New Orleans Republican. [volume] (New Orleans, La) 1867-1878, 1868-12-22
CT NEW ORLEANS REEURI1OAN DEEMBR MWisN vET~T

Mann, who died while his seat was being
contested by Jones (Republicanl, and nc
decision was arrived at. If they decide now
\ that Maan was duly elected, I stepi as his
legitimate though humble successor, and il
mob then vice versa. "a n "A esa
Reporter How did the Republicans on
the floor of the House receive you the day
you made your appearance
MIR. Menard. Well, nothing extra. l had
to md my way in, and when inside found
nobody inclined to come near me. | felt
bad at this. didn't want to sit there and
De stared at Ike curious kind Of an animal,
ana II nobody cared to talk to me wasn't
going to force my company on them. ]
walked in on that floor feeling that had a
right to do so, and good deal better right
than these earpet.baggers, Newsham and
Sypher. from Louisiana, elected by colored
votes in the places of better men.
Reporter. Did these men see you on the
floor? -
Mr.. Menard. Yes, they saw me, but that
was all. They never once came TO ask me
bow was, or introduce me to some of the
prominent members. felt very greatly in
censed and indignant at this, because I
know these carpet-baggers SO well, and I
know how ready they were to shake hands
with me and poorer colored men when they
were down in Louisiana looking for Office.
Reporter. Who among the members
showed you any kindness?
Mr. Menard. None of them to speak of
The only kindness experienced was from
Two newspaper reporters; but I suppose
they had meaning for it. One of them
belonged to an illustrated paper and wanted
to make sketch of me; the other wanted
to get a short history of my life; and be-
tween them | was an object of atfectionate
attention. They were the only persons l
met that brought me around and intro
duced me to members of Congress.
Reporter. How did the members receive
you?
Mr.. Menard. Well. l could easily see
that they didn't like it much; the Garnet.
Daggers from Louisiana edged away the
moment they saw me in their neighbor.
hood. Altogether I felt disappointed and
uncomfortable. and resolved never to go in
upon that floor again until went to take
possession of my seat
reporter. Did you see General Butler?
mr. Menard. No; there was nobody to
introduce me in an official capacity; the
reporters would have made me known to
every one, but didn't like to trespass too
much on their good nature.
Reporter. What is the character of the
delay IN sending up your certidcates
Mr. Menard. | guess Warmoth don't
keeping it back, that the Committee viii re-.
Ject me. He is at the head of the most cor
rupt ring in the country, composed two
baggers.
Reporter. You don't appear to like the
carpet-baggers
Mr.. Menard. Indeed, entertain no great
amount OF love for them, and the colored
people of the South are losing confidence
and regard for them very fast.
Reporter. Could the colored people get
along without them?
MIR. Menard. They could now. They are
able to take care of themselves and dispense
with the carpetbaggers.
reporter. What do you think of General
Grants election?
Mr.. Mensrd. haven't much confidence
IN General Grant. The colorei people
you'd sooner have seen Chief Justice
Chase, Mr.. Wade, or General Butler elected,
Cmef Justice Chase was their first choice,
IL the Democracy had nominated him they
mlght have had the colored vote OF the
Reporter. How will the social right ones. |
tlon settle itself at the South?
MI. Menard. As it is, the colored people |
q own there enjoy more social PRIVILEGES |
than they do at the North. never hardly !
noticed liz New Orleans any of that prejudice |
5alnst us that you see up here. II the bill |
OF civil rights had been passed in Louisiana |
uon Delleve the colored folks would have |
cared DIT to avail themselves of any of its |
provisions. As it is, they have all the rights |
and privileges that they are inclined to use,
though, of course, should like to see them |
protected by law. want to see all public |
conveyances thrown open to people regard. |
less Of race, color, or previous condition: |
and this is bound 10 come when the parties |
" tine south are more broken up than at |
present.
Here we babe good afternoon to the
husky legislator from Louisiana, who bowed
IS OUT with all the grace of French dane
ng master.