The Ouachita telegraph. [volume] (Monroe, La.) 1865-1889, 1871-04-08
FARNIERvILLE, UNION PARISH, la.
March 21th, ISL.

.GRAPH, since my return home, have
Noticed structures on the conduct of the
members of the last Legislature, in
which, it seems to me, you aim to con-
vey the impression that It is not certain
but all the members of that body are
corrupt without exception and, in
your last, you say: "Surely the last
Legislature Of Louisiana must have
been the worst body Of men on earth.
The press Of the State cannot find lam
guage to express the idea. We are re-
ally anxious to find out the exact situa-
ton of things, and we would suggest
that some of the Democratic members
give a full explanation Of their actions.
In the denunciations of the press and
people there seems to be no honorable
exceptions. We know some men in
that Legislature, and we shall be slow
to believe that they had any part in the
Corruption
Now, sir, it is wondrous strange that
an enterprising journalist like yourself,
with the full and complete record Of
every member of the Legislature before
him, and, in addition thereto, the daily
comments of the city press on the differ
ent measures as they were being dis
posed of by that body, should find him.
self, three weeks after the adjournment,
under the necessity of calling On men,
hers to-explain their actions to Avoid
the odium that attaches to the betrayal
of public trust and the prostitution of
private character. Stranger still, when
it is remembered that some Of those
members whom you call on for an ex-
PLANTATION of their actions have the
honor to enjoy your personal acquain
lance. Besides, from the very locality
of their homes you have the benefit of
the constant interchange of information
among the people touching the conduct
of their Representatives. Has not the
TELEGRAPH equal facilities with the
balance of the press i'll acquiring infor-
nation? Is it true that the TELE-
GRAPH, which has hitherto displayed
such commendable activity in securing
useful Information, now finds itself
completely iii the dark concerning this
| matter, after the other portions of the
press of the State have formed and rem
| dered n unanimous verdict? You say
that the press, in its Genunciations,
makes no exceptions. The verdict,
therefore, must be 'sguilty" without a
dissenting voice. But you suggest that
an explanation is necessary on the part
of some. So far as L am individually
concerned, will inform you that, when
! you come to know me better, you will
uASSoSSA Stistt WHICH, ave " cffitu"
my public actions in order to free them
from the shadow of corruption, will
: .cc2se to claim the immunities Of con-
scious int t5si 900
The record of each member is public
property, and by that let him be judged.
! You say that you know some men in
| that Legislature, and intimate that you
! have some confidence in their integrity.
| Would not a just regard for their repu-
tation have induced you to withhold
any insinuations Of their possible guilt?
at least during the s'Otc process of
your mental operations before arriv-
ing at conviction?
| IT strikes me that it would be more
consonant to true dignity and the nobler
aspirations Of patriotism, to give ell
enlargement and support to those who
| are faithful to the true interest of our
! State, as it passes through this terrible
ordeal, than to labor to place them all
under the ban of suspicion. But of this
every man must be his own Judge. !
am willing to let my record take care
of itself.
Very respectfully,
Your Obdt. Scrvt.,
II. w. FUTCH.
We are glad to hear from Hon. II. W.
Futch, but had much rather he would