Additional from the North.
From our Northern files of the 1st instant we copy some additional items of intelligence, which will be interesting to our readers.Political disturbance in Missouri--a Yankee soldier assaulted at a political meeting.
A correspondent of the Missouri Democrat writes from Troy, Missouri, September 20: The quiet of this place was considerably disturbed by an unfortunate occurrence which took place here yesterday. Senator Henderson and several others were advertised to address the citizens of this county on that day, and the Lincoln men had also appointed a county meeting for the same time. Afterwards, the Democrats appointed a meeting for the same time and place. At about two o'clock yesterday, it was announced that Henderson was about to commence speaking at the court-house, and everybody was invited up to hear him. The Democrats were invited to go, and told that, notwithstanding other speakers were advertised, they would give way so soon as Henderson got through speaking, and they could have an opportunity of replying. They refused, however, to accept the invitation, and announced that the Democrats would hold a meeting at the church, and R. A. Campbell would address them. He relates that, after a considerable number of persons had gathered in the church, some three soldiers came into the church and asked what kind of a meeting they were holding there. Some person in the crowd replied, "It is our meeting, and you had better get out of here; " upon which a fist and skull fight commenced between one of the soldiers and one of the citizens. A man by the name of Sanford was fighting with a soldier, and had knocked him back, very nearly down, when a man by the name of Reed started up to where they were fighting, and at the same time commenced drawing his revolver, which hung in the scabbard. Another soldier, seeing this, drew his revolver and shot Reed through the heart, from which he died in a few minutes.--Several volleys were then exchanged between the citizens and soldiers, resulting in wounding Sanford in the arm and thigh. None of the soldiers, were hurt. These are the facts as near as I can learn them. So soon as it was known that a disturbance had occurred, the military was at once called out and order again restored. None of the soldiers on duty were in the difficulty — but some soldiers that were at home on furlough. P. S.--Since writing the above, I understand that Sanford admits that he had knocked the soldier down, and had jumped on him and was fighting him. Citizens, who examined the church since the difficulty, say that most of the shots are from small revolvers, of much smaller calibre than those used by the soldiers. The soldier who was there without arms says that the first pistol was fired at him by a citizen. The following order has just been issued at St. Louis:Soldiers at political meetings.
Headquarters Post of St. Louis, St. Louis, Mo., September 21.
General Orders, No. 11.
Recent events in this city have made it necessary that some rule of conduct be adopted for the government of troops at this post in their attendance upon political meetings.
The soldier has the same political rights as a citizen, and when not on duty or restrained by post regulations, is not to be denied the privileges of an American freeman in hearing discussions and deliberating upon the grave questions which involve the destiny of his country.
But a Republic may justly be jealous of military interference with rights so sacred as those of free assemblages and free discussion for all legitimate purposes.
Reflection will teach the intelligent soldier that he, the chosen custodian of law and defender of constitutional rights, should be the last man in the Republic to do violence to the very principles he is called to defend.
A faithful soldier is the most exalted type of a patriot; he should permit no man to excel him in devotion to established rights, and should scorn to cast a stain upon the honor of his high vocation.
If there is a lawless abuse of liberty in our community, working evil to the Government; if disloyal sentiments are uttered at political meetings, your superior officers, when the military authority ought so to do, will interfere to arrest and punish the guilty.
The soldier may rest assured that his rights, also, shall be duly respected, and that studied insults offered shall not go unrebuked and unpunished.
But action in these matters must be left to his superior officers, who are responsible for the proper discharge of their official duties.
It is therefore ordered:
- I. Enlisted men at this post, not on duty, may attend political meetings when their purpose is peaceably to hear the discussions; but under no circumstances shall they, in any manner whatever, interfere with such meetings. Any soldiers violating this order will be immediately arrested by the provost guard and held for severe punishment.
- II. All officers on duty at this post are enjoined to aid in the strict execution of this order, and will, at all times, when present at such meetings, use their utmost endeavors to prevent any interference by soldiers. And any officer found guilty of aiding, abetting or counselling soldiers to riotous proceedings at such meetings will be reported for summary dismissal from the service.
- III. The commanding officer of the provost guard is charged with the execution of this order, and will detail a sufficient force, under trustworthy officers, to attend and enforce this order at all political meetings in this city.
By order of J. H. Baker, colonel Tenth Minnesota infantry, commanding post.
J. C. Braden, Post Adjutant.
J. C. Braden, Post Adjutant.
A Grand Lincoln meeting — Emblems of Abe's Monarchy — resolutions, Etc.
As a matter likely to enlist the curiosity of our readers, we give in full the proceedings of a Lincoln meeting in Washington, the metropolis of the shoddy speculators and legal thieves of the United States. The resolutions might be a little altered if they had "heard the news" from Southwestern Virginia and Georgia, but we give them as they are: The imposing ceremonies of raising the "starry banner" to the top of the lofty flag staff at the junction of Garrison street and Virginia avenue took place last evening. The pole, topmast and truck are about one hundred and ten feet high from the ground, and in all respects well finished and ornamental. The east front of tand erected for the speakers is beautifully decorated with transparencies, as follows: In the centre are the words "Lincoln and Johnson; " on one side appear the words "Our Army," and on the other "Our Navy." Just below is the motto, "The Federal Union, it must and shall be preserved."--Jackson. On the south front, the motto of the illustrious Clay--"It is asked when I would agree to a dissolution of the Union? Never, never, never!" On the north front, the memorable words of President Lincoln--"Now and forever. I shall do all in my power for peace consistent with the maintenance of the Government." The entire stand is also beautifully decorated with national flags, &c. Here, however, we notice a variety of patriotic transparencies. There is one bearing the American flag. Motto--"Shoot the first man that dares haul down the American flag! "--Dix. On the reverse--"This flag will never be surrendered to traitors!"--Foster. At a given signal, as if by magic, the glorious emblem — the star-spangled banner — was run up amidst a magnificent display of pyrotechnic fires, a salute of artillery, the band playing the appropriate hymn, amid the rapturous cheers of the entire multitude; the entire scene being one of grandeur and sublimity not easily described. The band--"Heralds American brass band"--then performed "Rally Round the Flag, Boys!" The music was accompanied by Messrs. Frank Cross, Thomas Willis, Thomas Jacobs and Thomas Badens, who sung charmingly. These exercises concluded, Mr. Dulin, secretary of the club, read the following resolutions, which were adopted unanimously: Whereas the period is rapidly approaching when the people of the United States are called upon to elect a President and Vice President according to the mode prescribed by the Constitution; and, Whereas, the candidates of both the friends of the country and their enemies are now in the field, it behooves us, as citizens, to take a stand for one or the other; therefore, be it. Resolved, That in Abraham Lincoln, the country has had, for the past four years, a faithful, honest, competent and patriotic Chief Magistrate, who has a just claim on the patriotic, Union loving citizens of all sections for re-election, and we hereby pledge ourselves to use all honorable means in our power to secure that result. Resolved, That in Andrew Johnson, of Tennessee, we recognize a patriot and statesman of unimpeachable integrity, who will prove a worthy successor of our present able and honest Vice-President, Hannibal Hamlin. Resolved, That Major-General George B. McClellan, in allowing himself to be made a tool of by the traitors and their dupes who lately assembled at Chicago, has lost the confidence of the loyal people of the land; and the open prayers in his behalf, on the part of the rebels at Richmond, should be a warning to every patriot. Resolved, That the course of George H. Pendleton, in persistently voting in Congress with the enemies of our country, against furnishing supplies to our army and navy, has placed him in the same category with Ben and Fernando Wood, Vallandigham, Long, Harris and Voorhees, and, as such, he deserves the contempt of the community. Resolved, That our thanks are due, and are hereby tendered, to Grant, Sherman, Meade, Thomas, Sheridan, Farragut, Porter, and all the other gallant officers, soldiers and sailors of our army and navy, for their patriotic efforts and gallant deeds in our behalf. General E. C. Carrington, District Attorney, was then introduced, and proceeded to portray the "Democratic wigwam"--reviewing the political character of certain members thereof in a most numerous and sarcastic manner, when sounds of martial music announced the approach of the "Union Leagues" from Ninth street and the several wards, accompanied by bands of music, national flags and transparencies, the foremost one of which proclaimed, "We are coming, two million, voters more." These associations were received with a salute of artillery, long and loud cheers, and the "Star Spangled Banner" by the band. The Washington Lincoln and Johnson Club, of the city of Washington, formed in procession on Ninth street, in front of their rooms, soon after seven o'clock.--The fine brass band from Finley Hospital headed the procession, and discoursed an excellent selection of patriotic airs as the club wended its way to the scene of the demonstration at the navy-yard. There was a liberal supply of transparencies scattered through the procession, bearing divers mottoes, but not a vulgar or insulting one among them all. A large transparency, borne next to the musicians, had the following: "Lincoln and Johnson Club of Washington City""--(likenesses of candidates.) Representation of the Presidential Mansion; "Leased to Abraham Lincoln, by the people, until March 4, 1869." Pictures of a soldier and sailor: "Lincoln's Peace Commissioners — Grant, Sherman, Sheridan, Farragut, Dupont, Porter." "We are coming, Father Abraham, Two Million Voters more." Some of the mottoes of the lesser ones read as follows: ‘ "Spades to the Rear.""No Armistice."
"Free Suffrage for Our Soldiers."
"One Destiny--One Nation."
"Honor to the Navy."
"Honor to the Army."
"Atlanta and Mobile"
"Sheridan and Fisher's Hill."
"Greenbacks and Bluebacks vs. Greybacks."
"Maine and Vermont."
"Farragut and Dahlgren."
’ The following were draped in mourning: ‘ "Remember the Fallen."
"Honor to the Dead."
"Sacred are Our Battle fields."
’ The visiting societies completely flanked the fostrum, and then General Carrington resumed his speech, and proceeded happily, when, in the course of his remarks, he declared his opinion "that this Union can never be dissolved." Here was heard from various parts of the assemblage, "Never, never!" and great enthusiasm. General Carrington closed finely. Another salute of artillery and music by the band. Great enthusiasm. President Dixon, of the club, then introduced Governor Randall, of Wisconsin, who was received with cheers and enthusiasm on the part of the multitude. The Governor opened with a beautiful allusion to the auspicious circumstances under which this meeting was convened. Our wigwam is under heaven's bright arch, in the open, fresh, invigorating air. He expressed his astonishment that a single rebel sympathizer should be found in Washington. What could be expected by such, if it were possible for the rebels to ceed? They had never pretended that Washington would be their capital, and certainly it could not be expected that the North would establish her capital here. What, then, would become of this city? What of the navy-yard, public improvements, or property? The people of the District of Columbia have no votes; but light radiates from the great centre. The people of this metropolis possess power and influence which may be felt abroad. The elements of the Constitution were then discussed in a most statesmanlike manner, and its priceless value duly presented. Then followed a review of the rebellion, the chief corner stone of which, the speaker said, was slavery. Whilst he awarded due credit to the Union men of the South, he depicted in glowing and chaste colors the wickedness of the Democracy. Governor Randall declared, emphatically, that God never invested one man with power to enslave another man, be his color what it may. The Great Supreme gave man power over the beasts of the field, the birds of the air, over sea and land, but never over his fellow-man. He then arraigned the Democracy. He himself had been trained with the Democracy when there was a Jackson and Jefferson in that party. He would not attempt a defence of the Administration; it needed no defence; but he would arraign the Democracy. This he did by charging upon them the criminality of opposing the Administration in its efforts to suppress the rebellion; the criminality of aiding the rebels by every means in their power. Their inconsistencies were also brought to view in the riots and outrages of New York but a few months since, when the orphan asylum was burned and inoffensive citizens damaged by a party who professed to be peace men. Referring to the flag, the orator said he would relate an incident in which the respect to our flag was fully illustrated. A few years since, he was in Rome.--Here he met a party of some twenty friends from his own native land. They determined to make a brief excursion to a small town, Albino, some eighteen miles distant. Seating themselves in that far off place, they put at the head of a staff a little star- spangled banner. Under it they enjoyed themselves to their hearts' content, when the cye of a soldier caught a glimpse of the gathering. It was in a land where conspiracies were dreaded. The guard was called out and silently marched to the place. They looked at the company, then at the starry banner, to which each soldier respectfully touched his cap, and the whole guard passed silently on. Governor Randall here displayed the identical flag, which was greeted with great enthusiasm. He then contrasted this circumstance with the conduct of the rebels who had so basely fired on the flag.--so grossly trailed it in the dust. Want of voice here compelled the distinguished orator to close, upon which he was complimented with a salute of artillery and music by the band. Hon. Mr. Riddle, of Ohio, was the next speaker, and entertained the large auditory in a most effective and pleasing manner. Another salute, and music followed; and General Carrington introduced the Hon. Mr. Sparrow, of Illinois. General Carrington took occasion to vindicate himself against certain aspersions on his character in the beginning of the rebellion, and triumphantly referred to the President, Lieutenant-General Scott, and other officers, for the propriety and justice of his course. At this stage of the proceedings, a letter was read from Mayor Wallach, excusing himself from participating in a political demonstration while holding his present position; also, one from Hon. H. Stockbridge, of Baltimore, regretting his inability to be present, as he wished to urge on all Marylanders the importance of attending the elections in that State on the 12th of October next, as that is the day which will decide whether Maryland shall be consecrated to free labor and free speech, free schools and free men. Mr. Sparrow then delivered a very interesting and effective address, after which the meeting adjourned amid great enthusiasm. In justice to one of our enterprising and worthy members of the ward and club, we would add that the magnificent pyrotechnic display was originated and perfected under direction of Mr. John W. Thompson, of the ordnance department of the Washington navy-yard.
