New Orleans Republican. [volume] (New Orleans, La) 1867-1878, 1868-04-17
THE DUTY OF THE HouR,

LUIS s6fouVetutH uay "a AAP'1A
most important that ever dawned upon
Louisiana. Ii is a day for solemn thought
and earnest action, the first day OF our hrst
general election under the provisions oil
the plan of reconstruction. AT this cleo
ton the people Of Louisiana are to deolde
whether they are to have constitution OF
equal rights and impartial Justice, or
whether they shall continue to be under
the dominion of prejudice, OF caste, oil that
old power of secession and slavery which
40 long controlled the state, which plunged
her into disastrous war, and which now
stands opposed TO the return Of perfect
and prosperous peace. We are to choose
this day which cause We shall serve,
the cause Of justice, humanity, i'm
partial suffrage, and universal education, or
the cause VI injustice, inhumanity, caste,
and prejudice. 1t is the battle of those
who would honor and elevate manhood
against those who would dishonor and de-
grade it. 1t is the contest OF the sacred
spirit of true freedom against the evil
spirit of tyranny and caste.
We earnestly entreat all good men,
without regard to creed or race, to vote
for the constitution. Its provisions are
those of right. reason, and eternal justice,
and to do Justly is always expedient. But
apart from such considerations, we urge its
adoption upon grounds of public policy
To the planter we say, you need an estab-
lished state government which shall pre-
serve order, invite importation, and encour-
age immigration. To the business
man we say, you need an established
state government to invite capital,
and stimulate enterprise. To the laboring
man we say, you need an established state
government to guard your rights, to recog-
nize your manhood, to educate your chill
dren. We do not appeal to any Of these
classes as againt the other; we appeal to
all in behalf of all. The truest prosperity,
the most thorough development, the most
harmonious progress can only be found in
community which guards the rights of
every citizen. Vote then for the constitu-
ton.
And at the same time vote for the candi-
dates regularly nominated by the Repub-
lican party. II is the party of progress and
equal rights, and upon its unity and snc'
cess hang the hopes of our state. The
Democratic party has been tried in Lou
isiana, and has been found utterly wanting.
1t has brought disaster and disgrace on
Louisiana 1t is now disOrganized
and demoralized. Its best men
have left it in disgust, and openly
and truly declare that it is con
trolled only by Know-Nothings, thugs
and political hacks, who have no platform
but the hope Of spoil, and no bond oil
union but the cohesive power Of public
plumber. The Republican party demands,
and is entitled to a fair trial. At the head
Of its ticket stands the name of Henry G.
Warmoth for Governor, and Oscar J. Dunn
for Lieutenant Governor, The former is a
gallant soldier, an accomplished lawyer,
and statesman Of enlarged ideas, liberal
views, and irreproachable character. The
latter is living argument of more than
usual force in favor of equal rights. Born
and reared in Louisiana at time when his
race was prescribed and bought and
sold, he has been able in virtue of his
natural talent and bis excellent education
to grow into such stature of digniied and
cultivated manhood as to stand to-day a
splendid protest against the selfish and
illiberal spirit which would deprive his
people Of political rights. II such men
as Oscar j. Dunn could grow up in spite Of
the difficulties which have surrounded his
race in times past what may we not hope
for in the future with the opportunities Of
education and development freely con-
fsrred On all
We call, then, on all who love justice
and desire permanent peace and prosper
ity, TO york in this election. Vote
for the Constitution and the regu-
lar state, parish, and municipal
ticket. Let each good citizen first of
all vote himself, and then see that his
friends come up and vote the proper ticket.
Let all things, too, be done decently and
in ORDER Exercise your rights quietly,
yet fully. Respect the constituted authori-
ties. Avoid collisions and angry words.
Be sober at the same time that you are
vigilant. And, God helping us, the sun
shall go down tomorrow night upon a
State redeemed, regenerated, with Con-
stitutloR securing the privileges of all our
inhabitants, and government whose Off
GERS shall stand pledged to defend those
privileges with heart and soul and
strength.