The Louisiana Democrat. [volume] (Alexandria, La.) 1845-1918, 1868-06-10

correspondence Of the Democrat.
CLoUTIERvILLE, July S, 1869.
/ Editor Democrats day has witnessed
the most extraordinary circumstance that
twas ever presented to a CloutierYilleI All
dience. viz: that Of two political speeches
made BY colored men. After The organiza-
ton Of u Democratic Club by the election
of officers. W. H. Tunnard, Esq, intro
lnced to the meeting his old friend (his
former slave) Scott Gordon, of Baton
Ronge. He gazed around the assembled
multitude, (for there was a large crowd
and in slow and measured words, opened
his speech with "Mr. President and Eel
low Citizens" Tie writer felt little for
Gordon, for fear that he would fail, but
there was no necessity for sympathy, for
soon the melted lava Of bitter, keen invec-
tive, commenced to roll its fiery flood
among the scalawags and radical niggers.
(there was but one white radical pretent,
and of him, more anon) and his whole soul
and stalwart form appeared. to have been
thrown into his subject. Old niggers,
whose heads were silvered DER with age,
and bossoming for the tomb, and others
like uncle Ned whose cranium boasted not of
lit wonted suit Of wool, showed their well
preserved teeth, as they sat in mute aston
ishment beneath the drippings of a Demo-
cratic sanctuary; a place they always be-
lieved too holy for their unhallowed radi-
cal heels. Young negroes listened with
the most intense interest, and the white
men shouted at every instant, as the cor
rupt and loathsome body of radicalism
charred beneath the fire of this Baton
Rouge dark champion of Democracy. His
speech was not one Of burning eloqusnce,
but it was one of those simple, telling
speeches, spoken in the language of his
race, land understood by them. He had no
"book farming" but God has implanted all
Of the clements Of q popular colored speak.
er in his copper frame. He spoke for an
hour, and dpling that long period, for one
nnr4accustcmed to public, extemporaneous
declaration, he was never at loss for a word
or an expression. He sat down amid the
applause Of black aud white.
Mr.. Tunnard then introduced e. Y. Pier
son, also Of Baton Rouge, that with coup
doeil, you would suppose was not above
the ordinary caliber Of his race But. Ye
Gods: what a take in! what sciDge cat!
We thought that Gordon had said enough
to convince all the freedmen present that
they were in a sinking ship, and amid fools.
liars, cut throats and thieves, but Pierson
opened mp a new channel to the hearts and
understandings of his black friends, and
bearing gorgeous Drummond Light be-
fore him as he progressed, he delivered a
speech of much power and eloquence, and
which, for felicity Of expression. ,dexterity
of retort, passages of personal sarcasm, for
yigor Of reasoning, for force, if not beauty
of style, its magnificent apostrophes, and
intense glow Of love for his own native
South, ! regard as one Of the most splendid
efforts of the kind / ever heard npon the
hustings. ] should have remarked that
Picrson in coming to the stand, asked the
question "if there were any radical orators
present who would like to address the
meeting; if SO he offered them the chance
to come to the stand" The only one pres
ent, (white) with sort Of trepidation,
stepped forward and spoke in his usual
fervid and impassionea manner for at least
fire minutes, he not being able to speak lon
ger, as it was said, because he could aotl
speak in The day.
But poor devil, he, no doubt, regretted
that he ever saw tho Radical party, before
Pierson took his seat, for really believe
that Persons reply was one of the most
mastery rejoinders / ever heard from the
lips of man, white or black. This is say
ing much, but take nothing back. I be-
lieve when Hornsby was speaking he was
only pouring petroleum upon his back to
be ignited BY his adversary, but had no
idea that he would be burnt up without
leaving "a spot Of grease behind" The
whole audience felt for him, notwithstand-
ing all believed he merited what he re-
ceived It certainly has taught him one
lesson at least, and that is to keep his lit
tie pepper-box pistol out of the way when
1870 Founders are about
These men have spoken already four or
five times in our Parish, aud with the most
success. They remind me
of Methodist revivalists. They have init
mated to our citizens, that if invited, they
VIII canvass the Parish OF Rapides. BY all
means send for them, and my word for it,
you will redeem your Parish.
am writing amid the cries and groans
Of the dead Radicals and shouts of the
Democrats, and must be excused for writ
ing badly and not writing more.
Yours, 5t5s8 $50
->>~~>->-->.-aNs-..~>.~-~-> 7'Hak
+ TRooLy LoIL Whata beautiful set of
men the loyalists are when judged by their
own descriptions of each other, thus:
Butler says Bingham is a murderer.
Bingham says Butler is coward and al
hief-Donnelly says Washburne is scoun-
irel and fool. Washburne says Donnel-
y is a convict and liar"
By such men are laws made, Presidents
mpeached, and true forms Of Republican
government determined.
Tn n ol,otoh ~ Roo M. i