The Louisiana Democrat. [volume] (Alexandria, La.) 1845-1918, 1868-09-02
Address Of the Rapides Democratic
Central Committee.

ALEXANDRIA, La, Aug. 29th 1868.
To the Eoters and Citiseus Of Rapides:
The undersigned, the Parish COM
nlittee for Rapides, RESPONDING to the
wishes Of the Democratic State Com
mittee at sNew Orleans, pray leave to
address you briefly upon the political
canvass now in progress.
The issue involved in tfiss Presidefl-
tial election is far graver than any ever
before presented to the people of this
country. Heretofore 1t wis d question
of governmental policy between two
parties-of variant constructions or in
terpretations oflthe Constitution. Now
the question is, shall we have any Con-
stituti0n Mt all-shall all Departments
of the hGovcrhmettt and tile people
themselves be controlled by funda-
mental law, which has hitherto been
denominated supreme, Or shall the will
of q Congressional faction override
everything, and become the only po-
tential voice in our Government. This
contest decides that question, and GER
tainly we of the so-called reconstruct
ed States have the greatest interest III
that decision. Whatever it may do for
others, it settles our fate.
The Democratic Convention have
proposed to the nation the names OF
twoeminent men for the Offices ofPresi-
dent and Vice President, and all the
signs of the times point unerringly to
their triumphant election. The great
upheaving of the popular mind of the
North-the instructive acceptance of
Seymour and Blair as harbingers ofthe
coming durable peace-the absence of
any enthusiastic response to the nomi-
nation OF General Grant-and tile con-
viction which at last has taken hold
upon the people of the North that their
own libertiesare imperilled-all COM
binc to give us tho assurance that our
matchless candidates will be elected,
and their just principles become once
more the guide of the nation.
TO this result we must contribute by
all means in our power. 1t is true
there are half uttered threats that the
election will be taken from the people,
and the vote of the State cast by the
Legislature. If such an outrage shall
be consummated, the general result will
not be affected thereby. Seymour will
be the next President by q majority of
the Electoral College, even though Rad
ical frand shall give to his opponent the
vote of every reconstructed State
1t is also probable that an election
for members of the lower House Of Con-
gress will be had the coming Fall. It
is understood that the Legislature So
called now in session at New Orleans
will change the time of electing Rep
resentatives of Louisiana, and that it
will be fixed coincident with the Presi-
Dental election. 1t is presumed the
people will be permitted to vote.at that
election. Large numbers of the whites
have been DISTINGUISHED, so far as Rad
ical Constitutions and legislation can
disfrancllise them, and larger numbers
of blacks have been onfranchised. But
in spite of hostile legislation, and cum
ningly devised restrictions of the righ.
of suffrage, we can elect a Representa-
tive from this District, ifcvcry man will
do his whole duty devotedly.
We have too much at stake to neg
lectlthis great work. Our situation is
too perilons to be trifed with. We
must deliver ourselves from tho weight
of this bondage. The way is now open.
The Democratic masses at the North
are alive to the Importance of tho issue
and tire momentous results which de-
pend upon it. The blacks are open
ing their eyes;to their genuine interests,
and in spite of the mists of Radical
ISLANDERS are discovering at length
their true friends. All the world Ia
watching in silent expectation the
grand issue now pending, and listen
ing for the answer of the Southern .peo-
pie to the question, Will you he govern
ed by vagabond adventurous and ig-
nOrant freedmen
We urge upon each and every man
the performance Of his individual part
in the pending campaign. No one
who has influence, and the most hum
BILE have some, should fail to exercise
it. A large field is before you. The
Radical manipulations of the ballot box
at the last election gave a large MAORI
ty to their faction In this Parish
You can overcome it legitimately.
We propose to overcome it, and we
beg your counsel, your assistance, and
your active cooperation.
| I I. & Z. T s1ossAr, COMMITTEE.
| QUEERAPPoINTMExTsTo OFFICE.--Somt
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