The morning star and Catholic messenger. [volume] (New Orleans [La.]) 1868-1881, 1868-04-26
The New Constitution.

The New Constitution.
There can be but little, if any, doubt that
the popular election recently held, has rati-
fed the constitution proposed to the people
of this State for their acceptance. If rati-
fed by Congress, it becomes the organic law
of Louisiana. 1t would be useless now to
discuss the propriety of the principles and
line of action which have led to this results
The past is beyond our power, but the fu-
ture has it's duties to be performed, its diff
culties to be confronted. When n situation
basis of subsequent action.
Many of our people, no doubt, feel sore
at result to which they are obliged to sub
nit in spite, as they think, of justice and
common sense. But if blame is to he attri-
buted to any one, let it fall on those who are
really culpable. 1t is generally conceded
that the negroes have not, as q body, acted
with insolence during the late political agi-
tations. Throughout the war, their good con-
duct was so marked rs to have become one
of the surprises of history. Since the inau
guration Of peace, and Notwithstanding
every encouragement to arrogance and hos
tility, on their=part, incendiary doctrines
have not been able to pervert them from
their accustomed respect and Difference to-
their former masters. Shall they not re-
ceive credit for this conduct Z Ought they
! to lose the friendship of their natural pro-
tectors, because their eyes have been daz--
zled by prize which they knew not how to
reject, and because they have consented to
them9
1t is important that any Indignation ex-
listing on this subject should be directed in
the right quarter. Grave questions of daily,
practical application, involving some of the
new features of this constitution, may soon
arise, in discussing which the element of
dignation would not be source of wis
dom. A false antagonism may be excited
by the enemies of our people, which will
require to be met will, patience and reason,
not temper. When once a vehicle is fairly
stalled in the mud, the frantic struggling of
the team but settles it the more deeply. 1t
is the proper time then for skill and contri
vance, not unavailing violence. The South
has sacrificed enough already to "indigna-
ton )" let us, now pay some attention to ex-
pediency.
The difficulties as they arise, whether in
schools, hotels, saloons, or steamboats,, must
be left to regulate themselves legally, and
with the light of experience. Popular COM
mon sense, when uninfluenced by excite
ment, generally surmounts every difficulty
and masters every situation. 1t is scarcely
probable, moreover, that with prudence on
the part of our white population, they would
not soon WELD at the polls, the numerical
superiority which they haze in the census.
Hardly any cause, but some outburst of
passion or characterization, can prevent that
result. Why sacrifice the sure reward of
patience to the fretful Irritation OF the mo-
lnent Why take the counsel of our enc
mics, and do the very things which they
would be the most anxious to see us do
acts which justice and policy alike repre-
bend
DENTIsTRY.-By his card, in another column,
it will be seen that that expert practitioner,
DR.. George J. Friedrichs, has moved his office