The New Orleans crescent. [volume] (New Orleans, La.) 1866-1869, 1868-06-11
THE MAYORALTY IN DISPUTE.
Mr.. HEATH DECLIHEs TO vACATF
General Buchanan Interferes
MAYOR CON Way TAKES H1s SEAT.
A WRIT or QUO wARa.NTO SERVED UPON HIM.

sl the morning crowd Of loungers, awaiting the
nstsllment OF the new officials and the exit of the
old ones. As the morning advanced the throng
hourly grew greater. filing up the steps, portico
and corridors Of the building so closely that it
wss found necessary 10 send squad of police to
keep the passage and d0orways open. Mr.. Heath
appeared to be going on as usual with his daily
duties within, and there were 10 the visitor no
Indications Of any intended removal or departure
on the part Of the occupant. Ia tbs mayor s par
lor were altered around him few of his per-
soDal snd pohtica fTends --keEkrs Dbhle, Jou-
bert Psrker Dunn and cthers-and there were
also present a few ftietds OF III incoming mayor
together with the inevitable members Of the press
To these who approached Mr.. Heath upon the great
subject Of the day, the change in the ma yoral
~, he ntmated that it was bis intention TO protest
against Mr.. Conway's entrance thereto but spoke
very briefly upon the matter. Shortly before
neon thefe was a rush and q shutting of feet ont
side among the crowd. and every one was OBJ
served looking toward the door. " There be
comes, they taid, and through the narrow pass
age way, walled IN by elbows and ribs and
shoulders, were to be seen approaching Mr. John
r. Conway, The mayor elecl. ard Mr.. John w.
Overall. Mr.. Conway was very cool and collect
ed, as walking up to the mayors desk he handed
him 8 copy Of Gen. Buchanan's order, saying
Sir hold in my hand the Off .ial order Of the
commander OF the fifth military district snnOunc-
ing ny election as chief magistrate Of the city of
New Orleans" '
Mr.. Heath, With a pleasant smile on his face. az
if he were inviting his visitor TO champagne and
ice, instead of refusing him admission TO the may
ore chair, answered, os the schOomasters do,
mild but firm, /" saying: " know Of no law an
iborZing The election in question, and do not
acknowledge the authority of Gen. Buchanan to
issue ssid order, or az least repeat that know
Of no Jaw Authorizing the election"
Mr. Conway very quietly replied, "Well sir,
have called u obedience TO the order to assume
the duties of the offce, end If you do not ac-
knowledge its authority, shall therefore, be
ubder The necessity OF reporting the same 10 the
commanding general" f
Mr. Heath reiteratibg bis intention of non .abdi-
cation, Messrs. Conway and Overall Withdrew
End proceeded 10 military headquarters where
they awaited the arrival of Cen Buchanan
Meanwhile at the City Hall the crowd was in
creasing constantly, The pedestals upon which
rest the massive columns on the front pOrtic0
were crowded with people who had mounted there
TO get peep inside the building. On the steps
there was hardly place left to cit down upon.
On the sidewalk on both sides Of ST. Charles and
Of Lafsy ette streets the crowd was j0stiing and
asking each other the news, white beneath the
SHADY rees OF Lafayette Square scores of happy
mohes were lying asleep on the grass DIRE aiming
oi hominy and hen roosts, and utterly Indifferent
as TO what disposition might be made Of the as.
senblage, provided they we're undisiurbed-
But nothing helrsck tAey let him sleep on" etc
So an hour or more passed away, when fresh
novelty came in the form of anorderly, booted and
81 urred, who having been sufficiently booted and
spuTred ahead by the anxious crowd, arrived,
the mayor and seat in his envelope "oficial.n
with receipt TO be signed therefor. Every ons
stood or sat "auribus arTects." The mes.
serger, with an air Of some importance, laid the
pspers before Mr.. Heath, who after q tsntalizsg
delay in adjusting his glasses, signing the receipt,
and tearing open the envelope, disclosed to view
the following brief invitation to private and
select reception Ono dsneing) at headquarters:
"HBADouARTERs, FIFTH MILITARY DISTRICT.
New Orleans, La, June 10, 1868.
"Eon. Z Heath, Mayor City Of New orlsaus:
"Su-The brevet major general commanding
directs me TO Inform you tLat he desires to see
you at these headquarters st your earliest con.
venienee. Very respectfully, ycur obedient SER
want, JonN R. JOHNSON,
'csPs e'h csv Bvt Lieut.. Col. .. A,A. Secretary
Mr.. Heath appeared in no haste to reply. He
frst attended 70 some matters altogether foreign
10 the eDgrossing topic of interest, and then alter
quietly writing for few moments handed over
this letter 10 his secretary, Mr.. Whitsker, for
transmission to headquarters. thread as follows
"MAYoRALTY OFFICE, Cry HALL
+" New Orleans, June 10, 1868. I
'B syet Major General G. Buchanan. Commanding the
Fifth Military District: =
f" GenrGl-I have the honor to acknowledge
the receipt OF your note inviting interview. 10
reply, will stale that am az present officially
ecgsged, but will call on you at the earliest op-
pOrtunity compatible with my official duties.
"Fery respectfully, your most obedient servant,
.t.-. ..' .... rs. HEATH, Mayor
This reply having been dispatched, another te-
dious interval ensued About half past two.
however, the crowd was observed opening again
presently, Capt. DeRussy, of Gen. Buchanan's
stat, entered, accompanied by Messrs. Conway
aDd Overall, and, approaching the mayors table
presented TO Mr.. Heath q written order from the
commanding general, directing him to give up his
seat 10 Mr. Conway, who meantime took his posi-
uon before the desk and quietly awaited events.
MIR. Heath rose, and thus addressed Capt. De
RusaV / u tn ia off hy o.,
Sheridan, and my appointment has since been
eorhImed BY Congress. / must therefore, re-
specially decline 10 yacate.n
Capt. DeROssy then Withdrew, and returned al
once 10 headquarters, Mr.. Conway and his ad-
herents remaining meanwhile in the mayors parlor
and every one engaging in conversation, yet now
aud then looking cut toward the corner of La.
iayet'e and St. Charles, where was to be obtained
exciting plot. II came again in the form Of Capt
DeRussy, who, however, stopped at the Office Of
the chief Of police on his way, aud addressed the
letter 70 that official:
-f "NEw ORLEANS, June 10, 1868.
~ j. Williamson, Chief Of Police:
"S5'-I am directed by the major general com.
msndlng TO place Nc. J. Il. Conway, mayor elect,
in possession of the mayorslty of New Orleans,
ana 9 ject Heatb, the present mayor, by force if
ecessaTy, and to cs upon the chief of police for
u D. DERUssY. Capt Ist Intsntry, A. D. CO
The captain then repaired again 20 the mayors
pariOr, and. entering, taid to Mr.. Heath: 81 am !
by Nsjor General Buchanan TO place
YOU in arrest, and 10 direct you TO give up the
Aeys and records OF your Office" Il
Mayor hedth-"Hsve you a written order -
C0pt. DeRVSSy-"T will show You one. now !
rroceed 10 take you into custody" (tsking him by
The aTml
TIE once was he1 cleared by aid to chief
Smi;l lizard, and hr. Conway beirg left 10 posses.
sion, hr. Heath proceeded out BY the front door
of the building. Capt. DeRussy by his side. and |
followed closely by Mr.. GTahsin, president Of the !
Board Of Aldermen, Mr.. j. NJ. y. Parker aud Mr.. |
] honas J. Dursnt. AS they crossed 20 the police
cfhce on the opposite side, the immense crowd |
got wind of what had occurred, and mingled |
cheers and boots were 20 be heard. \
. Having entered the chiefs private office, I
Capt. DeRussy delivered to Mr.. Heath the follow.
ng written order: rs'I.I |
new 0RLEASs, La, June 10, 1858.
' Hor. Edwsrd Heath: d ...-...
Sri am directed by the major general CON.
ln2ndng 70 direct yen to turn over to me all the |
keys, books and records pertaining ID ths Offee |
ot mayorslty Of New Orleans. :. rf sand ...r |
~ D. DRRUssY. Captain Lat Infhntry, A. .. Cn
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