The Evening Argus

From the Kewanee Advertiser, Aug. 9th.
THE GRAND ARMY OF THE REPUBLIC.
What Does it Mean?
Are our readers aware that there is a SECRET MILITARY organization in existence throughout the state, and doubtless other states of the Union? The testimony is constantly accumulating that, for ends of their own, the radicals are actively engaged in the organization of secret military societies, or companies in the country. In the south these companies are composed of negroes, and in the north of returned soldiers, under the imposing title of the "Grand Army of the Republic."
In the report of the proceedings of the fire and police commissioners of Chicago on Tuesday evening, July 31st, appears the following:
"A petition was received from Col. R. M. Hough, for the loan of 40 muskets for the use of an independent military organization of this city, now forming from returned soldiers of the United States army.
Col. Hough stated there was an organization of returned soldiers now completed, in 65 counties in the state. The company belonged to this organization, which is named the Grand Army of the Republic."
On motion of Mr. Brown, the matter was postponed till Friday, for the purpose of consulting the mayor and city authorities.
Again, we ask, what does it mean? What is the purpose of this organization, which has already been perfected in sixty-five counties in Illinois? What need is there for such an organization now, when the country is in profound peace, and why is the organization secret, if for a good purpose?
The Cincinnati Commercial, a republican paper, has repeatedly stated that the radicals were actively engaged in organizing and arming the blacks of the south; the telegraphic dispatches informed us a few days since that negro companies were drilling by night in Richmond, and that Gen. Terry had found it necessary to issue an order prohibiting such organizations and drill, while at almost the same time an outbreak occurred at New Orleans, caused in part, at least, by the appearance of negro companies upon the streets, evidently well organized and armed, in support of the radical convention called together for the purpose of revolutionizing the state government of Louisiana.
These facts, taken in connection with the development of the radical policy at the congressional caucuses at Washington a few days before the adjournment of congress, and the passage through the house of a resolution for the distribution of two-thirds of the arms and munitions of war now in possession of the general government, among the states, looks very much like parts of the same plot by the radicals to inaugurate another civil war, while this "petition" from Col. R. M. Hough, for the loan of 40 muskets," and his statement that "there was an organization of returned soldiers now completed in 65 counties of the state," shows to what extent their plans have been carried out in Illinois, at least.
This "Grand Army of the Republic" is simply a re-organization of the so-called Union Leagues," changed into a military organization, bound by secret oaths to obey without question, the order of their superiors, who are wholly irresponsible to the people, and whose object it is to control elections, by force, if necessary, and failing in that to set the decision of the people at defiance, by inaugurating a civil war in our midst.
For what other purpose can this secretly organized "Grand Army of the Republic" be, readers? If its purpose was a good one, what need is there for secrecy? Secret political societies are at all times dangerous and mischievous, but in a time of profound peace there is not the shadow of excuse or pretext for their existence, and when they are military, as well as political, under the management of unprincipled demagogues, they should excite the deepest concern in the minds of all good citizens for the safety of the republic.
It is time the people should arise from their indifference, and remove from power a party which threatens to overthrow the government rather than relinquish its control, at the bidding of the people.
From the same paper, Aug. 16th.
We last week called the attention of our readers to a secret politico-military organization which is being formed in this state, and which Col. R. M. Hough stated was thoroughly organized in 65 counties in this state, and he asked of the city council of Chicago for the loan of 40 muskets for a Chicago company of the order. The following dispatch from Springfield, the headquarters of the order, puts to rest all doubts as to the character and objects of the organization:
"It is destined to wield a power in the political arena, which northern rebels had better not collide with. The ex-boys in blue will undoubtedly vote at the coming election in the same direction in which their guns were pointed during the rebellion."
By "northern rebels" we may, of course, understand all who do not endorse congress.
A Chicago radical paper heads its report of the Philadelphia convention, "The Rebel Convention," and it is easy to understand that it is the purpose of the radicals to use this secret military organization to carry the election either by ballots or bullets, as circumstances may require.
In further evidence of the activity of those engaged in the organization of this Grand Army of the Republic," we give the following extract from the Chicago Tribune's Springfield dispatches of August 13th:
"The Grand Army of the Republic continues to grow in favor all over the state. Already seventy counties have been organized into districts, with subordinate commands, and General Webster, the adjutant general of the organization, is in constant receipt of applications from old army officers throughout the state for authority and instructions to organize others. In a few weeks every county and town in the state will have its thoroughly organized post or district, as the case may be."
A similar organization, under the name of the "Soldiers' League," is in existence in Missouri, and its object is avowed to support congress in opposition to the president, as will be seen from the following paragraph taken from a call for a meeting by the "Board of Managers of the Soldiers' League" of St. Louis:
"To support the present congress in its opposition to the president, who, in our view, is aiming to reconstruct the rebellion, instead of the Union."
These facts are worthy the serious consideration of the people, and of the inquiry as to whither we are tending. We can see no good reason for the formation of such secret societies. The ostensible purpose could be better accomplished by an open than a secret organization,—besides that it would be a powerful engine for mischief in the hands of bold, bad men, to carry out any political scheme for the aggrandizement of themselves or their party, must be patent to all, and it is only necessary to state the fact that E. C. Ingersoll was appointed "Grand Commander" at the Grand Council held at Springfield a few days since, and that Col. R. G. Ingersoll is the "Commander of the Post at Peoria," to show the character of the men at the head of the organization in Illinois, and to what uses it is likely to be put.
Would any organization established solely for benevolent purposes, be likely to hold their meetings in the dead hours of the night with closed doors, and place such unscrupulous and trading politicians at their head as those we have named? Let the people ponder these things,—let them ask themselves if any good to soldiers or their widows and orphans are likely to result from such an organization in the hands of such men, and let them ask, also, whether there is not hid under this cloak a purpose to carry out the radical schemes made public by H. J. Raymond, of inaugurating another civil war, in order to retain the power of the government in their own hands?