The south-western. [volume] (Shreveport, La.) 1852-1870, 1867-04-24
Address Of the General Assembly of Louis

The following is the Address of the General Assem-
bly, of the State of Louisiana, and earnestly COM
mend it to the attention of our readers:
The recent action of Congress in the passage Of the
measures commonly known the " Military Recon
struction Bill and the Supplemental Bill y. precpi
taes upon the people the consideration Of most
mentous questions affecting not merely their present
and future welfare but involving the very political
existence Of the State.
It seems evident that active steps will be at once Ia
ken fer the Reorganization of our State government in
accordance with the principles of those measures, and
that general elections will be speedily held for that
purpose.
In this emergency it becomes absolutely necessary
for the people to determine forthwith what line Of
conduct is most proper for them to pursue.
Your representatives in the General Assembly have
not failed to give this question the most anxious and
earnest deliberation.
The subject matter is placed beyond the pale of our
legislative action, by power over which we have no
control, but we deem it our duty to give our consu
ents the results of sober and serious reflection
and to advise them to the course we think they
should adopt under the circumstances.
Whatever be opinions Of the Justice ma @
nanmity or consttutonalty of these Congressional
measures, they are imposed upon Us by an authority
which we have clearly power to resist, and we,
therefore, solemnly believe it becomes our duty not
only to abstain from rutess and factous OPPOSITION
but to exert all power and influence to direct
events that the least harm may come to the State
from their execution.
We, therefore, exhort the people to organise thor
oughy and take an active part in all elections, under
whatever authority they may be held. Avoid ali SEM
blance of opposition to the free and fair suffrage of
every havingthe right to vote under the authority
of Congress.
Let there be no collisions or conflicts Of any kiad
Avoid discussions among yourselves
Bring forward as candidates citizens i'll whose wis
DOM discretion and courage you can place implicit
confidence and whose qualifications shall conform, as
far as practicatle the requirements Of Congress-
Suppress, far possible, the consideration Of all
questions which may lead to division of opinion
among you.
Look to the characters of the men whom you elect
Do not seek to bind them in advance by any partic
u!ar course OF policy, the wisdom and proprety OF
which must at last be determined by the IL logic Of
events" but leave them free and untrammeled to act
as their judgments may dictate, for the interest and
honor OF the State.
Let moderation and temperance guide you in counsel
and conduct. Restrain and control the ebultiOns of
nconsiderate rash and turbulent men, who may pre-
ciptate collisions from which nothing but njury-to
the State and people possibly result
Use all fair and legitimate means within your power
50 to influence aud direct the suffrage as to elect
trustworthy Office, and thereby to prevent the
power of the State from falling into unworthy hands;
but at the time that y0nr choice shall be
respected and that the chosen shall be clothed
with authority which none cln question.
In following the course of action here indicated,
you will be called to exercise spirit of extreme
tolerance and forbeamnce; but believe it to be
the only course consistent with present condition
and the safety of the State, and you will not hesitate
at any sacrifice necessary to that end
In conclusion, we would say, that place ab
ding confidence in the people, and believe that by the
exercise of wisdom, prudence and patriotism, they will
so conduct the State through the ordeal to command
the respect of friends and foes