The Opelousas courier. [volume] (Opelousas, La.) 1852-1910, 1870-08-13

democracy, tne oniy cnarge DfOught
against the party was, that it favored
the colored citizens in their constitu-
tional privileges. The colored people
of this State, therefore, may be assured
that the Democracy will ever continue
to live up to the grand principles that
have 80 long characterized it.
As the greater part OF our nisfortnnes
IRE chargeable to the last Legislature.
it is in the power of the people to remedy
much of the mischief by the election Of
true and tried men to the coming Leg
islature, the members Of which are to
be chosen in November next. In this
way we may yet save tho State from fur
ther financial and political ruin. 10
that end let the Democratic and Conser-
vative voters put in nomination their
best men for the Legislature, aud use all
laudable and honorable efforts to secure
their election.
Besides Legislature, State Auditor
and Treasurer are also to be elected.
Our platformis retrenchment and re-
form; to rid tho State of its enormous
debt; reduce taxation; have our levees
rebuilt; restore confidence and promote
harmony between capital and labor be-
tween the colored man and the planter !;
between the latter and the merchant !;
to induce immigration, and to develop
the vast agricultural wealth Of the State.
For the accomplishment of these pur-
poses we ask the cooperation of all good
citizens. under whatever name assocfa-
ted. We believe great triumph is
within our reach. Republicanism has
produced its bitter fruits, and in them is
written its own condemnation its days
are numbered in Louisiana! A party
that publicly pleads the cause of corrup-
ton; that seeks to return to Office men
who have earned an indelible infamy :;
whose watchwords have been fraud, dis
stimulation and false promises to Gre
dulous consistency who ridicule pri-
vate morality; who publicly proclaim
that the ruling motives of their legisla-
ton are spoliation and oppression, can
not confront the voters of Louisiana and
successfully demand their support.
We earnestly urge upon the people
throughout the State to organize for the
work at once The committees of the
several parishes are requested to con-
vene their clubs and elect their dele
gates to the Convention. and report the
names of sach delegates to the Secretary
of this Committee at the earliest date.
The Committee beg to call the atten-
tion Of the people to the address issued
by the Democratic mem bers of Congress,
and especially to that portion recon-
mending the selection of the best men
for Congress, and only such as can take
the test oath and are under no disabili.
ties imposed by the Fourteenth Amend
ment. A Radical Congress has declared
or who labor under the imposed disabili'
ties, shall not take seats in that body
We may not stop to inquire into the
policy or validity of the acts of Congress-
experience teaches us to elect men who
are not disqualified. What the State
needs Is representation.
With efficient and honest men to FL
our offices of trust; with wise and faith
ful citizens as legislators. there can be
no reason why our people. should moi
again be prosperous and happy. W.
have soil that is unparalleled for fer
tility climate that is geuial, and great
natural advantages and resources. Lei
us DO true to ourselves, and future
awaits us of material prosperity as Crane
and unexampled as the past has beer
ruinous and diaparaging.
The basis of representation in ths
State Convention, as revised and fixed
by the committee, will be one delegate
for every three hundred, and for every
fraction over one hundred and fifty Dem
ocratic votes cast at the last genera
election. Every parish shall be entitled
at least to one representative. Thi
rule applies to each new parish. .
All papers friendly to the purposes o
this address are requested to publish it
! F. H. HATCH,
President Democratic State
Central Committee.
THOMAS STEEL, Secretary.