The south-western. [volume] (Shreveport, La.) 1852-1870, 1868-03-18
The Democratic Convention.

convention were singulary harmonious. There was
but one question about which there seemed to be any
difference Of opinion. That related to the policy Of
nominating candidates On the State ticket We think
the convention disposed of it in the proper manner
against nominations. To have introduced scramble
for Office in an election involving the status of the
white race, would have been sorry competition with
carpet baggers and free negroes for the loaVes and
fishes of Office. What respectable white man, who
would seriously reflect upon the provisions Of the
constitution would be willing to hold Office under it {?
Truly willingness to do would argue degradation
not yet prepared to witness. Besides as was
correctly argued in the convention the nomination of
State ticket would have been an implied acceptance
of the constitution, and would have introduced side
issues that would have distracted the party and, to
that extent have broken its power Again if we can
defeat the constitution, we will certainly defeat the
nominees of the party by whom it manufactured.
If not defeat it, we should of course, fail to
elect our own nominees
The action Of the convention, however was not an
express refusal to nominate, but simply denial of the
authority of the convention, and reference of the
matter to convention for that purpose hereafter if it
should appear advisable The effect is the same No
second convention will be called and no nominations
will be made.
The convention, SO far as we can see expressed no
opinion, as to the policy of running candidates for
Congress, for the State legislature or for parochia
offices, leaving this an open question to be settled by
the people themselves. As to the policy of running
candidates for Congress- our opinion is CLEAR and
explicit The objections to such ten-fold
greater than to State nominations For while all the
objections apply to boh there are other insuperable
objections to running candidates for Congress Would
the Rump receive any Democrat? When the Kentucky
Democrats are received, might then but not before
hope for such thing. IT. exercising choice between
two men, both Of whom would be willing to take the
oath of Office prescribed by Congress- we should cast
our votes Tor as the less of two evils what would
be the party afiliation of such member? Elected
under the acts he would not be received
by the Democrats, because such man would be
reconstrrctionists would he be representative
of Louisiana Democracy. He would in fact represent
Louisiana free negroes, and add one more member to
the Radical Strength. Even counting On the deseron
OF such man, to the ranks Of the Democracy after
taking his seat he could do no good in the present
Congress- In fine do not want any representatives
in Congress at all, at present and especially, we do
not wish to be misreprescnted by any sort of Radical
or by any man, pretending to be Democrat, who is
willing to swallow the cath Of Office for the sake of
office. Such mans loyalty is rot the loyalty of our
people. n, .,'
AS to parocia nominations, the matter is left with
the people themselves We are satisfied, however,
our opposition to the constitution can be made more
off, ntiua E,,o
candidates. Certainly this is true to candidates for
the legislature. The case is somewhat different we
admit, as to parish officers but we fail to see any
sufficient reason for making them exception Perfect
harmony is necessary for success If there is any
difference Of opinion this subject, it can easily be
settled By reference to a convention. =
With tie lights before u.s. cannot why |
any white man is willing to hold Office under negro
government, Why any Democrat should want negro
votes, or what public good would be accomplished by
electing Smith, johnson Jones, sheriff. clerk or
recorder, and as we believe directing al strength
upon single issue is the surest way of defeating
should be sorry to see any candidates
nominated by the Democratic party for parochia or
other Offices. 1t will however, be noticed, tha while
he convention made recommendation IS to parish
officers, the debate shows the opinion of the convention
vas adverse to all nominations, or running candidates
It all. The truth is if we defeat the constitution, we
continue all ineunlbents Of Office If it is ratified
majority of them will certainly 60 out is thsn to
he interest Of the incumbepts themselves to make
ommon cause against ratification. We especially
Protest against people-we the Democracy
If MISUNDERSTANDING, in any way in the Con-
ressona election. If we could elect Democrat,
he Rump would not allow him to take his seat, and
re want representative whose sole
publications consists in his ability to take the test
ath, and his willingness to do so. Such a man is a
econstructionist, and, to that extent, Radical.