The Opelousas courier. [volume] (Opelousas, La.) 1852-1910, 1865-10-14
PL A T r o r M
1ar 1SIIse
National Democratic Party.

WHEREAS, The National Democratic Party oil
ahe State of Louisiana, in general Convention
assembled fully recognising thefact that the issue
which for the four years has tried the Strength
of the United States Government was made open
~, manfully and honorably, and that the decision
having gone against them: and
Whereas, We have now come forward in the
same spirit of frankness and honor to support the
Federal Government under the Constitution ;;
therefore; }E~
ResolUed that we give our unqualified adhesion
to the National Democracy Of the United States,
and that recognise chat party as the only agent
by which Radicalism can be successfully met,
and this Government restored to its pristine purity
and vgor. aEEE
Resoioed, That we emphatically approve Of the
views of President johnson with regard to the
reorganization of the State Governments df'the
South, whereby the rights of the irrespective States
are kept unimpaired. and in consequence of which
these States are to regulate their institutions as
freely and with the same guarantees and prvi-
'leges as are enjoyed by any other State IN the
Union. sg 4s.5.ts
Rssolred, That we hold il to be a cardinal rule
of action both under the general and State Con-
,sutons, to exclude from the field of politics, all
religious questions and controversies, recognising
in each and every one the right to full and free
exercise Of lis religious opinions and tenets
'tfishite people, made and to be perpetuated fdr
tile exclusive political benefit of the white race,
and lin accordance with the constant adjudication
of fhe United States Supreme Court, that people
of Affican descent cannot be considered as citizens
of tile United States, and that there can, in no
event, nor under any circumstances, be any
equality between the white aud other races =
" RssolUed, That while we announce emphatical-
" our opinion chat the Constitution of 1864 Is the
f 10
not in auy sense the expression of the sovereign
will Of the people 6f Louisiana, and while we be-
lieve that it should be repudiated ami abolished
as speedily as it can be done legally, yet, the
Government organized under it is de faeto Gov
eminent. and the only de fucto Gove ninent in the
State Of Louisiana; ais the election about to be
held is called under that Constitution, by an Off
Ger holding bis position only under that Consiitu
tion; as theTeeognitiof of Gov. j. Madison Wells
by the President Andrew johnson is to that ex-
tent recognition of that Constitution and of the
Government organized under it, and as this Con-
vention has no right to make Oh alter Constitu-
tions or forms of Government, we, therefore, re-
eognise it as the existing Governments, but recon-
mend the calling Of Convention Of the people Of
the State at the earliest practicable period, for the
purpose Of adopting a Constitution expressing the
viii of the entire people of the State.
ResolCed, That the institution of slavery having
becn eHrctEaiiy abolished III Tile Coutnefn StateS
we consider it our right 10 petition Congress for
compensation for all losses sustained by the eman
cipation policy. #
ResoiDed. That we will in all the means in our
power, favor returnso the economical admins
'tration Of the finances of the Government and the
full end entire payment of its just liabilities.
RcsoJ1ed That we advocate the repeal of all
ordinances aud laws found 10 have been passed
lin Louisiana, and which are NOT in harmony with
the Constitution and laws of tile General Govern
'inent, and which are not the deed of bodies con-
'stituted by the people at large.
ResoLccd, That we advocate levee and labor
system, and recommend the Immediate adoption
OF such laws and means as will most effectualy re-
4lieve the planters and the people at large. ',.9
stfRespfsed, That considering it csnsonant with
the cbiyalrous magaanimity Of the Chief Execu-
tive at Washington, aud due to large number
aiaeng the people in general, we most earnestly
and strongly appeal for an early general amnesty
and prompt restitution of property; assured that
thereby impending total ruin will be averted, and
the domestic tranquility of tue Southern States
successfully insured 4sf
Resoixed, That we invite all law abiding citizens
who agree with us upon the measures and prinei-
pies above enu4serated, without distinction of ma.
tionates to oin US in our opposition to the Radi-
cal Republican party, whose tendency and aim
are TO- centraiize and consolidate Government
the HgainE af mr. State inetsfassonr