The tri-weekly standard. [volume] (Raleigh, N.C.) 1866-1868, 1867-02-14
MR. ELIoT,s BILL.

MR. ELIOT,S BILL.
The New Orleans Riot Committees
Report.
Louisiana State Government ReOr-
2anized.
WASHINGTON, Feb. II, 1867.
The report of Eliot and Shellabarger, who
were appointed on the 10th of December, to
investigate the New Orleans riots, states that
they commenced on the following day ex-
aiming citizens of Louisiana here. They
examination at New Orleans on
the 22d of December, and closed on the 3rd
of January. They resumed here on the 18th
and closed the examination on the I'd of
February They examined 179 witnesses, Al
of whom were examined by request at New
Orleans Our history, says the report, shows
no riot so destitute of justitiable cause re-
sulting in massacre inhuman and tiend-
like. The direct cause of the riot was the
reassembling of the Convention, pursuant to
q call by Hon. r. II. Howell, acting Presi
dent. The committee gives the history OF
the Convention and riot. Some of the po-
Several members, including Fish, were saved
ny DClllS otItSltd. wv WAC PAOtSS-
ted passing from the hall to the prison,
though he received many blows from other
policemen before falling into hands that saw
ed him. Some other instances of kindness
by police are mentioned. There were ex-
ceptional cases. The police and mob, in
bloody emulation, continued the butchery
until nearly 200 were killed and wounded
Ten policemen were wounded, none severely.
None were killed. If the Convention had
been armed and the colored people had been
called in advance to protect the Convention,
this could not have been the case. The riot
was not an accident. TWAS the determined
purpose of the Mayor to disperse the Con-
vention. The Committee proceeds to dis
cuss the question, quoting the telegram from
the President to Lieut.. Col. VOORHEES,, which
they say assured VOORHEES, of Presidential
support in the proposed action. The Presi-
dent is censured for overlooking the Govern
or, whom he knew to be loyal, in addressing
the Lieut.. Governor and Attorney General.
known not to be in sympathy with the Gov.
ernor, and giving directions, which, if carried
out as the Lieut.. Governor and Attorney
General understood them, would have placed
the military with the Mayor in arresting the
members of the Convention. The President
knew the condition of affairs in July. He
knew that rebel thugs and disloyal men con-
trOlled Monroe's election. He knew such
men chiefly composed the police. He knew
that Mayor Monroe, an unpardoned rebel,
was suspended by the military. He had
subsequently pardoned him. He must have
known VOORHEES, and Herron's rebel antece
dents. He knew that riot and bloodshed
was apprehended, and knew that military
orders were in force; yet, without the
knowledge of the Secretary of War or the
General of the army, he gave orders by tele
graph intended to compel the soldiers to aid
the rebels against men who were loyal du-
ring the war.
The Committee discusses at length the
right of Congress to legislate to place Louis
lana within the control of loyal men. The
military must control until the people
of Louisiana adopt a constitution as
suring safety to the Republic and receiving
the sanction of Congress. These results fol-
low successful war. These results would not
follow had it been instruction instead of
civil war. Until a loyal State of Louisiana
exists in full accord with the United States
and republican form of government is
guaranteed, the objects Ct the war were I'M
attained. The accomplishment of this re-
euires temporary provisional government
The loyal people of Louisiana must form
such Constitution, and, in the meantime
their safety requires provisional govern
ment In the discharge of their duty the
Committee submits the following hill
Be it enacted, That the President shall
nominate and the Senate confirm Govern
or for Louisiana, who will hold one year un=
less sooner removed by the President with
the consent of the Senate or unless sooner
relieved by his successor, elected under the
provisions of this act. The Governor to be
a citizen of Louisiana, and must at all times
have borne true and faithful allegiance to
the United States. He shall take the oath
of July I'd, 1862, and in addition that he
has done no act which would work a dis
qualification under the provisions of this
act.
Second, The President shall nominate and
the Senate confirm a provisional council of
nine persons, qualified like the Governor,
and taking the same oath, to continue in of
flee, unless sooner removed by the President,
the Senate consenting, until Legislature is
duly elected under the provisions of this bill.
The council with the Governort to be invested
with Legislative powers. In no case shall
such Governor or council enter Office unless
confirmed by the Senate. The council to re-
main in perpetual session, with power to adj
journ, not longer than 80 days, q majority to
constitute quorum.
Third, 1t shall be the duty of the Cover
nor to see to the execution of the Federal and
State laws. He shall nominate and with the
consent of the council, commission officers
now existing or hereafter to be created, to
hold unless removed by the Governor, the
council consenting, until their successors are
elected and qualified as herein Provided
All such officers and members of tie Conven-
ton herein provided must be al lie to take
the oath prescribed.
Fourth, The electors qualified by this act,
unless Congress orders otherwise, on the first
Tuesday in June, 1867, shall elect Cover
nor, Lieutenant Governor, a Senate and
House of Representatives, and other officers
herein provided, the Senators ard Represen-
tatives to be the same number flom the same
districts as now All officers to hold year
OF until their SUCCESSORS are duly qualified,
unless sooner relieved as herein provided
The powers, duties, fees and compensations
as now, unless inconsistent with this act.
Fifth, The following and none others shall
vote: All male citizens of the United States
who are 25 years old, regardless of race or
color, who have been one year in the State,
and have never borne arms against the coun-
try since they have been citizens thereof and
can truly take the oath of July 2nd, 1862
.I,I hot nth 9TH