wreaths of pine
to lay upon the graves of those _who died for her_. Of course, these
women who had gathered in the parlor of Mrs. West's cottage were
intensely interested in the coming election in Wilmington, and were
ready to discuss the event with all the fervor of their patriotic souls.
"Ladies," said Mrs. West after the prayers had been said, and the
minutes of the previous meeting read, "I confess that for the first time
since my election to the presidency of this society, I feel an
inclination to waive the transaction of its regular business, so
depressed am I over events now crowding upon us." "I believe thats the
case with every one," answered Mrs. Cole. "I have received a letter from
the Chairman of the Executive Committee," continued Mrs. West, "stating
that so grave is the situation all over the State that he is advised by
the Governor himself to withdraw Republican candidates from the field--a
request without a precedent in North Carolina."

"It would never do to show such cowardice!" said Mrs. Cole. "If I were
chairman of that committee I'd put the ticket in the field and go to the
polls if the devils were around it as thick as shingles upon a
housetop." "I was of the same mind" answered Mrs. West, "but when the
Governor of the State--when brave Daniel Lane has become apprehensive, I
can appreciate the gravity of the situation. I have seen that man walk
undismayed through the streets of Wilmington during very turbulent
periods in her history. I see that in the upper section of the State the
Democrats have already organized Red Shirt Brigades who are riding
through the rural districts terrorizing Negroes, and we may look for the
same to take place in Wilmington. Silas writes that they are determined
to carry the election. He has received two threatening letters and is
afraid. You are aware that that monster has been, and is advising the
whites in our State to copy South Carolina's method of carrying
elections, and they are heeding his advice. I am compelled to
acknowledge despite my previous confidence in the integrity and honesty
of our North Carolina white people that my faith is getting shaky. The
buying of guns and other weapons by poor whites who are often unable to
buy food, means something. It means that the rich are going to use them
to perform the dirty work of intimidation and murder if necessary to
carry this election." "Colored men must show their manhood, and fight
for their rights," exclaimed M