The south-western. [volume] (Shreveport, La.) 1852-1870, 1870-05-25
From the New Orleans Republican.
Mr.. McVean Visits Caddo.

We have heard of public receptions and ovations
being rendered public by their constituents afte
protracted absence from home, but the demonstra
tons that recently made by the good people o.
Shreveport toward Representative McVean, upon his
return, after long Absence to that blssu abode
of a more sensational order than is usual upon
these usually propitious occasions.
This gentleman, who has represented Cadlo in the
lower branch Of the Legislature for the last wears
no doubt felt it duty to make at least flying visit
to bis constituents and to explain TO them the reason
of his long absence and hayit apologzed for his
neglect in this respect it was no doubt, his intention
to convince them that though absent he had not been
unmindfu of their interest that their representa-
tive, he had caused things be done in the Leg
islature that calculated to specially benefit
Shreveport
It is true be went North last summer, after the ad-
journment of the Legislature, without visiting Shreve
port, but he went on important Observation-Disclosures
that could not well be deferred or be performed by
any other person. He went to get married. and ac-
compshod that feat without in any manner neglecting
his duties member of the Legislature from Caddo.
He was promptly on hand when the Legislature con-
vened last winter, and ready to higher
sponsbilities for the honor and welfare of bis constt
uents, when it discovered his colleague from Cad
do, Hon. C. W. Lowell, had determined resign the
Speakership of the House
Representative McVean undoubtedly felt that the
honor of the speakership should not depart from
Caddo and therefore determined to battle for it. and
made the best fight possible under the circumstances
to continuation of the honors to the banner
parish of Republicanism in this State. He did not
succeed it is true but his effort to sustain the honor
and glory of his constituency and parish none the
less praiseworthy and this should have had something
to do in the manner Of reception that was in store for
him upon his return to Caddo which did not take
place until recently.
After the adjournment of the extra session, Repre-
sentative McV can lost time in repairing to the base
H. {io
people of his parish were endowed with warlile
lures, that some Of them still continued to dislike
Yankees, and would occasional "cuss one; but he
not prepared to find many of them unreconstruct
ed and still belgerent He supposed the reconstruc
ton remedies had been applied with good effect, and
that the State, being represented in Congress,
constructed the basis of peace and good will among
men, and therefore it would be perfectly safe for him
to return to the bosom of his constituency, although
he had been absent some time.
He knew that many of them were c0l0red men, but
this did not make him lose confidence. He felt that
the ratification of the fifteenth amendment had settled
the status of the colored all over the broad do
main of this country-in Louisiana well az New
York in every State alike embraced within the circle
of the American Union.
Thus fortified he ventured to pay his respects to The
voters of Caddo, never doubling or suspectng that
the demonstrations that were in store for him could
be anything but peaceable and pleasant; doubt
ing but that he could go in out of Shreveport with
out exciting the wrath of any of its freedom-lovng
people But in this he wofully mistaken.
The story of reconstruction in Shreveport proved
myth to the honorable member who was seeking an
interview with his constituents. The demonstrations
that greeted him not of friendly kind and had
it not been for the United States troops that still
stationed in the town it is pretty certain that Repre-
setatiVe McVean would have been spirited away to
" that bourne whence traveller returns" Under
escort of troops he luckily succeeded in getting
hoard of Steamboat that hr0uuht him safely hack
this city
What doea it mean--such conduct as this? II the
people of Shreveport reconstructed is not this
duet very strange? If reconstructed is about time
they willing to respect the laws and the rights of
others. They dislike and like whom they please
but this should not empower them at all to debar
others from doing the same; and it is not right that
one portion should presume to speak and act for
another portion not leaving them free act for them
selves. This it not American freedom and until that
can be enjoyed in Shreveport the people prop
ery reconstructed