The south-western. [volume] (Shreveport, La.) 1852-1870, 1870-05-04
New Party-islfl.

great deal has been written OF late ABOUT the Or
ganization of a new party, and an actual effort was
made short time since in New Orleans in this dlrec-
ton, by proposed change of names; to convert the
Democratic into a so-caled Conservative party
Without having participated at all in this movement,
we objected to it, aud chiefly because we did not think
that mere State change Of names had any signii-
canoe and because by whatever designated, the
National Democratic party was the only national party
now representing althe elements of opposition to the
Radical Besides these reasons, we did not think 1t
becoming or proper for of the South he minority
of minority party to come forward as its chosen
leaders and call it by own preferred name.
But we are willing always to consult and advise with
our own party toany proposed question of expedi-
ency, involving no sacrifice Of principle Acting in
this, we believe the proper party spirit, land being
willing to allow any national representative body OF
the party, to furnish the name) see or think we
see sufficient reasons for taking our bearings anew.
! Since the war we have been wholly engaged upon
line of defence; in trying to protect the sovereignty
of the States and in trying to contne tae legislation OF
Congress to the limits of delegated power. Hence
our opposition to the whole scheme of reconstruction,
as essentially unconstitutional because conessedy
outside of the constitution and hence, also, our op
position to the new amendments to the organic law,
for this reason likewise, and because they were the
dictates of mere passion and done in the interest of
Radical partzanshp Our candor oblges us to confess,
that on this line of defense we have been, to
suits, as unfortunate as when referred pre-
yious differences to the sword The reconstruction
measures have been all carried, and the proposed
much part and parcel of the constitution as if they
had been originally inserted in it. No opposition to
them can be of any practical importance whatever
why continue it then But and independent too
of the fundamental question of construction, there
practical, economic issues upon which we may
enter in the approaching State elections and if
cessul in these with reasonable chance of SUCCESS
in the next Presidential election. We shall not at
tempt any enumeration of them at present, but
tent ourselves with the mention of the most i'm
pOrtant These are to oppose free trade to protec-
ton to oppose reduction of the tariff to the mini
mum of Government necessity to the present rates;
to oppose strict, honest financial administration to
the present loose and corrupt system; the untrammeled
administration Of State and local affairs, by proper
citizens and resident citizens to the constant inter-
meddling of Congress, through its and mill
tary agents in word, to oppose freedom, plain
American freedom from legislation by State and Gen
eral Government to the old and exploded idea of pro-
lection, lately ingrafted on our legislative policy.
In the Southern States could add to these issues
the right of each people to elect their own representa-
tyes as opposed to the Radical exercise Of the power
of selecting them for US; our right to levy our own
mat IF borip 1or;a ~,
at one and the time non-resdens and non tax
payers. This is sefgovernment against alien domi-
naton-which is despotsm. If we can enter the can.
yass upon such misunderstanding issues that are
obsoete-we are bound to succeed, in the State at
once, and before long in the nation by whatever name
the party may choose to call itself.
%s~--
THE GOVERNMENT IN THE ROLE OF KIDNAPPER-On
Friday night while young gentleman, whose name
suppress at the request of his friends the
supper table of Mrs Watts boarding house. three men
came into the room, one of whom went up to him and
told him he wished to speak to him. Mr. -, sup
posing that some one wished to see him on business
replied that he would speak to him in a moment. The
mysterious gentleman, however, could brook no de-
lay, and the other two coming forward the trio told
him he was their prisoner, and so escorted him from
the room, with their pistols held behind them. The
thing was done so quietly and so suddenly that the
young mans friends seem to have made no movement.
Shortly afterwards they went in search Of him, sup
posing that the captors were policemen. Nothing |
could be seen heard of him, and they were left in
anxious doubt until Saturday morning. when the mys
terry was explained if it could be called an explanation
George W. Smith, tax collector of this parish, sent
for friend of the captive, and gave him letter to
read purporting to be from him, though Smith would
only give him copy The letter stated that the wri
ter was on board the La Belle that he was under ar
rest, but did not know upon what charge; that he
would be taken to New Orleans, where he requested
that his trunk might be sent.
1t appears that after the arrest which was made by
parties claiming to be United States detectives the
prisoner taken to the military camp and there
kept until late hour of the night, when he SNUG
gled board the steamer La Belle lying at the wharf,
which boat left after midnight. Those here in sympa-
thy with the powers that be- and vino seem to chucke
greatly over this brilliant performance of the best
Government, say that he arrested a charge of
completely with whisky frauds in North Carolina The
night of the arrest his friends went to see the woman
of fellow of the name of Harkins detective and
who sneaking around the boarding house just
at dark but she knew nothing definite of the wherea
bouts of her ege lord Parties here have telegraphed
to the sheriff at Baton Rouge to endeavor to get the
prisoner released if illegally detained, and if not to
require his capors to show their authority for the ar
rest. We learn that he put in irons when taken
on board the boat.
To this complexion then, have come at last. Of
fcias Of the Government, or men claiming to be so,
come like thief in the night, and arrest citizen;
show authority for the act not only do not per-
NIT any appeal to the laws of the land but refuse him
the poor privilege of taking change of linen, and all
this without the shadow of an excuse for so pitiabe
proceeding IF they had legal authority for tie arrest
no impeachment would have been thrown in their way
and this, If the detectives themselves did not know,
heir brother sneaks here could have told them
Such acts carry the mind back to the dark ages
when the minions of despotc government kidnapped
citizens under cover of the night and hur-
led them to some political bastle or to the rack 1t
IS worse than an outrage-i is ptable, pitiable, and
yet in perfect keeping with the character of the Gov
rnment.
WE MUST shout Tina since ,s,o,.