The Louisiana Democrat. [volume] (Alexandria, La.) 1845-1918, 1866-08-15
place where Was to meet the Conven.

-bfaG6 WIlcre- WaE To D16GG -CIle COufCus
ton; that the authorities, State and
Municipal, had come to an understand
/ ing to act in concert with the military
for, that purpose; that the citizens, no
more than the police, contemplated to
prevent the Convention to hold their
meeting peaceably, and adjourn and
disperse unmolested and that the war
rant for their arrest would have been
submitted to the military, as agreed
upon, although the Presidents dispatch
to the Lieut.. Governor, and the sub
sequent one to the Attorney General,
were imperative that the military must
sustain and not thwart the Courts.
The military authorities have been
for the three days previous to the riot
in constant communication with the
Attorney General, the Lieut.. Governor
and the Mayor, with the view of pre-
venting the impending riot. The efforts
were unsuccessful, and could not coun-
teract the effect of the incendiary coun-
sells and appeals Of those who, for sinis-
ter purposes, had in view this very
result in order TO reach a political har-
vest. That the civil authorities have
done their duty in this respect, is
patent-that more could have been
done by them was impossible, as they
were not allowed to remove the cause
of the riot by taking the proper means
to prevent the meeting of the Conven-
ton and we doubt not for moment
that the military commander himself
will be the first to corroborate these
facts, and to arrest all calumnious i'm
putation against the conduct of our
people under these trying circumstan-
ceS.
AS regards the proclamation of
martial law, the least that can be said
is that it was inopportune; for the riot
ins had ceased completely, the police
being master Of the situation. The
colored population, as a body, did not
participate in these disgraceful scenes,
and freedmen in the vicinity Of the riot
were standing as lookers-on, without
being molested. The colored mob, in
unison with a few white rioters, who
were Leading them in this affair, were
no doubt well organized. That they
were well armed is mdoubted, since
torty-two policemen and several citizens
were either killed or wounded by ther,
although the conflict was over in less
than two hours. Twenty seven rioters
were killed and a considerable number
wounded. At dark, when all. was over,
when those of the mob were either dis
perscd Or in prison, and tranquility and
order were restored, martial law was
proclaimed, and the prisons where the
rioters were confined, emptied by orders
from headquarters. These measures
undoubtedly were not intended for re.
viving the hopes of the outlaws, but
were they not calculated to inspire them
with false hopess The very next morn
ing the organ Of the agitators was issued,
containing, as usual, the most infam-
matory articles, and so the succeeding
| issues.
Had the military On Monday after
noon taken stand to cooperate with
the civil authorities instead ofproclaim-
ing martial law, the most beneficial
effects would have been the result.
We remain very respectfully,
/ Your obedient servants,
ALBERT VOORHEES,,
Lieut.. Gov. La.
A. s. HERON,
Atty. Gen. La.
j. 7. MONROE,
Mayor NO