The Daily Clarion

DAILY CLARION
Thursday, October 27, 1875.

A TRICK OF THE ENEMY.

A Secret Circular of the Radical Executive Committee
Brought to Light.

A Deep Laid Plot to Count the Radical Candidates in and the Democratic-Conservatives out, No Matter What the Vote Is

We hasten to lay before the public the subjoined secret circular, issued by A. Warner, Chairman of the Radical State Executive Committee, "to all the Judges and Chancellors throughout the State." Under a thin guise of virtuous phraseology, it is nothing more nor less, than an appeal to those functionaries to see that the lists of Registration Boards are revised in order that they may be stocked with members who will corrupt the ballot boxes and defraud the voters of a fair election, and count Radical candidates in and the Anti-Radical candidates out, no matter what the vote is:

Rooms Rep. State Ex. Com.,
State of Mississippi,
Jackson, Sept. 24, 1875.

[Circular Letter.]

Dear Sir—You are aware that during the present canvass, and in the coming election, while the opposition are using every means to defeat the Republican party, we are forced to the necessity of employing every lawful ADVANTAGE OUR POSITION GIVES US. Not the least of these is the matter of Registration, and in the proper performance of the duties of Registrars. It is apprehended that many Republicans have already been prevented from registering by threats and intimidation. It is, therefore, of the greatest importance that the majority of the Board of Registrars should be composed of men not only true and faithful, but who will also have the courage and firmness to discharge their duties fearlessly, ESPECIALLY IN CANVASSING THE VOTE AND MAKING UP THE RETURNS. With this view we earnestly ask you to examine the list of your appointments critically, and satisfy yourself fully as to the character of each man, and make such changes, as in your judgment, will promote the free and full expression of the people at the ballot box. We take the privilege of addressing this Circular Letter to all the Judges and Chancellors throughout the State, because it has been suggested to us that there are some professed Republican Registrars who are incompetent, unworthy and of doubtful fidelity.

Respectfully,

[Signed]
A. WARNER,
Chairman.

1st. The Radical spoilsmen, in danger of losing the offices, claim that they have the right to use any "advantage," (the word "lawful" is a blind) their "position gives" them "in the matter of Registration." Now what right has either party to an "advantage," and what is it but a pregnant suggestion, that, as the Radicals can appoint a majority of the Boards, it is their province to count in such candidates, or throw out such boxes, as will enable them to carry their point?

2d. It is "apprehended" (says the circular) that Republicans have already been intimidated from registering, therefore men should be appointed who will (not see that a fair election is held, and that every man will be protected in his right to vote but) have "the courage and firmness to discharge their duties fearlessly," "ESPECIALLY IN CANVASSING THE VOTE AND MAKING UP THE RETURNS."

3d. In order to secure the services of good counters, who would know how "to make up the returns," and would do it without the fear of God or man, in the Radical interests, Republicans of "doubtful fidelity" (that is, whose rascality is above doubt,) are to be put in the places of men who are not known to be the sort needed to carry out the diabolical plot.

4th. And to the shame of human nature, "the Judges and Chancellors throughout the State" are called upon to drabble the ermine into the mire and filth of this foul and villainous trick.

Now, Democrats and Conservatives, you have the hand of your unscrupulous adversary. Guard against the scheme by appointing committees of fearless and vigilant men, who will guard the ballot box, watch the "canvassing of the vote and the making up of the returns"—and take care that no boxes are thrown out. Claim the right, and enforce it, to be represented during all the process of voting, counting and "making up the returns."

The fair thing does nobody any wrong.

ETERNAL VIGILANCE IS THE PRICE OF LIBERTY!