The south-western. [volume] (Shreveport, La.) 1852-1870, 1859-04-06

than in New Orleans. if we may Judge by the
tone of the press. The Point CoupGe Echo,
a staunch democratic paper, is a fair sample.
It says, in glancing over the reports of the pro-
ceedings Of the Legislature, we have more than
once been unfavorbly impressed by the great
amount Of senseless, useless and unnecessary
Legislation to the exclusion Of 50 many and so
much more important matter.
The idea Of benefting the State and serving
their constituents faithfully and disinterestedIy,
seems never once to have entered the brains Of
our representatives, whose every step, every
word, every action, aye every thought seems
prompted only by some sinister motive, some
plan for personal interest and self-aggrandise-
ment. Absorbed in themselves and by them
selves, they are utterly incapable Of legislating
for any one but themselves. Actuated, then,
by such motives, how is it possible for any
sound, judicious and sensible legislation to
characterize the efforts of such a body? Is not
the truthfulness Of our remarks a self evident
fact2 aye, the most obtuse will readily admitit.
The boldness and audacity Of this class has
carried them to such lengths, that it is now a
difficult matter to bride their ambition, which
soon will overlap itself. Casting aside all de-
licacy and modest sense of restraint, they pro
claim, in nearly SO many words, by their ac-
tons, their purposes, and boldly avow their in
t%entions to carry them out at all hazards.
With the last session of the legislature, the
term Of Office Of a large portion Of the mem
bers expires, and hence the reason for legisla-
latingin such a manner as will best suit the re-
spective pretensions and wishes of the mem
bers. They devoted their whole attention and
used every exertion to make sure Of their own
interest, but in 50 doing, they have disclosed
their secret designs so that now they are as
paIpable as the nose on a mans face.
We have witnessed the proceedings of many
legislative bodies, but we recall none, which.
in the length Of time, have accomplished SC
little and caused 50 general dissatisfaction, a:
the Louisiana Legislature lately adjourned; and
our prayer is, for the credit and honor of GU
fair State, that we may never again see suct
another collection of men authorised to make
laws, too large a number Of whom would prove
fit subjects for primary schools.
The Democratic party in Virginia, in the
nomination of John Letcher for governor o
that State have committed an act which every
sensible man must regard as an entering wedge
to the institution and overthrow Of slavery in
that State, and lis final overthrow in the entire
south.
In l847, Mr., Letcher signed a petition re-
guessing the rev. pr. Henry RufIner to have
published his address on Slavery" He mol
only signed it, but endorsed every word which
it contained. DR.. Ruffneri is as vile andeuucom-
promising abolitionist as either Hale, Giddings
or Seward, and the democratic party Of Yir-
ginia have had the impudence to present the
name Of his co-laborer and right-hand man,
John Letcher, for the high, honorable and res
Office Of governor Of that State-one
of the leading pro-slayery States of the south.
70 show our readers that we can prove what
we say, we copy a few paragraphs Of that IA
speech. Here is the first one Of which
we shall notice:
Let all western Virginia, on due considera-
ton, conclude that slavery is a pcrnicious in
%stitution, and must be removed
Then follows this beautiful extract:
Though defeated for the time, the friends
Of gradual emancipation were not in despair.
There was a general acknowledgement of the
evils Of slavery, and strong hopes were enter
that in a few years a decided majority
Of the legislature would be for Kidding the
country Of this deleterious institution"
Tie pamphlet then goes on to say, that:
Slavery paralyzes our energies disperses
our population, and keeps us few and poor, in
spite Of the b|ountiful gifts Of nature with which
benign providence has endowed eur country
Which is as grand a falsehood as was ever
by man.
Here is the last paragraph which we intend
noticing Read it, and remember that John
Letcher, the democratic nominee for governor
of Virginia, endorses every word Of it. Here
it is:
THE people Of the Slave States are not, and
be, half as well accommodated with
as tie free States; and slavery iadicts
on multitudes Of them the curse of ignorance
ana mental degradation through lifel"
Now, what southern man would be fool
enough to vote for John Letcher against the
conservative and true southern man, hon. w.
L. Goggin? We shall see,
True, Virginia politics are no business of ours,
we merely refer to them to show what the
democracy Of Virginia intend doing in that
good old slave State. Wouldn't the mis-caIIed
democracy fairly shout if the American party
Of that State stood on such ground as Mr..
Letcher does? We look to the election in Vir-
ginia with considerable interest.
An interesting fact, says The Philadelphia
Press, was developed at the late meeting Of
the United States Agricultural society. Dir.
Elwyn called the attention Of the members 10
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