Southern sentinel. [volume] (Plaquemine, Parish of Iberville [La.]) 1848-1858, 1849-10-03
Duncan r.. Kenner.

arguments on last Monday, and his triumphant
vi ndication of the charges-and proofs of the
falsehoods-made and asserted by John H.
Harmanson, Mr.. Kenner arose and addressed
his tellow-citizens. His remarks were confined
almost wholly in reference to the Democratic
platform as laid down by the Convention at
Baton Rouge, the glazing artfulness of which
was lucidly and eloquently exhibited, ano an
able defence of the necessity Of an Elective
Judiciary-attempted to be placed as the very
base of the Democratic structure. Mr.. Ken
ner commended that no party lines could with
justice be drawn upon this question. In the
amendment of the Constitution, both Wings
and Democrats opposed an Elective Judiciary,
because each conscienciously thought that the
proper time had not arrived for the adoption of
such a material! reform in the Judiciary Of our
State. No one, he said, could doubt for q mo-
ment the right Of the people to elect their own
officers, from Il constable up; the word soger-
eign, as applied to the people, had no superficial
meaning; it was the foundation stone upon
which republics were built. Since the framing
of the new Constitution, those Of both parties
who then opposed the prop iety of an Elective
Judiciary, bnt not its principle, were now
warmly in favor of it; all had discovered that
the present system of judges being appointed
by the Governor, had worked badly, and had
many evils not anticipated at the time of its
adoption and he showed conclusively that our
Governor had and ever would be governed by
party considerations in his appointments. The
| speaker paid a just and eloquent tribute to the
character of Gen. Declouet, who was unavoid-
ably absent, and assured his fellow-citizens that
upon the subject of an Elective Judiciary, Gen.
Declouet's HEART AND sY%MPATHIEs ARE WITH
H PEOPLE!
In the course Of Mr.. Kenner's speech, he as
serted a fact that should be particularly borne
in mind by every voter in this State. The du-
ties of a Lieutenant Governor, except in the
death of the Governor, are confined to the Sc
nate chamber; as speaker of the Senate, he is
expected to hear and understand all debates in
that body, and decide upon all questions of Or
der or rule. Now, said Mr.. Kenner, | would
not attempt to tarnish the high and chivalrous
character of Gen. Plauche, but it is a fact be-
vond dispute, and his misfortune, that he (Gen.
P.) does not speak or understand the English
language sufficiently for the most ordinary con-
uersation! What think you of this fact, vo-
tiers? Are you prepared, in your minds and con-
sciences and your duty to your country, to sup
port a ticket, on which is the name of a candi-
date for the Presidency of the Senate oho can
not speak the language Of thai Senate ! the LAM
guage of your land! the language Of your Mws l.!
the language of your glorious institutions -
Now, said Mr.. Kenner, | an a warm admirer of
of the French language and the French people
my education was completed in France-llearn
my children French, my wife speaks that tongue
only-but however warm my predictions may
be in favor of language endeared to me by
so many ties and tender associations, it is due
to you, fellow-citizens, and to truth, to make
this statements misfortune on the part of
Gen. Plauche-but one which should ever de-
bar him from being elected Lieutenant Cover
nor of Louisiana. For | can assure you, that
if he is elected, an interpreter uW haze to sit
beside him on the Speakers bench! A deplora-
bic picture TO contemplate. In such case, the
| Senate Chamber of Louisiana would be fit
subject for the jibes of the whole Union!
Mr.. Kenner's speech was redolent with beau
tiful language, a gentlemanly courtesy towards
his opponent, and an openness of manner, firm
ness of sentiment and freedom Of thought,
which have left behind him here an impression
which no ~locofoco falsehood or detraction can
for moment impair.