New Orleans Republican. [volume] (New Orleans, La) 1867-1878, 1870-03-04
W1oKLIPPE,s CONVICTION.

4
| All honor to the Senate of Louisiana.
By an almost unanimous vote, that body
has declared that dish onest man, an ex-
tortioner, a faithle,s servant of the people.
shall no longer disgrace one of the highest
positions in the State than is necessary to
prove his guilt. In obedience to their
irreversible but just fat, Wickliffe has
been elected from high position, to
which be had been elected by confding
people, and goes forth with the brand of
shame forever affixed to his guilty fore
head. His fate may serve as o warning
to all who hold responsible positions, that
peculation and faithlessness will not be
tolerated by the Republican party in this
State. And while we may be permitted to
credit our party with an act which purges
it of an unworthy member, let us not
withhold the due mede of praise from the
Democratic members of both the Senate
and the House, who joined hands with
their political opponents in according
justice to the people.
The testimony in the case is long, and
the examination was tedious; yet the
members bore the fatigue with patience
and determination to hear every thing
on the subject, and deal justly. This they
have done. To the managers appointed
by the House to conduct the case on the
part of the State, especial praise is due.
To Messrs. McMiIlen and Lowell was as
signed the brunt of the contest with the
able and astute counsel of the accused.
and right uobly did they perform the duty
allotted to them. Mr.. McMillen opened
the argument on Wednesday in speech
of great power, and showing much re-
search and acquaintance with the subject.
He presented the case so clearly, and with
such cutting precision as to carry con-
viction of guilt to the mind of every
listener. His remarks had an evident
effect upon the leading COUNSEL for Wick
life, T. ]. Semmes, Esq, who, apparently
dispairing Of clearing his client, devoted
his great energy, splendid elocution and
powerful oratory to a general denunci- |
alton of everybody, his unfortunate client
included.
Mr.. Lowell closed the debate in a |
speech which we shall have the pleasure
of laying before our readers, as taken |
down by the official stenographer. 1t is
no disparagement to the other able speak
ers to say that Mr.. Lowelrs speech was
the master effort of the trial. To him has
been assigned the task of sitting on the
House committee to take the preliminary
examination, make the report to House,
md subsequently, as one of the managers,
% take the lead in the conduct of the case
before the Senate.
Thus closes this important trial. JUS
ice is indicated, and crime receives its
lue punishment. The majesty and dignity
If the law are fully indicated.
When proceedings were first Instituted
gainst Wichlife, we were slow to be-
ieve in the enormity of his guilt. 1t ap-
,eared to US impossible that one occupy
ng so high position, with every pros
'ect ola long continuance of public favor.
ould prove so false to those who trusted
i'm. But as time advanced, and page
fter page of the damning evidence was
the REPUBLICAN became satisfied
f his utter unworthiness, and demanded |
lis removal from Office. As. in every-
hing else this paper has undertaken, we
ave succeeded.
But to Governor Warmoth is due, from
rst to last, the chief credit of exposing {
Vickliffe's acts of turpitude, and bringing
i'm to justice. The Governor has long
cen satisfied of the guilt of the Auditor,
nd took early action for bringing him to
'ial. The evidence presented before the =
irst District Court was sufficiently con- ,
usive; the case was ably conducted by +
7. Il. Hunt, Esq, and Judge Abel t
narged the jury on the law with ability q
nd accuracy. But jury screened the I
risoner from punishment, and extended
s lease of official peculation for another
K months.
Every decent citizen rejoices at the re-
lit of the trial, and hopes that Louisiana
ay never again be cursed with such an !.
1worthy and corrupt official