The Portland daily press. [volume] (Portland, Me.) 1862-1921, 1865-12-12
Letter from New Orleans.

VI NEW ORLEANS, Nov. 2S, 1866.
To the Editor Of the Press:
Since my last letter events of an important charac-
ter have transpired in our midst. We have passed
through an election quietly, orderly and soberly;
something never before known in our city. The
lays of Know-nothingsm and Tbuggery are past
and gone, and the time has at length come when ev-
cry voter can 90 undisturbed to hepols end cast his
ballot without fear of being shot for voting the ticket
1flIs own choice Torch-light professions, paradng
i political clubs, singing of campaign songs, gone
,ut of fashion. 1t is no longer necessary to carry
! .yeapop and one can walk our streets at any hour
without fear of the ''garrotter" Now whence comes
his peace and security? The people have become
ired of war; they are anxious for tranquil
they were rabd for in 81, and the terrible
rdea through which they have passed seems to have
United all parties. Every one. even our political
ricksters, are proclaiming peace and good will"
throughout the land. We have elected governor
Who is considered the man for the times He is able
ad every way qualified possesses the confidence of
he President, and is firm and consistent advocate
the Union. He is alive to the interests of the
state, has gone theoretically to work. has convened
sielL,yi5lt1rs has c)atracie for the building of
evees, to protect alluvial lands from overflow,
md has made judicious and satisfactory appoint
nents.4 E-s1sB see ,.t1as- .af-fl z
The Legislature, now in session, has much to per-
form. A convention must be called to form a new
sonstitution-one that will meet the wants of the
times and secure to all, both white and black, equal
privieges-the Freedman will be given the right to
testify, to sue and be sued and such laws will be
formed as will secure him justice in making contracts
All our Congressman can take the "test OATH" and
louisiana bids fair to be the first to enter the old
+o4sx
he financial world. The venerable Jacob Barker,
liter having lived to be ninety years DID, has for the
st time entered the political arena. He is hale and
hearty, shrewd and calculating, as quick at figures
rs ever. His slvery, flowing locKs will add dignity to
The Louisiana delegation.
There are rumors afoat that change will occur in
The Military Department, because of collision
which h s occurred between Gems. Sheridan and w,
I. Sherman. The latter issued an order sometime
since, closing all barrooms and places of amusement
IN Sunday. A few weeks since Gen. Sheridan re-
yoked the order, and now theatres operas and wis-
sey drinkers 60 on in their Sabbath breaking. Gen.
sherman, becoming piqued at the revocation has is
sued another order, forbidding officers and soldiers
'ntering places of amusement OF bar-rooms on Sun
day, subeeting the offender to arrest and confine-
ment. Several have already been caught and few
lays since, Gen. Sheridan. hearing OF the transac-
ion, ordered their immediate release. Here the mat
Ter rests at present, but storm is brewing-the
'unior officer will have to succumb.
The military models Of good behavior, and re-
ceve the praise of the whole state. Gen. Candy has
universal esteem by the ability he has display
ed. He has ordered the civil courts to resume and
now, since provost courts are abolished, district
Judges are kept busy; the dockets are heavy; end
'ess files OF litigation cases on hands lawyers do
'ng fine business.
Now let me spealsOf commcrce-the advantages Of
tirect trade between Portland and New Orleans.
First because 1t saves commissions which paid
merchants in Boston and New York; for it is well
'snown that large quantity of the products Of
Maine finds its best market in the South. Hay is
louble what it is in Portland. Fish commands re-
nunerative prices. Lumber badly wanted-we have
mly common pine and soft cypress here now Then
ven though the ships obtained cargo, they could
ballast in rocks; oil streets are paved with
tones from Maine, and 1t would pay to bring out
supply now. A return cargo of cotton could be ca.
lily secured. Then, besides this 'pocket" considera.
Jon, the people of the Southern States are anxious
to resume the extensive commerce which formerly
subsisted between them and people Of the Eastern
states, and which, by the exchange of products
trfbuted materially to the prosperity of BOTH
You have hay, fish, lum err and manufactured goods
We have cotton, sugar and molasses; and why can.
not merchants of Portland exchange shipments with
u.s. as well as Boston and New York? Let some en-.
Serprising man make the experiment, and Portland
will have new laurel added to her brilliant wreath
When the Presumscott mills go into operation, wher
could they do better than buy their cotton in New
Orleans? 1t is strange that The spinners of Sacca
Kappa, Biddeford and Lewiston should want cottoI
from New York when here it is four to six t
cheaper 1t is fact that should not be lost sight
by enterprising merchants, through whose instru
mentality this trade must be brou ht about.
In my mex will give you some information con-
corning our city trade, the improvements going on
state Of society, amusements, military ON dit anG
other gossip. More anon. ADVENTURE.