The Whig standard. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1843-1844, 1844-11-16
THE PLAQUEMINES FRAUD.

The excitement produced by the returns from
PlaquemInes Is waxing warmer as people bestow
more reflection upon the scenes which credible
witnesses testify were enacted there during the
election. The simple fact that the Polk majority
IN that parish is more than treble the number OF
votes ever before polled in it at any one election,
and Is over double the number of male adults re-
sIdent within 1t, requires no corroborating cir
cumstances to show the extent of the frauds
committed upon the franchise. 1t is of itself
proof, positive and undenable, of the grossest i'm
position. The narration of the incidents attend
ing this outrage may add to the public disgust
but cannot in any way strengthen or weaken the
substantial fact, which of itself is proof of the
most unparalleled violation of the rights of the
people. The bare announcement of the result
carries conviction with it. Standing alone, it is
proof beyond the reach of either explanation or
exaggeration.
The occasion demands the solemn and serious
consideration of every citizen. Can such things
be tolerated :? will the people submit to be thus
overwhelmed and defrauded are questions that
are ASKED by every individual. Can a single
parish be allowed to set at naught the wishes of
the State9 Is there no remedy! no redress no
refuge!
1t would seem that fraud so papable in itself
as to reqnIre no proof so stupendous as to sartle
many who profit by it, and so apparent as to defy
concealment, would defeat itself Should the
Electoral vote of Louisiana be decided by the re-
turns from Plaquemnes, and the result of the
Presidential election changed by it, will the coun-
try submit to proceeding VIGOROUSLY and alb
soutely corrupt! Ought it to submit No one
can doubt for moment that the most fearful con-
sequences would follow such condition of the
canvass as would make the choice of President
depend upon the vote of Paquemines. IF there
is no remedy for the evil, it is more likely that
tie people will invent one sooner than meeky
acquesce in the destruction of their privileges.
1t has been suggested that the other parishes
Of the State should protest against the reception
OF the Plaquemlnes vote. Some desire the call
of public meeting to denounce the PROCEEDINGS
had in that parish; others think that the State
should, as a body, resist the contamination of the
fraud. These various propositions evince the
excitement that prevails.
1t would be dangerous, perhaps, for the cti-
zens to assemble for that purpose, under the in
huence of passions SO highly eXasperated as thew
are at this moment. At any rate, such a step
should not be taken before the exact state of the
matter, in its details as well as general result,
should be reported by cye-witnesses of the whole
proceeding II the parishes take up the subject,
they should be furnished with statements pre-
sentlng all the circumstances of the election in
their NEUTRALITY-SUSPICIOUS. exaggeration or extern
uatlon We have little doubt that when the
facts are all fully known to the country, the pub
lie mind will settle upon some plan of making
itself heard or respected. 1t is understood that a
report will be made Of the transactions at the
various precincts by gentlemen cognzant of them.
This should be done before any other proceedings
are had il respect to them.--N. 0. Bee.