Southern sentinel. [volume] (Plaquemine, Parish of Iberville [La.]) 1848-1858, 1853-02-19
The Scheme Exploded.

We are inclined TO think that this time we
may really congratulate the good people Of the
State upon The finale of the Senatorial ques-
ton. Our dispatches from Baton Rouge give
us the assurance, that by the votes OF an abso-
late majority of the members of both branches
of the Legislature, the resolution TO go into an
election of U. S. Senator has been Rejected
The project for ousting Mr.. Benjamin, and re-
e%leetjng the Hon. Solomon w. Downs, though
skillfully devised, backed by able and ~influen-
tial leaders, and maintained with all the inge-
nuity and special pleading that Locofoco hair
splitting and casuistry could command; though
thrice brought forward, and thrice pushed bold
ly and intrepidIy to the very verge of success,
has, after all, %signally, and we presume, ~irretrie-
vably failed. The Democrats in the Legisla-
ture were abundantly disposed to do anything
not absolutely shocking to common sense and
justice, but it was asking too much Of them to
commit such an outrage as the one contempla-
ted. We are char:tably willing to believe, that
most of the members of that party, who united
with the Wings in throwing out the proposition
were actuated by a wholesome conviction that
any other course would have been at war with
their obligations and duties as Legislators; but
had this motive been insufficient, considerations
of policy amply explain their conduct. Had
the Legislature obeyed the councils of those
who desired, at all hazards, a new election, the
dominant party in Louisiana would have incon-
tinently perpetrated a most silly act of political
suicide. The deed would have raised a storm
of Indignation throughout the State, that would
have swept the Democracy from Ouachita to
Plaquemines. Whether, therefore, a tardy
sense of justice, or a lack of courage to do
wrong, has been most instrumental in defeat
ing the plot, the Democratic party may congra-
tulate itself upon escaping a perilous ordeal
1t has undoubtedly displayed sagacity and wis
dom in avoiding an issue which it would have
been unable to confront.
1t is to be hoped that the Senatorial ques-
ton is now permanently settled. 1t has mate
rally interfered with the progress of public bu-
siness. The time of the Legislature has been
frittered away and shamefully wasted for weeks
over a subject which ought never even to have
been submitted to its deliberations, and which
might, at all events, have been disposed of in a
single day. After the vote of Thursday, any,
attempt to revive this agitation will be purely
~factious, and should receive no encouragement
whatever. There is a multitude of topics of
local Importance before the General Assembly,
far more entitled to grave investigation than
this miserable partizan hobby of a Senatorial
election. Let this sleep in the tomb to which
IL mas Deeh consigned, ana let the Legislature
strive at least to make atonement for its mani>
fold shortcomings, by applying itself earnestly
and diligently to the several objects for which
it has been corvoked. Let industry in some
sort supply the place of talent. The days are
slipping rapidly by, and thus far, not a single
act has been passed involving the interests OF
the State at large. Nothing has been done TO.
wards the organization of the Judiciary, the
establishment of a sound Banking system, the
promotion of Internal Improvements, and the
of a series of laws required by the
new Constitution. Unless the General Assem-
bly, intends to beggar the Treasury by a six
months session, it will proceed without further
delay to the fuIhlment of the important duties
devolying upon it.-Bee.