The Louisiana Democrat. [volume] (Alexandria, La.) 1845-1918, 1865-12-27
The Presidents Message,

CATER wading through Governor Wells
message we had hoped that We should be
spared like task for some time to come.
A copy of the Presidents message, how
ever, which we have just received, entailed
on us the disagreeable duty Of devouring
several columns of the dullest and most ul-
Interesting of matter. As we can find
nothing more in the document than the
usual Black Republican clap-trap, and Yam
kee glorifcation, we shall not infiict it on
our readers. We hope to find something
decidedly more interesting
The above is taken from the Alexandra
Democrat, very astute journal, edited by
one Biossat, who was among the very first
to take the oath Of allegiance to the Fede-
raj Government upon the approach Of the
army at Alexandria. The troops, however,
no sooner left than he became a blatant
Confederate, in order to cover up what he
considered disgraceful conduct. He was
also Postmaster under the United States
Government, and resigned; and is in oil
probability now indebted to the Federal
Government for arrears Of funds.
For these two charges this country editor
is excluded flom the amnesty oath of Pres
ident johnson. in all probability, how
ever, we expect to hear Of this individual
making application for pardon. The ex-
preston Of such sentiments as the above
will, doubtless, facilitate him in procuring
his desired object.
We would advise him, however, to be a
little cautious lest he should attract the at
tention Of the Federal authorities Of the
United States Court, who might be inclined
to confscate what little truck he might
have in the way Of a printing Office.
The Alexandra Democrat is the only
paper we have yet seen that does not speak
|of President Johnsons message IN ayora-
bic terms.
The above which we take from the
Southern Star, the acknowledged organ Of
Governor Wells, is fair specimen Of the
meanness, littleness and utter disregard Of
truth which have ever characterised that
journal. The circumstances attending our
taking the oath of allegiance to the Federal
government during the dark days Of Banks
invasion are well enough known to the
Stars master not to need any explanation
at this time, and we feel that no vindication
of our course is necessary among our friends,
whose good opinion we covet.
%
As for the insinuation that we are in
debted to the Federal government for
arrears due while Postmaster, we have to
state that we, are not indebted to the Fed
eral government, nor have ever been, to the
amount Of one single cent. On the con-
trary the government is in aarrears" to us
several hundred dollars, and we expect soon
to be paid up. We are glad to find that
the Star has taken up the subject ofthe de-
falcation Of officers and have hopes that
it will pursue its enquiries o little higher,
among those whose honesty and wisdom
are subjects of its daily enconiums. If
the editor should be successful in making
all with whom he has influence pay PUP, the
parish of Rapides will be richer by nearly
1tty thousand dollars. Perhaps the Star
is not "astute" enough to understand what
we mean.
The invitation extended by the Star to
the Federal Courts to confscate our pros
perty and printing Office, would not result
in any very great addition to the Treasury
of the United States. Our printing office
was taken off by the Federal army when it
came up with the Stars friends, who were
well fortified BY the @oath Of allegiance
and the last we saw Of it was our old sign
Louisiana Democrat going aboard Of q
gunboat As for our other property it.
could be very easily reached, as we have not
covered it up u'ader another PERSONS
name. Perhaps the Star would like an
other explanation
But the Star may rest easy in its bed.