties, That there was intimidation of republican | voters at the election, notwithstanding these pre- | cautions, admits ofno doubt. The following are | Specimens of the meays used:— | INTIMIDATION BVIDENCE. | | On the 14th of October eighty persons signed and Published the following at Shreveport :— “We, tho undersigned, merchants of the city of | Shreveport, tn obedience to a request of the | Shreveport Campaign Ctub, agree to use every | endeavor to get our employés to vote the people’s ticket at the ensuing clection, and in the event of their refusal so to do, or in case they vote the radical ticket, to reiuse to employ them at the expiration of their present contracts,” On the same day another lurge body of persons used the following language :— “We, the undersigned, merchants of the city of Shreveport, alive to the great importance of se- cuting good and honest government to the State, do agree and pledge ourselves no: .o advance any | supplies or moncy to any planter the coming year who will give employment or rent lands to la- borers who vote the radical ticket in the coming election.” THE RETURNING BOARD JUSTIFIED. Tnave notnformation of the proceedings of the Returning Board for said election which may not be found in its report which has been published, butitisa matter of public information that a great part of the time taken to canvass the votes was consumed by the argument of lawyers, sev- eral of whom represented each party before the Board. Ihave no evidence that the proceedings | of this Board were not in accordance with the law under which they acted, Whether in exclud- mg from the count certain retarns they were right or wrong 1s a question that depends upon the evidence they had before them. But it is very clear that the law gives them the power, if they choose to exercise it, of deciding that way, and prima facie the persons whom they return as elected are entitled to the offices for which they were candidates, THE STORY OF THE OUTRAGE, Respecting the alleged interference by the mili- tary with the organization of the Legisiature of Loutsiana on the 4th inst., 1 have no knowledge or information which has not been received by orders or suggestions were ever given to any military effect in that State prior to tne occur- rence. Iam well aware that any military inters ference by the officers or troops of the Daitea States with the organization of a State Legisla- ture or any of its proceedings, or with any civil department of the government, is repugnant to our ideas of government. I can conceive of no case not involving rebellion or insurrection where such Interference by authority of the general gov- ernment ought to be permitted or can be justified. But there are circumstances connected with the legislative imbroglio in Louisiana which seem to in that matter, knowing that they had been placed in Louisiana to prevent domestic violence ana aid in the enforcement of the State laws. The officers | and troops of the United States may well have | supposed that it was their duty to act when called Each branch of the Legislative Assembly 1s the judge of | the election and qualifications of its own mem- bers; but if another body of unautiorized per- sons seize and hold ‘the Legislative Hall in @ tumultaons and riotors manner, and so prevent any organization by those legally returned as elected, 1t might be the duty of the State Executive to interfere if required by a majority o! the members elect to suppress the dis- turbances and enable the persons elected to or- ganize the House. Any exercise of this power | would only be justifiaole under most extraordi- nary circamstances, und it would then be the duty of the Governor to call upon the constabu- lary, or, if necessary, the military force of the State. But wits reference to Loutsiana it 1s to be borne in mind that any attempt by the Governor to use the police force of that State at this time would have undoubtedly hastened a con- flict with the White League, as it did on the 14th of September. There is no doudt but that the presence of the United States troops upon that oc- casion prevented bloodshed and the loss of life. Both parties appear to nave relied upon them as conservators of the public peace. The first call was made by the democrats to remove persons obnoxious to them from the Legislative Hall, and the second was from the republicans to remove persons who had usarped seats in the Legislature without legal certificates authorizing them to seats, and in sufficient number to chan; the majority. Nobody was disturbed by e military who had @ legal right at that time to occupy a seat in the Legislature. That the democratic minority of the House undertook to seize its organization by fraud and violence; that in this attempt they trampled under foot law; that they undertook to make persons not returned as elected, members, 80 ag to create a majority; that they acted under 5 preconcerted plan and under false pretences introduced into the Hall a body of men to support their pretentions by force, if necessary, and that conflict, disorder and riotous proceedings followed, are facts that seem to be well established, and 1 am credibly informed that these vio- lent proceedings were a part of a premedi- tated plan to have the House organized in this way, recognize what has been called the McEnery Senate, then to de Governor Kellogg, and so revolutionize the State government, Whether it was wrong for the Governor, at the request of a majority of the members returned as elected to the House, to use such means as were in his power to defeat those lawless and _ revolutionary proceedings 1s, perhaps, a debatable question; but itis quite certain that there would have been no trouble tf they who now complain of illegal Interference had allowed the House to be organ- ized in a lawful and regular manner. When those who inaugurated disorder and anarchy disavow harsh proceedings it will be time enough to condemn those who by such means as they have prevent the success of their lawless and desperate schemes, Lieutenaut General Sheridan was requested by me to go to Louisiana report the situation there, in his opinion necessary, to assume the command, which he did on the 4th inst. after the legisiative disturbances had oc- curred, at nine o’clock at night, a number of hours alter the disturbance, SHERIDAN VINDICATRD. No party motives or prejudices can reasonably be imputed to him; but, honestly convinced by | what he has heard there, he has chatacterized the leaders of the “White Leagues” in severe terms, and suggested summary modes o! procedure | against them, which, though they cannot be adopted, would, if legal, soon put anend to the troubles and disorders, in that —Svate. General Sheridan was looking at facts, and possibly not thinking of proceedings which would be the only proper ones to pursue in time of peace, He thought more of the utterly lawless condition of secrecy surrounding him at the time of his de- | spatch and of what wonld prove a sure remedy. He never proposed to do an illegal act, or ex- pressed a determination to proceed beyond what the law in the future might authorize for the pun- ishment of the atrocities which have been com- mitted and the commission of which cannot be successiully denied. NO ILLEGAL BODIES TO BE TOLERATED. It ts @ deplorable iact that political crimes and = murders have been committed in Louisiana whch have gone unpunished, and which have been justified or apologized for, Which must rest as a reproach upon the State and country jong aiter the present question has passed away. I lave no desire to have United States troops interlere in the domestic concerns of Louis- jana or any other State, On the 9tn of December last Governor Kellogg Selegeapnad to me his ap- prehensions that the ite Leagne in- tended to make another attack upon the State House, to which, on the same day, I made the following anawer, since which no communication has been addressed to him:— “Your despatch of this date just received. It is exceedingly unpalatable to use troops In anticipa- tion of danger. Let the State autuorities pe rignt and then pee ‘with thetr duties without appre- hension of dauger. If they are then molested the juestion will be determined whether the United States ig able to maintain law and order within its limits or not.” I have deplored the necesst! seemed to make it my duty under the constitution and it, excens where is mr Imperative duty to act in such a manner under t constitution and laws of the United States. I have repeatedly and earnestly entreated the people of the South to live together in peace and obey the laws, thereby removing all necesstty for the presence of troops among them. I regret, how- ever, to say that this state of things docs not exist, nor does its existence seem to be destred in some localities; those it may proper me say that to the extent that Congress has conierred power upon me to prevent it, neithor Ku Kiux Klang, White Leagues, nor any other association usin. arms and violence to eX- ecute their unlawful purposes, can be permitted in that way to govern any part of this country, nor can I'see with indifference Union men or republi- cans ostracised, persecuted and murdered on ac- count of their opinions, as they now are in some localities. CONGRESS TO BLAME, I have heretofore urged tne case of Louisiana upon the attention of Congress, and I cannot but tnink that its inaction bas produced great evil. ‘ro summarize :—In September last an armed, or- ganized body of men in the support of candidates who had veen pur in nomination for the oMces of Governor and Lieutenant Governor at the November elec'ton im 1872, and who had been de- clared not elected by the Board of Can- vassers Teco#hized by all the courts to which tie quesiton had been submitted, undertook to subvert and overthrow the State government that had been recognized by me in accordance with previous precedents, The recog- nized Governor was driven from the State House, and but for bis finding shelter in the United States Custom House itn the capital of the State of which he-was Governor it ts scarcely to be doubted that he would have been killed. From the State House a cal! was made in accord- ance with the fourth section, fourth article oi the constitution of the United States for the ald 1 the general government to suppress domestic violence. Under those circumstances and in ac cordance with my sworn duties my proclamation of the 15th of September, 1874, was issued. This served to reinstate Governor Kellogg to his position nominally, but 1¢ cannot be ctaimed that the Insurgents have to this day surrendered to, the State authorities arms belonging to the State, or that they nave in any sense disarmed. On tne contrary itis knowt that the same armed organizations that existed on the 14th of September in opposition to tno recognized State government still retain their or- ganization, equipments and commanders, and can be calted out at any hour to resist the State gov- ernment. Under these circumstances the same military force has been continued in Louisiana as was sent there under the first call, and under the sume general instructions. I reneat that the task assumed by the troops is not a pleasant one to them; that the army is not com- posed of lawyers, capadle of judging ata moment’s notice just how far they can go in the main- tenance of law and order, and that it was impos- sible to give specific instructions providing for all possibie contingencies that might arise. The troops were bound to act upon the judgment of the commanding oficer upon each sadden contingency that arose, or wait Instructions which could only reach them after the tureatened wrongs bad been committed which they were called on to prevent. It should | be recollected, too, that upon my recognition of the Kellogg government I reported the tact, witn the grounds of recognition, to Congress, and asked that body to take action in the matter, otherwise I should regard their silence as an acquiescence in my cvurse. No action has been taken by that body, and I have maintained the position then marked out, If error has been committed by the army in these matters it has always been on the side of the preservation of good order, the maintenance of law and the protection ot life. Their bearing reflects credit upon the soldiers, and if wrong has resulted the blame ts with the turbulent elements surrounding them, 1 now earnestly Ask tnat such action be taken by Congress as to leave my duties perfectly clear 1n dealing with the affairs of Louisiana, Seving as- surance at the same time that whatever may be done by that body in the premises will be executed according to the spirit and letter of the law with- out fear or favor. Iherewith transmit copies of the documents containing more specific information as to who subject matter of the resolution. U, S. GRANT. EXECUTIVE MANSION, Jan. 13, 1875, THE DOCUMENTS, The documents accompanying the President's Message are voluminous. The first is a letter from Governor Kellogg, dated August 19 last, ad- dressed to President Grant at Long Branch, in which Governor Kellogg regrets to have to trouble him again about Louisiana affairs, but the excep- tional circumstances and the importance of the | issues involved render it necessary he should | make a brief statement of the situation, which he proceeds to do, premising that Louisiana is now the last State in the Southwest, except Misgts- stppi, that remains true to the republican party. He concludes by saying :— I respectinily®ad earnestly suggest that if the | United States troops were returned to their posts in this State such a course would have a most salutary effect, and would prevent much biood- | shed and probably a formal call upon the Prest- dent and @ renewed agitation of the Louisiana question, which otherwise a quiet, lair election next November would forever set at rest, and fully vindicate your just policy toward us, MORE REQUESTS FOR TROOPS, Marshal Packard, on August 30 last, telegraphs Attorney General Williams a request to the Sec- retary of War to order a sufictent force imme- diately to aid in the discharge of bis duues as re- quired by law. The registration was about to commence. Large bodies of armed and mounted white men had appeared. Through fear of them the blacks would be unable to register or vote in | case of a conflict, which Packard regarded as im- minent, On August 30 Governor Kellogg informs Attor- ney General Wiiliams of a gross outrage, whieh had just been perpetrated at Coushatta. The presence of troops would go far to prevent vio- lence and blooashed. He said there was “an openly avowed policy of exterminating republi- cans.’” Information ts sent to Attorney General Wiiliama | by Marshal Packard and District Attorney Beck- | with, dated September 10 and 13, of the proceed- ings of the White Leagues, and urging the neces- Sity tor troops to prevent murder, &c. On the 14th Governor Kellogg makes a requist- tion on the President to tuke measures to put down the domestic violence and insurrection then prevailing. Numerous telegrams are sent to the Attorney General by Marshal Packard and others, asserting that armed mobs were reported all over New Orleans, Leaguers are much more formidable than is supposed, &c, LIFE “A PRECIOUS ARTICLE.” | The Mayor of St. Francisville telegraphs Sep- tember 19 to the Attorney General :— The timely arrival of federal troops has saved the lives of unoffending republicans, We look confidently to the loyal North for the sapport which they have go generously extended the weak, and hope the protection of the government Wil continue wotil the elections are over. Life 1s deur to us and we cannot risk ay article so pre~ cious when surrounded by murderous White Leaguers, TROOPS, TROOPS, TROOPS. Mr. Packard, November 1, requests a post to be establisbed at Natchitoches, aud General Emory | be ordered to place a company of troops there. Uctober 19, S. B. Packard, chairmen of the State Central Committee, and Governor Kellogg, Mesers. Durell, Casey, Sypher and Morey address a telegram to Attorney General Williams, say- | ing:— We have authentic Information that systematic violence and intimidation will be practised toward | repubiican voters on the day of election at three or re haa or in this State, and we earnestly re- quest that General Emory be instructed to send troops to Franklin, St. Mary’s parish; Napoleon- vilie, Assumption parish, and Moreauville, Avoy- elles parish. Governor Kellogg wili furnish traus- portation to these points without cost to the gov- ernme! WHITE LEAGUE PURPOSES. On December 9 Governor Kellogg telegraphed President Grant:— Information reaches me that the White League purpose making au attack upon the State House, especially tat portion occupied by the Treasurer of the State. The organization 18 very numerous and well armed, and the State forces now avait able are not suificient t resist successiuly any movement they may make. With a view of pre- picnie | such an attempt and the bloodshed which would be likely to result should an insurgent body @ain possession of the State House in dispersing them, I respectfally request that a detachment of United States troops be stationed tn that portion of tne St. Louis Hotel which 1s not used for any of the State offices, where they will be readily avail- able to prevent any sach insurrectionary move- ment as that contemplated. VIOLENCE THREATENED, Ex-Governor Wells, President of the State Re- turning Board, telegraphed to the President De- cember 10th:— The members of the Board are being pubticl; and privately threatened with violence, and ‘an attack upon the Btate House—whici ts likely to result im bloodshed—is also threatened. By re- quest of the Board I respectfully ask that a de- tachment of troops be stationed in the State House so that the deliberations and final action of wor may b@tree from tntamidation and vio- FRIGHTENING THE NRGROFS. The Untted States Commissioner for Shreve: port, A. B, Levisa, gives a full statement of tne Condition of e@aira in North Loulsiaaa, referring vo an alleged scheme to expel from the country the republican leaders, and then to frighten the negroes into acqutescence with their wishes; and charging that the whites were driving the freed- men from their homes, naked and penniless, to endure the severities of winter as best they might, The negroes are cheated of tnesr rights and have no redress with the mixed juries of the local courts, CONFIDENTIAL TO SHERIDAN, The following was communicated confidentially to General Sheridan :— Wak DEPantMent. Wasuinaton, D. C., Dec. 24, 1874. To General P, H. SHERIDAN, Chicago, Lil. : GENBRAL—'The President seni lor me this morn- ing, d desires me to say to you that he washes you w visit the States of Louisiana and Misais- sippl, and cially New Orleans, La., aud Viets- burg and Jackson, Miss, and ascertain for your- self, and for his information, the general condition of matters in those logalities. You need not | confine your visit to the states of Louistana and Piecroge Vr and may extend yourtrip toe other States, Alabama, &c., tf you see proper, nor need | you confine your visip in the States of Louisi- ana and ssisisppl to the places named What the Presiaent desires is the | true condition of affairs and to reeetve | such suggestions from you as you may deem ad- visable and judicious. Inclosed herewith is an order authorizing you to assume commana of the | +Military Division of the South, or any portion of that division, should you see proper to do so. It po be possibie that circumstances may artee whieh would render this a proper course to pursue. You can, if you desire it, see General McDowell in | Louisville and make known to him confidenttally the object of vour trip, but this 1g not required of you. Communication with him by you is left en- tirely to your own Judgment. Of ¢ourse you can take with you such gentlemen of your staff as you wish, and it is best that the trip should ber one Eppeat to as much Of pleasure us business, for the fact of your mere presenee in the localities referred to Will have, it 1s presumed, @ beneticial efect. The President thinks, aod so do |, that a trip South | might be agreeable to you, and that you might be | able to obtain a good deg) o! information on the subject about which we desire to learn. You can make your return by Washington and make a verbal report, and also injorm mo {rom time to time of your views and conclusions, Yours truly, he W. W. BELKNAP, Secretary of War. The following despatch authorizes the Lieuten- ant General to take command over the Military Division of the South, should he deem tt neces- sary :— WASHINGTON, Dec, 24, 1874 } To Lieutenant General P. H. SHERIDAN, United States Army, Chicago, Il. :— SIR—II in the course of the Inspection and tn- vestigation the Secretary of War has directed you | to make in his communication of this date you should find it necessary to assume command over the Military Division of the South, or any portion thereof, the President of the United States nereby authorizes and instructs you to take the command accordingly, and to establizn your headquarters at such & point as you may deem best for the in- WAR DEPARTMENT, ADJUTANT GENERAL'S UFFICE, terests of the public service. 1am, air, very respectiully, your ovedient ser- vant, E. D. TOWNSEND, ‘Adjutant General. A copy of the above letter was furnished Gen- eral McDowell, commanding the Military Diviston O1 the South, oa January 5, 1875, (TELEGRaM.] HEADQUARTERS MILITARY DrvIsIon OF THE MISSOURI, CHICAGO, Il)., Dec, 26, 1874, To General W. W. BELKNAP, Wasiington, D. Q.:— |. Your letter has been received all right. P. H. SHERIDAN, Lieutenant General. CONFIDENTIAL TO SHERMAN, HEADQUARTERS ARMY OF THE UNITED STATES, Sr. Lours, Dec, 26, 1874. GENERAL—I have the honor to acknowledge tie | Teceipt of your confidential communication of | December 26, with enclosures. Your obedient | servant, W. 'l. SHERMAN, General. To W. W. BELKNAP, Secretary of War, Wasbing- ton, D, C. * PRLEGRAM FROM WILT Next follows a telegram of Mr, Wiltz to the President, informing him of hiseiection as Speaker | of the House, and protesting against armed inter: | | ference with the Legislature, THE “BANDITTI’ DESPATCH. Next appear the telegrams of Sheridan, dated | January 5, addressed to the Secretary of War, | relating to terrorism, banditti, &c. LETTER FROM MAJON MERRILL, General Sheriaan sends to the War Department, | for 1ts information, & letter trom Major Merrill, | dated Shreveport, December 30. He gives the facts as to the probabilities of violence there, and | says:— The three republican mombers declared elected to the Legislature by the Returning Board, wno nave gone to New Urieans to take their seats, be- yond doubt could not safely return here now. Outside of the officers named above there is no one left to do violence upon; the leading radicais have left; the worrying and harassing of the ne- groes goes On with little intermission, but lately no acts of violence to the person have come to my knowledge. Such acts now are confined to ptun- dering them, with or without some show oi legal | form, and driving them from their homes to seek places to live elsewhere. The conflict for offices, whether conducted by peaceabie, legal means or. violence, will stop what little legal check now exists upon crime and wrongdoing, and will greatly aggravate the condition of things, which is already serious enough. ButI do nos appre- hend that it wil result in extended atsoraer at present, because there ts nothing leit to work upon except the commoner orders, and partly be- cause the leading White Leaguers have gone to New Orleans. SHERIDAN’S CATALOGUE OF MURDERS. The telegrams of General Sheridan to the Secre- | tary of War, ana those from the latter to the former, heretofore pubiished, appear in the cor- Tespondence, and also the following telegram :— | [TELEGRAM.] | NEW ORLEANS, Jan. 10—10:30 P. M. Hon. W. W. BELKNAP, Secretary of War, Wasuing- ton, D. U.:— Since the year 1866 nearly thirty-five hundred persons—a great majority of Whom were colored mev—bave been Killed and wounded in this State. In 1868 the official record shows that 1,884 were killed and wounded. From 1868 to the present time no official investigation has been made, and | | the civil authorities in all but a few cases have deen unable to arrest, convict and punish the per- petrators, Consequently, there are no correct | records to be consulted for information. There | is ample evidence, however, to show that | more than twelve hundred persons have | been killed and wounded during this time on account of their political sentiments. Frightful massacres have occurred in the parishes of Bozster, Caddo, Catahoula, Saint Bernard, Saint Landry, Grant and Orleans. The general charac- ter of the Massacres in the above named parishes | 18 go well Known that it 18 unnecessary to describe them. The isolatea cases can best bé illustrated by the following instances, which I take froma mass of evidence now lying before me of men killed on avcount of toeir political principles. in Natchitoches parish the number of tsolated cases reported is thirty-three; im the parish ot Bienviile the number of men killed is thirty: in Red River arish the isolated cases of men killed Is thirty- four; in Winn parish the number Of isolated cases where men were killed is fifteen; in Jackson par- ish the nomber killed ts twenty; in Cata- houla parish the number of isolated cases re- | ported where men were Killed is filty; and | most of the country parishes throughout the State will show a corresponding state of affairs. The Jollowing statements will illustrate the character and Kind of these outrages. On the 30th of Au- | gust, 1874, in Red River parish, six State and par- | | igh officers, named Twitchell, Divers, Holland, Howell, Edgerton and Willis, were taken, to gether with four negroes, under guard, to be car- Tied out o! the State, and were DELIBERATELY MURDERED. On the 29th of August, 1874, turee negroes were shot es Fee i a orgies tra just pose the at | rival of the Ugit tes troops in the parish, | ‘Two White Lenpuets fade tp to © nogrs catia and called for a drimk of water. When the oid colored | map turned to draw it they shot him in the | back and killed nim, he Courts were ail broken up in this district, and the | District Judge driven out. In the parish of Caddo, prior to the arrival of the United States troops, all of the officers at Shreveport were compeiled to abdicate by the White League, which took pos- session of the place. a ory obliged to ab- dicate were:—Walsh, the Mayor; Rapers, the Sherit?; Wheaton, the Clerk of the Court; Durant, the Recorder, and Ferguson dhd Reniro, Adminis- trators. Two colored men, who had given evi- | dence in regard to frauds committed in the | parish, were compelled to flee for their lives and | reached this city last night, having been smuggled | through in @ Cargo of cotton. in the parish of | Bosster the White League have attempted to force | the abdication of Judge Baker, the United States | Commissioner and the’ Parisn Judge, together with O'Neal, tne Sherif. and Walker, the Clerk of the Court; aud they have compelied the partsh and district courts to suspend opera- | tions, Ju Baker states that the White Leaguers notified him several times that if ne became a candidate on the republican ticket, or if he at- tempted to organize the repubiican party, he should not live until election. ‘hey also tried to intimidate him through family by making the same threats to his wile; and, when told by him that he was A UNITED STATES COMMISSIONER, they notified him not to attempt to exercise the functions of his office, In but few of the country | parishes can it be truly said that the law is Peoheniy enforced; and in some of the parishes he judges have not been able to hold court for two years. Human Iie in this State 1s held so cheaply that when men are killed on account of political opinions the murderers are regarded rather as her. es than as criminals i the jocaltttes where they reside aud by the White League and | their supporters. An tltustration of | THE OSTRACISM THAT PREVAILS in the State may be found in a resolution of a White League ciub in the parish of De Soto, which staves that they pledge themselves “under no citcumstances, after the coming election, to em- ploy, rent land to or in any other manner give aid, comiort or credit to anv man. white or black, Whg ~ | prevent the nominees of the white man’s Safety for individuals who express opinion in the isolated portion of this State existed only When that opinion was tn favor of the Principles and party supported by the Ku Klux and hite ae organizations. Only yes- ers, the Parish Judge of of Natchitocnes, called on mo hig arrival in this city, and stated that, in order to reach here alive, he was obliged to leave bis home by stealth and alter nightfall and make his way to Lastle Rock, Arx., and come to this city by way of Memphis. He further states that, while hie father was lying at the point of death in the same village he was unable to visit bam for iear of assassination, and et he is a native of the parish and ribed for is political sentiments only. It more than ‘obabie that, if bad goverhment has existed in State, it is the result of THE ARMED OAGANTZATIONS which have now crystallized into what is called “The White League.” Instead of bad government developt them, they have terrorism to a considerable extent tbe collection Of taxes, the holding of courte, ihe punishment of, crimtnaig, and vitiated public sentiment by dJamilarizing it with the sce: above described. Jam now engaged in com iz evidence * detailed report upon tue above sul but it will be some time before J can obtain all the requisite data to cover the cases that have occurred throughonat the State. 1 will alsoreport in due time upon the same subject in the tes Of A Kansas and Mississippi. P. H. SHERIDAN, Lieutenant General. Th Sanat Beoretary of War, Washing» 5 Here follows another despatch from General | Sheridan, already published, mtimating his in- tention of sending the faregoing report. MORE DESPATCHES. General Sheridan siso sends a communication to ‘he Secretary of War, no signature attached, illus- trating the action of the “bandits” tn Louisiana im Kidnapping a member elect of the Legislature. Next follows Sheridan’s telegram to the Secretary of War, dated January 8, already published, sub- Mitting @ report of affairs as they occurred in the organization of the State Legislature, THE WHITE LEAGUE PLATFORM. The documents conclude with extracts from Louisiana newspapers, showing the platform of the White League and the intentions of the organ- ization, the following serving as a specimen :— The lines must-be drawn at once, before our op- ponents are thorougnly organized, for by this means we will prevent many milk and cider fel- lows {rom falitng into the enemy's ranks. While the white man’s party guarantees te negro all of his present rights they do not intend that white carpets and renegades shall be permitted to organize and prepare the negroes for the com- ing campaign. ithout the assistance of these villaing the negroes are totally Incapabie of effectu- ally organizing themselves, and unless ney are previously excited and drilled one-half of hem Will not come to the po!lsand a large percentage Of Ube remainder will vote the white man’s ticket, COMMENT IN WASHINGTON. WASHINGTON, Jan. 13, 1875, OPINIONS ON THE PRESIDENT'S LOUISIANA MES- SAGE—AN ATTEMPT TO MISLEAD PUBLIC SENTI- MENT—A PROPOSED SOUTHERN POLICY. That tne President's Message is an extremely shrewd and clever document isthe unapimoas opinion here. “It takes for granted a certain num- ber of disputed points and bases a very plausible | argument upon them,” was a remark made of 18, It is now easy to see why the President so care- July avoided seeing any member of the New Orleans committee. If he bad committed the imprudence of asking that committce what the evidence they heard proved he could not have signed his name to this Message, for they would have had to inform him that—frst, the Kevurning Board, which he justifies, committed open and clumsy frauds sufficient to vitiate all its proceedings; and second, that no evidence was brought to them, though they constantly de- manded it, showing intimidation of republican voters at the last election, which yet the President asserts to have existed. If he had taken the psins to read the printed report of the evidence in the newspapers he could hardly have made such as- sertions; much less if he had asked the committee for a sight of the complete evidence or a brief of it, whtch they must have brought home withthem. “While he affects the greatest desire to obey Congress, he insults it through its commuttec,’? was said in ‘conversation this evening; but the answer of a zealous up- holder of the President was that Congress had not informed bim that tt was about to send a commit tee to Loutsiana, and, as he had no official knowl edge of such 8 proceeding, 1t was not his duty to | see them on their retarn and to look to them for information, Meantime people ovegin to see why it was that Mr. Hoar, who has sud- denly turned up as a devoted partisan of the President, was 80 zealous to keep back the sub- committee’s report; why @ rumor waa spread that the report was “not ready,’ and why Mr. Charles Foster, the chairman of the sub-committee, has been besieged by Mr. Hoar and by anxious carpet-baggers and coaxed to alter and trim and change the pnraseology of the report, which itis now known was ready on Monday and presented to the committee on that day. The mat- | ter bas been suddenly huagger-muggered, nd Mr. Hoar enjoins secrecy and makes mysterious remarks, and no one here knows this | evening even whether tnts report, the only doca- ment giving the condition of Lomsiana affairs which rests on sworn evidence given by both sides to the controversy before a competent au- thority, will ever see the light. As to the full tes- timony which would enable the public to form ite own conclusions, it is now sald that this will not be printed under three or four weeks. By that time “the party”? may have invented a policy, or, if not, the sesston will be so near its end that a fall discusston of the Louisiana question cannot be had. ‘ “The Message is a leliberave and very clever at- tempt to mislead public opinion,” said an astute politician here this evening, “and it will probably succeed. The New Orleans committee’s report, if it ever sees the light, will come too late.” This is the general impression here to-nignt. Meantime the debate in the Senate goes om, General Logan occupied vhe day and, having a clear voice and distinct utterance, he made an effective speech of the savage and biood-thirsty kind. It is said that he prepared this speech after consultation witn the President, while the latter was still in nis early wrath with Louisiana, and that he would not or did not change it toconform to the milder words of the Message, as that was changed and now stands; but it is more probaple that agreement was made that the mild tone o! the Message should be supplemented by strong words in the Senate, Senator Tipton will speak to-morrow, and the dis- cussion Will last a week or ten days and will probably be closed by Mr. Schurz. The lack of confidence m the President's pur- poses and the belief that he may easily be led into wild and vehement measures by his intimates 18 curiously shown by the general expression of | satisfaction here that there is to be no such break in the Cabinet as was rumored. prominent democratic Senators said to-day that it gavese him the greatest satisfactioa that Mr. Fish remained, and that he should have thought tis resignation at ttfis moment @ grave public calamity, and this feeling is general among those on both sides who are not venement partt- sans. Whether Congress will heed tne President's request to provide him with a policy in regard to the Southern States is not certain. It is possible that the session may pass over without bringing the faithiul to an agreement, The violence of some of the carpet-baggers begins to disgast One of the most the better class of republicans, one of | whom, a New England man, said to-day | that he would note go into cancus it | these people were to rule and to make their de- mands the tests of party fidelity. It is said that the Louisiana committee will report to the House | to-morrow, but this is not certain. Tne sub-com- mittee mean to have their report read; but Mr. Hoar may invent new delays, soasto give the | President’s Message @ fair start, and allow that | to make its impression on the public mind, The Southern policy now taiked of is to make appropriations for the pay and subsistence or the army for twe years, and to revive the law which gave the | president power, in his discretion, to declare mar tial law in any Southern district. This, itis sup. posed, would, if a pretext was given by violence or disorder, lead to the throwing out of @ certate number of Southern electoral votes in the elem tion of 1876, bat whether such @ scheme can ba carried through Congress ls aaret doubttah