New Orleans Republican. [volume] (New Orleans, La) 1867-1878, 1868-07-19
DEBATR IN THE SENATE.


The following debate occurred in the
State Senate on Monday, July II, upon a
Joint resolution introduced by Senator
Campbell to appoint committee of three
Senators to investigate the circumstances
connected with the massacre of the thirtieth
Of July, 1866, and the disposition made of
the dead and wounded by the municipal
authorities:
Mr.. Campbell-Mr. President: Without
wishing to take up the time of the Senate,
or to impede its business, l desire to say
that this resolution as well as the previous
one is introduced by me in full view of what
| consider my responsibilities TO my con.
stituents and the Republicans of this State
and / wish to say to Senators who are dis.
posed to shirk this matter now that the
Republicans of this State, and especially
those who belong to that class who were
the principal victims OF that massacre, will
hold you to responsibility and to the
pledges you have made.
Mr.. President it was q source Of grievous
complaint for months after that riot that
there were no steps taken to vindicate the
right of those who suffered and redress their
wrongs.
They were poor'men, it is true, but they
were the only men who sustained the cause
which has brought us here, and which has
caused the principles of right and Justice to
triumph, and, sir, would rather see my
right hand wither and be doomed 10 eter-
nal scorn and contempt, than prove rec
reant to the Lduty owe them, and | say TO
Senators, and especially to men of my own
party, the people of the State will mark
your record upon this matter. Sir, it was q
massacre which stands second to but one
upon the record of history Chat of Saint
Bartholomew and second to that only
E,,4 ,s.Ft !
far in the depth OF its intamy, and the out.
RACES which marked its commission. The
massacre Of Saint Bartholomew was brought
about by that strongest OF sentiments
known to the human mind, religious en-
thuslasm: & this was brought about
by nothing but difference in political
sentiments
or the interests of any class was incurred
by the meeting OF that convention, and al.
though do not agree with the motives and
opinions of those who were concerned in
calling it together, yet maintain for them
the inalienable right to peaceably assemble
and perform the duty intrusted to them as
one of the most sacred which belongs 10
this or any other State.
When, sir, see the Representatives of
these people refuse to take the proper steps
for the punishment of these wrongs, hope
their course and conduct will go fairly and
squarely upon the record, and that men
who dare shirk their responsibilities be-
cause, torsooth, it will hurt the feelings of
some fastidious taste, 1t will not be hid
from their constituents. Sir, it was the
blood which was spilled upon that day in
this street and which stained the doors Of
this hall which cried aloud to Heaven
which aroused the people from the gulf to
the lakes to stand aghast with horror and
to take, those measures to vindicate the
rights OF men which have resulted in our
assembling here to-day.
| walked this street, sir, on that day. and
from Canal street to Common it was streWp
with the bodies of the slain. / saw police
men pointing their revolvers to the hearts
of inoffensive men whom they had captured
for no cause whatever, and shooting them
down without mercy.
saw them abusing and insulting with
kicks and blows harmless men bearing the
garb of humanity; and ! then and there.
sir, registered a solemn vow with the
scornful and malignant glanoes of despera-
does of this city fixed upon me, that if |
should ever be chosen by the votes of these
people for responsible position / would
make 1t my first duty to see that their
rights INDICATED.
Mr.. Lynch-Mr. President: | must CON-
fess, sir, am sonry that this resolution has
been introduced. / will go as far as any
man to secure the right of every person In
the State to assemble and express their
views, but see no good to be accomplished
now by such an investigation as is pr6posed
And am one of those who voted AGAINST
the resolution. want the public to know
that am not here to shirk any responsible.
ity or to screen my vote on any question. I
shall vote fearlessly, and always as my con.
science dictates, This matter, sir, has NOT
as has been intimated, been passed over In
silence. A committee of the legislative de-
partment of the government of the United
states, came here to investigate this matter.
They made full and complete report,
which is accessible to all. The whole
truth is there. Black and atrocious
as the record is, it is there. And ] see
no good that came from sneh an
Investigation, nor that anything further can
be ELECTED. i for one. sir, am for having
none Of these old sores torn afresh. What
we want Is peace and quietness If there
is anything yet undisclosed, which II q
necessary or desirable should be brought
TO light. II that Congressional Investigating
committee failed TO discover and bring It
FULLY before the country, would favor the
resolution. But see no good that can be
accomplished by 1t. Evil, and evil only win
result BY stirring up the bad blood which
exists IN all parties and In all Communities.
shall not be afraid, sir, when necessary to
meet bad blood, but when see no possible
good 70 be accomplished by this measure.
shah not shrink from following the die
tates OF my conscience, and Opposing this or
any other proposition from which however
well intentioncd can see no benefit.
: Mr.. braughn Mr.. President, was much
pleased 70 lstensto the remarks the Sen