The south-western. [volume] (Shreveport, La.) 1852-1870, 1870-02-09
Mass Meeting in New Orleans.


immense, though orderly and dignifed," meeting in
Lafayette Square, the object of which to protest
against the runous legislation the part of the
called representatives of the people. series of
lutions read from which extract the following
A. ReSolyed That not here as the opponents
or advocates of any particular financial railroad
scheme schemes pending or that may be here
after introduced into the Legislature but declare
ourselves unalteraby opposed to any increase in the
liabilities of the State, and equally opposed to all
schemes which propose to establish monopoes or con-
fer exclusive rights privileges upon individuals OF
corporations, believing as we do that all such legisla
ton tends to repress competition to shacke and EN-
barrass commerce. is destructive of liberty and at
with the fundamental principles of free government.
Several speeches were made, and much feeling mani
tested by the crowd. Mr. William Randolph in speak
ing of the infamous bills designed for public plumber
said
Reputation is a remedy, if other remedies fail
This people will pay every honest debt but more
Applause.
The speaker believed the Governor would veto these
bills, but if he did not, power must be resisted by
power. The Governor could endear himself to the
people if he would; but should he fall public con-
venton, no matter how called, could and would do
what he may fail to accomplish. We will not submit
to robbery by taxation, in the face of standing
army, such as the militia bills provide.
He then referred to the Jefferson City bill:
This is simply bill of abomnations 1t is designed
not to defend, but to plumber the country and take
away the liberties of the people WHAT'S to be done
A Voice" Kill him !"
Oh, no not yet But put your foot down and say
that this thing shall not be. There is power in the
fixed determination of the people. Manifest this de-
termination, and if the bills then passed. do the
people of Boston once did to the minons of George
the Third; do Oliver Cromwell did in like emer
gency. The speaker would not say treat them as
Charles the First was treated-ths would be last re
sort.
Judge Cotton was then called to the stand:
The speaker reviewed the various appropriations
of the Legislature, including the 81 100000 to be
given to the Chattanooga Railroad. He denied that
any benefit was designed expected accrue to the
State from these appropriations. 1t simply Civ
ing away the public treasure to advance their ndivid
ua interests, and this too, when the treasury of the
State exhausted, and the people impoverished by
the burdens of onerous taxation. You cannot be re-
eved of this heavy Indebtedness in three generations
1t has been sweed to s6OOOO,00O. What is to be
done with a Legislature that does these things
A Voice" Lynch them !"
No. not that but repudiate them Immense APP
plause. Give notice to the world that you will not
pay dollar of these bonds. Let it be known in the
North in Europe, and the world that you will repudi
ae tueln anu theh erect Legislature thaC Will lhG9
nantly wipe from the statute book these odous mea
Say to the Legislature that they have exceeded
their authority, and the people will hold them to
strict accountability.
Voice" Where are we to find them after they
adjourn?"
Possibly they will Turk back to their original obscu-
rity-some will go travelling upon ilIgotten wealth
will walk your streets with the brand of Cain
their brow, too low to be despised too contemplate
for revenge. This will probably be their end
All this sounds very we'll and these efforts to check
the Legislature in its reckless appropriation ofthe pub
lie money deserve commentator and yet the thought
will intrude itself upon mind that possibly, nay,
probably some of the most loud-mouhed of that as
semblage left the seek secret association with
nounced.