Baton Rouge tri-weekly gazette & comet. [volume] (Baton Rouge, La.) 1865-18??, 1867-03-12
The Gubernatorial Pronunciamento.

Lut HoW "HitdI DIil, do HUI pIoIot
by himself, has produced no small
amount of excitement and indigna
ton among political circles in New
Orleans. His proclamation is de
nounced as an unwarranted stretcl
of authority and the positions he as
sumes in it, are combatted as extra
judicial and untenable upon any jus
and proper construction Of the Law
which he cites as his controlling
guide of action in the premises.
Among the various views and opin
ions we have seen dissenting from
those of the Governor, the following
few paragraphs copied from the
Times, will serve as an index to the
general feeling which seems to be
entertained on the subject in the
city:
The Military Bill, now law, is
still the theme of discussion. AS it
is interpreted, the power of disfran-
chisement lies with the Judiciary.
The bill does not call on any one to
take an oath before voting
"The Governor" said prominent
legal gentleman, chad no more right
to issue proclamation, under the
circumstances, than a private citi-
zen."
In the above few lines have we
boiled down the numerous theories
and discussions ahoat about this bill.
We perceive in some quarters,
however, an evidence of doubt en-
tertalned as to the course likely to
be pursued by the Military authori-
ties, in the event Of elections for civil
offices being held, without first re-
ceiving from the superior authorities
at Washington some governing in.
structions upon this perplexing sub
ject.
The Picayune says that several
consultations have taken place be-
tween certain civil officers, and Gen.
Sheridan on the subject. That off
Ger thought that the city election for
Aldermen fixed for Monday (yester-
day. had better be postponed by
act Of the Legislature. The reason
assigned by him for this suggestion
was "the certainty that no commits
slons could be issued to the parties
elected, and that therefore, the hold
ing of the election would be a use
less expense to the city, and might
possibly be productive Of trouble"
AS a matter Of present as well as
future reference we append the proc
lamation of the Governor
EXECUTIVE OFFICE, STATE OF LOUISIANA
New Orleans, March 9th, 1867. (
WHEREAS, The Congress of the United
States have passed an act for the more
efficient government Of the rebel States,
and which act is now a law, and
WHEREAS, Section five of said act pro-
vldes that "when the people Of any one
OF said States shall have formed Consti-
tuition or government in conformity with
the Constitution of the United States, in
all respects, framed by a convention of
delegates elected by the male citizens Of
said State, q years old and upward, Of
whatever race or color, or previous condi-
ton, who have been residents of the State
for one year previous to the date of said
election, except such as may be disfran-
chised for participation in the rebellion, or
Tor felony at common law. And, whereas,
section six of said act further provides, and
IN all elections to any office under such
provisional governments, all persons shall
be entitled, and none others, who are en-
titled to vote under the provisions Of the
NTH section OF this act, and no person
shall be eligible to any office under such
provisional governments who would be
disqualified from holding Office under the
provisions of the third section OF the con-
stitutional amendment, which reads as fol-
lows: "No person shall be Senator or
in Congress, elector of
President or Vice President, or hold any
office, civil or military, under the United
States, or under any State, who, having
taken an oath as member Of
Congress, or as member of any State
Legislature, or an executive or judicial
officer of any State, to support the Consti-
tuition OF the United States; shall have en-
gagged in instruction or rebellion against |
the same, or given aid or comfort to the |
enemies thereof; but Congress may, by q |
vote of twothirds of each House, remove
such disability"
Now, therefore, l, j. Madison Wells,
Governor Of the State of Louisiana, do
hereby declare the said act to be in force in
.he said State, and all elections held from
and after this date, either by State, mu-
1icipal or parochial authority, except in
strict conformity to section six of said act
If Congress-, to be void and of no effect,
md ali persons elected to office must be
lble to qualify under said law before they
will be allowed to enter on the duties
# the same.