The Louisiana Democrat. [volume] (Alexandria, La.) 1845-1918, 1868-02-05
Reaction in New Hampshire.

i, IS b h Il = E =
The Manchester Union prints letter
from Charles Libbey, who withdrew from
the Radical party, and presents his rea.
sons very tersely for dong go. There are
many indications that great political re-
action In favor Of the Democracy is going
on in New Hampshire. The letter is as
follows;
WHITEHEAD, December, 81 1867.
To Hon. F. H. Rollins, Chairman Repub.
lican State Central Committe:
DEAR sIR:-Haying seen in the proceed.
ings of the late Republican State Uonven.
ton, that was chosen member of the
Republican State Committee, I take the
earliest opportunity, after learning Of its
organization to inform yoa, as its chair
man that cannot serve in that capacity
and to give you some Of the reasons which
have led me to this conclusion.
| think that the leadership of the Re-
publican party has fallen entirely into tina
hands OF extreme and radical men. At
tached as have been to this party events
have forced me, in spite ofmyself with much
regret and great reluctance, to this conclu-
sion. My conscience will not permit me
to act longer with the Republican party.
] feel that | have, as an American citizen,
obligations Of a higher character than mere
fealty to party. Lam sir for PEACE. / am
tor a restored Union and for the mainten-
ance OF the Constitution. Throughout the
varying fortunes Of the late civil war down
to its triumphant close I gave the Govern
ment firm aud uuwavering support. / was
unable, through an accident which deprived
me OF the use ofny right hand, to active
ly participate in the dangers and hardships
Of the field, but did contribute son to the
army Of the republic, who was shot through
the lungs at the battle Of Fair Oaks, but
whose life, through the mercy of God, was
spared almost by miracle.
When the shock of arms was over and
the enemy utterly oyerthrowa and entirely
submissive, looked for the speedy restor
alton of the Union under the Union and
Constitution. / need not say how sadly
| have been disappointed, and how day by
day my confidence has waned, until now it
is clean gone. ! have become satisfied that
the short sighted policy Of looking only at
measures with reference to their effect up
on the party and Of utterly disregarding
their effect upon the welfare Of the nation
guides and controls our leaders. To
strengthen the Republican party the at-
tempt is being made to introduce negro
equality, which will amount to negro SUI
premacy in any section is unwise and dan
gerous. 10 do this the Consultation is
trampled under foot. The common sense
OF the people is outrage, the business OF the
whole country is paralyzed and distrust
and anxiety every where awakened. l am
profoundly impressed with the serious ma
ture OF the difficulties with which the coun.
try has now to contend its unsettled state
its immense debt. j know that the best
craftsmanship is necessary to extricate us
from our embarrassment. j see no ability
on the part ofthe men now in Office or dis
position even to do the thing necessary to
be done to give the people peace, to econo-
mize and devise system ofjust and eqnal
taxation that shall cause our debt to be
paid, or that shall even diminish it. On
the contrary, matters daily grow worse. /
feel, sir that the country demands and must
have change of rulers, ard SO feeling |
can no longer act with the Republican par
ty, but shall give my vote and influence in
favor of the Democratic party.
Very respectfully yours,
CHAS. LlBBEY.