Report of the Joint select committee appointed to inquire into the condition of affairs in the late insurrectionary states, so far as regards the execution of laws, and the safety of the lives and property of the citizens of the United States and Testimony taken.

ALABAMA-SUB-COMMITTEE. 14G 1
it, unless the property-holders of that community knew something of it. These men
have to be fed; their horses have to be fed; they have the finest pistols and the finest
guns. It takes money to buy all of those thiugs. They are generally a set of people
who have no interest, and they must be kept up by those who have an interest.
Question. Your opinion then is, that if an effort was made, it could be easily ascertained where they got their pistols, ammunition, and horses, and where they have
been fed?
Answer. No doubt of it in the world. The men who killed old Robin Westbrook
could have been found out from this fact, if from no other: he hit one of the men who
came into his door after he was shot down, with a fire-dog, in the head, and I am told
that that man lay at the point of death some time, sir.
Question. As a general rule, what has been the disposition of the communities in
which the outrages you have detailed were committed, in regard to bringing their
authors to justice?
Answer. If their disposition has been to arrest the offenders, it has never been made
known to me.
Question. Have these-outrages been generally committed upon men of one political
faith?
Alnswer. I have never heard of but one case, but one exception to that, and that was
the case of Mr. Neibling, and he was whipped for teaching a colored school.
Question. What has been the general tone of the democratic newspaper press in
Alabama, in respect to these alleged Ku-Klux outrages and disturbances; have they
generally denied their existence, have they condemned these disturbances, or have they
sought to palliate or justify them?
Answer. In the course that the democratic newspapers of this State have pursued,
they have done more to perpetuate this organization than they have ever (lone to
put t it down. And the very fact of those papers treating in a scurrilous manner, and
in a devious way, in a doubtful way about this organization, is sufficient of itself to
confirm me in the belief that there are such organizations in this State. When they
see, by telegram, where a man has been killed in New York-John Smith, killed at such
a time, and such a place-they add a little more to it, thereby ridiculing the idea of
Ku-Klux being here when they know in fact they are here.
Question. Is it your belief that there is such an organization in the State of Alabama
at this time?
Answer. There is not the least doubt upon earth, in my mind, but what there is an
organization of some sort in this State to break down the republican party and its
strength. It was nanifested at the last election w1lich was hl here.
Question. Do you think that organization extends into the different counties in this
part of Alabama where you are acquainted?
Answer. Yes, sir; I believe, sir, that that organization exists now in Marengo,
Choctaw, Sumter, Greene, Pickens, Tuscaloosa, and a portion of Hale.
Question. You may give to the committee your reason for this belief.
Answer. My belief is founded upon the numerous outrages that have been perpetrated and not one of them brought to justice.
Question. Are these outrages condemned and denounced by the democratic party
generally?
Answer. Well, sir, such men as Mr. Lyon, of this place, and William E. Clark, have
denounced such organizations, but while they denounce them others pass them by in
a quiet, easy, submissive way.
Question. Your opinion, then, is, that the primary or principal object of this organization is to control political results, is it?
Answer. There is no doubt of it, in my mind, and they did it in the last election.
Question. You refer to the general election last fall?
Anslwer. The gubernatorial election.
Question. When Governor Lindsay was elected?
Answer. Yes, sir.
Question. You may give some of the political results in Greene and Sumter Counties.
Ansscer. Greene County gave President Grant 2,205 majority, I believe. A row
occurred at Eutaw last year, just before the election.
Question. Before the governor's election?
Answer. Yes, sir; and that county, which gave Major Hays 2,250 majorty in his first
election, as congressmanBy Mr. BUCKLEY:
Question. In 1869?
Answer. I believe it was in 1869-and gave President Grant 2,205 majority, turns,
after this riot, and gives 43 democratic majority.
Question. It has been stated in evidence here, by Governor Lindsay, that if that riot
had not occurred, lhe believed that he would have carried Greene County by a majority
of 500 democratic votes. Is that your opinion?