New Orleans Republican. [volume] (New Orleans, La) 1867-1878, 1868-06-13
UNITEn srATBR sENAroRs,


Among the earlier subjects which will
claim the attention of the General Assembly
will be the choice of two United States
Senators. Louisiana has SO much ct stake
in this matter, and so very many important
interests concerned in it, that duty requires
us TO say few words on the subject. we
have the utmost confidence in the bonor,
integrity, and ability of the Republican
members of the Legislature, and we believe
they will select for Senators the very best
men in the State; for Louisiana at this time
can afford to elect none others. But it is
the duty Of every Republican to help ard
sustain our representatives, in humble
way, in the very responsible duties they
will be called upon to discharge.
Our United States Senators should pos
sess eminent ability, spOtless integrity, and
unquesdOned loyalty. Men destitute Of
ability viii commit grave blunders, and in
legislation mistakes are practically the
same as crimes. To the people it matters
little whether the wrong aets Of their repre-
sentalives are the result OF incapaeity or
dishonesty. The ignorance Of the legisla-
tor may lessen the moral wrong SO fer as
he is concerned, but it does not lessen the
repFoach cast upon our government
by his election TO Office, nor
does it serve to tighten the
burden he nay unwittingly impose
upon the people. The South is now expe-
riepoing Triple revolution a revolution,
social, political, and economical, and never
before did the statesmen Of any land SO
need great ability and wisdom of the high
est order, Never before did any eOantry
more need that wisdom which constitutes
the highest craftsmanship, and which alone
can safely carry our country through its
present trials and future dangers. Who
dses not see that we are almost perishing
for want of that knowledge which oonsti-
tutes true craftsmanship How few things
have transpirsd as the wisest of the nation
supposed they would at the end of the war,
How we founder about in darkness and
doubt respecting Chose great questions Of
finance, Of labor, of commerce. ETC., which
crowd upon US for hearing, and which
must and will be heard. The knowledge
which will avail us does not come from in
tuition, but It comes from hard study Of
those great social, moral, political, and
economical laws which govern the world Of
ideas Just as physical laws govern the rs
terial world.
Integrity is not less essential in oar
United States Senators than ability.
without integrity no man can be trusted,
and the most brilliant intellectual qualities
come to nought. The man, for instance,
who would buy an office would sell
himself, his friends, and his party to
the highest bidder at the first favorable
opportunity. Shining abilities may attract,
wealth will have its influence, but a noble
character and a spotless reputation are
more powerful for good than all other quail
ties combined. OF all men in the world the
United States Senator should have repu-
tatiOu and character as spotless as the
driven snow.
Neither should our Senators to Congress
be men OF doubtful loyalty. Can we afford
to risk all the precious fruits of the war
Can we forget the lesson lately taught by
the failure to impeach Andrew johnson?
Our Senators should be men whose loyalty
has been tried as by fire, and who have
never been found wanting. They should
be far above considerations of expedieney
and personal interest, and should hold the
interests Of the Republican party and the
great principles it represents next in i'm
portance to their duty to their God. We
have faith in the intelligence, the patriot
ism, and the judgmento of the loyal members
of the Assembly, and we confidently be-
lieve that they will elect men to the United
States Senate who will be true to their
principles, and confer dignity upon the
hi0h ofioa