The south-western. [volume] (Shreveport, La.) 1852-1870, 1867-05-29
RepisIer.

We regret to have to allude to this subject again,
but the proportion of whites to blacks that have reg
stered thus far, not only here, but throughout tie
State makes j. eause Of tneasiness. We have, time
and agai through these columns urged with the best
Of our ability all who not DISTINGUISHED to 60 for
ward and register It would seem useless to repro
duce the arguments used they have signay failed
in producing the desired effect. This great indiffer
cnce manifested by the whites, is certainly mystery
to US, unless they wish for negro government. In
that they have made Illuminating choice. IN
less every man, who can registers and votes such will
be our lot AS we hare said before, military law is
supreme and the process Of reconstruction will 90 on
if not one white man Should avail himself of its pro-
visions. It is not for the people to judge Of the con
stitutonalty of the law that has been settled else
where, and it but remains for us to go forward,
register and in e if possible, defeat the designs of
the Radicals. One of the arguments used by our
"nastery inactivity" friends is, that the Radical Con-
gress will not live up to their promises should
ply with all they have blocked out for US but finding
US well disposed would apply the brakes still harder
Our answer is They have offered US half rations,
which, if refuse, cuts off entirely from further
supplies-leaves out forever in the cod bat if we
accept, We still have chance and, like drowning
men, we should ''catch at straws."
Every white owes it to himself and family to
use all bis power to stay the rule df Radcalsm and
registering is the only implement in his possession,
weak though it be- to contest with his opponent Yet
it is all we have and it behooves every man to regis
ter and vote, protection against the aggressons
of Others To neglect this duty, invites what ap-
prehend. The Crescent in an argument on this sub
ject says: If any conservative man yet hesitates to
register, let him for moment glance at the fruits of
an indifference to political results developed in
Tennessee. There two years ago, the masses of the
people stood aloof from the polls apparently ndier
ent to results, as many Indifferent here.
This indifference their part enabled the Radicals to
control the legislature, which passed series of en-
actments of the most oppressive character They have
adopted system of registration SO monstrous in its
character not only to sranchse the masses of the
white people, but also to prevent the registration of
colored people who supposed to be under conserv
alive influence. And, as if this were not sufficiently
oppressive, the Radical Governor is clothed with DOW
err to declare the registration void in any county that
he chooses and thus throw out the vote of every
county which may be opposed to Radical policy I'm
der this singular government, ironically styled repub
can, the Governor is invested with power to reelect
himself often he chooses and has military force
at his disposal to enforce his edct
The people of Tennessee have found, too late. the
evil results which followed the neglect of plain duty.
They are struggling now to remedy their fatal error,
but the political chains already rveted and their
efforts are likely to prove vain
=" Let the citizens of Louisiana ponder upon this re-
suit and escape the into which others have
fallen They have it in their power to register. to
vote, to choose men for Office who will be Just to all
and oppressive to none, and who will avoid exciting
the antagonism Of which few Radicals are now
seeking to bring upon our people They hold in their
hands the power to prevent this, and to preserve the
white race from the oppression designed by few If
they neglect this duty, upon those who refuse to dis
charge it BY making an earnest attempt at regstra-
ton, will devolve Che responsibility of the evits which
must come from that neglect.
Let every ask his neiehbor If he has regis
tered, and persist in the inquiry until the duty has
been discharged. Let every lady urge her husband
ler brother, or her lover to the discharge of duty
which is essential to protect her from the effects of
he political phrensy which agators are seeking to
BRING about If this duty be discharged, it must
'ventuate in success and in permanent good to the
country. If it be neglected, we apprehend train Of
political events more disastrous to the country than
III which have already occurred"