The south-western. [volume] (Shreveport, La.) 1852-1870, 1867-02-27
Debate in the House Of Representative,

ON THE ELIOT LOUISIANA BILL.
We copy as follows from the National Intelligence,
report of the debate on the Eliot Louisiana bill which
took place on the 18th insti
Mr.. Boyer then proceeded to argue against the hill
He reviewed the history of the existing State goyer
ment of Louisiana, arguing that it was perfectly lov
and obedient to the Constitution and laws while ba
represented that the antecedents of the Louisiana
loyallsts, who urging the passage of this hin
were not such entitled them to be regarded AZ tba
peculiar apostles of liberty. Some of them had been
Confederate ffceholders, and bad taken the oath Of
allegiance to the Confederate Government Some of
them had been members of secession societies in tba
early patt of the war, which had been organised IN
exercise espionage the movements Of Upion
men. lie could name some among them who had
voted for hanging Union men on account of their
Union sentiments, and who had assisted to drive Union
men beyond the lines for no other reason than that
they true to their flag.
Referring to the objects Of those so-caed loyaliss
he declared what they wanted was not the best
ment tor the State of Louisiana, but government
so constructed that under it they could maintain
and monopoEsc the Offices. They expected to estab.
sh negro government in that State There vere
but from rs, 900 to &c, 900 white voters il, Loujsana
Ii suffrage were extended to the colored people (as,
would be when the bill passed) there would be from
aoooo to negro voters, and, therefore, the gov
eminent Of Louisiana would pass out Of the hands Of
white men into the hands of black men.
But even that did not seem enough to secure thu
accomplishment OF their design, and therefore hi,
bill provided further for the dsfranchisement Of
majority OF white voters Rufus King Cutler, one
the most influential leaders among those who Sc.
themselves up the peculiarly LOYAL men of Louisiana
had stated in his testimony before the committee b,.
alter that was done, then, with The help of the mill.
tarv power OF the United States, he believed the poy
eminent might be sustained This was one of tbs
ultra "Loyalists of Louisiana, and yet there was
company IN the rebel army known as the King Cutter
Company, which had been raised and equipped at thu
expense Of this gentleman. Arguing against the bin
on general terms he declared that there had not been
any measure ever before this Congress based on 81
little show of right as this bill which was intended
TO establish negro government in Louisiana lie
hougnt that were 1T only for the sake of appearances
the bill should be postponed until it could be sunno,ad
by the people that members had had time to consult
the evidence taken by the select committee
Mr.. Boyer asked Mr. Eliot to let him state tbe ,no
,edents of some of those Southern lovalists as to b
oyalty. " - 'D'"
Mr. Eliot declined to Weld for that purnos, Tie
-lelded ten minutes to
Mr. NOEL, who spoke against the bill.
sir hot then yielded the remainder of his time to
ar ohelaoarger, member of the select committee.
'ho advocated the passage Of the bill In conclusion
10 ueciafeu that, though the courts were open in
'ooisana' they were under rebel control and author
t;',a; ot .'e purpose rather of protecting and
neloIns criminals than furnishing them, especially
men the crime was Of political character.
Mr.. Lebond inquired how the House knew that.
mr.. oheilaoarger answered By the proof
bnt urged Mr.. LeBlond, your report has never been
uohshed' and we are all cropping in the dark
ana, said Mr.. Boyer, I say, as a member of shs
1iect committee, that the statement is unfoundel in
ce. The latter part of the sentence was drowned
calls of order from the Republican side of the
The bill was then orderedto be read third lime