Sugar planter. [volume] (West Baton Rouge [i.e. Port Allen, West Baton Rouge Parish, La.]) 1856-1925, 1867-03-30
Address OF the General Asoomh7--.
People Of Louisiana. " lna

passage OF the measures COMMONLY tno aue
as the military reconstruetion IN Hnown
the supplemental BILL" precinitat ana
On the consideration of the nao,1s up
most ~momentaous questions, affectina we
merely their present and future waila aos
but involving the very political ey;s,aat,
OF the State, and it seems evident ,bce
active steps will be at nee taksn g. 'aat
reorganization of our State poyera Tue
IN accordance with the princinlas af .h
measures, and that general elections M:s
De speedily held for that purpose 'li
In this emergency it becomes abso,,..,-
necessary Tor the people to detera,;as
forthwith what line of conduct il MUG
proper for them to pursue. "oss
Your representatives in the Geno..,
Assembly have not failed to rive ,h;a
question the most anxious and earaa.s
deliberation. 0asaesf
lhe subject matter is placed bero.,
the pale of our Legislative action yohu
power over which we have no W
but we feel it our duty to give onr )
stituents the results of our sober and -
rlous reflection, aud to advise them a. y
the course we think they should adoa,
under the circumstances. 0p'
Whatever may be our .onipiors - d.
justice, magnanimity or constitationaG.s
OF these Congressional measures. tbav =,
imposed upon US by an authority which
we have clearly no power to resist aaa
we therefore solemnly believe it beconas
our duty not only to abstain from f%ru;tlas.
and tactloas opposition, but to exert III
our power aud influence, SO to direcl
events as that the least harm NAV CONN.,
the State for their execution.
We, therefore, exhort the peopIe il =.
ganize thoroughly and take an a.,;y.
part j n all elections, under whatever a..
they may be held.
Avoid all semblance OF opposition Il
Lhe free and fair suffrage of every man
the right to vote under the amber
ty of Congress.
Let there be no collisions or cona;,t.
If any kind.
Avoid all ~dissentions among vou,.
Bring forward as candidates citizens
n whose sisdom, discretion and courage
'ou a place implicit confidence And
whose qualifications shall conform. a. far
s practicable, to the requirements e
congress.
Suppress, as far as possible, the con.
Of all questions which ma,
lad to a division of opinion among .au.
Loo to the character Of the men whom
on elect.
DO not seek to bind them in advance
any particular course Of policy. thc
71sdon and propriety of which must st
'st be determined by the "log;c of
vents" but leave them free and un,ra,n-
,eled to act as their judgement nav
tor the interest and honor OF the
tate.
Let moderation and temperance guide
III counsel and conduct.
Restrain and control the ebuli,iens of
n~considerate, rash and turbulent men,
no may precipitate collisions from which
but injury to the State and poo
can possibly result.
Use all fair and legitimate means with
your power 80 to influence and direct
g suffrage as to elect trustworthy men
Office, and thereby to prevent the pow
OF the State from falling into unworthy
'nds, but at the same time secure that
'ur choice shall be respected and that
9 men SO chosen shall be clothed with
lthorlty which non can question.
In following out the course Of action
rein indicated, you will be called on to
erclse extreme tolerance, and forbear-
ce, but we believe it to be the only
urse consistent with our present condi-
N aud theesafety of the State, and you
IL not hesitate at any sacrifice neces-
~ to that end.
In conclusion, we would say that we
zee an abiding confidence in the people,
d believe that by the exercise Of wis
m. prudence and patriotism, they will
conduct the State through this ordeal,
to command the respect Of friends and
s.
'%rEvENs's BML.-"Are you acquainted
Ia the provisions of Stevens's BILL said
gentleman who was a little anxious
,ut reconstruction to another not very