The Opelousas courier. [volume] (Opelousas, La.) 1852-1910, 1872-07-13
ADDRESS
OF THE
De1nOcra tic State Central Conn.
Rnittee
TO THE PEOPLE OE LOELSLA NJ

Since theIadiournment of the late Democrat
ic Convention the State Central Committee
has not been inactive, but deemed it the part
of wisdam and prudence for the party to re-
main quiet for time. Conscious Of its
strength, sensible of its deep and lasting hold
upon the confidence and affection of the true
| people of the State, well knowing that upon
its arm alone depends the deliverance of the
people both of the Union and the State from
! the grievous burdens imposed by their relent-
| less 1ask-masters, founded upon principle as
| uuor rock, it was deemed unnecessary by
| noisy demonstrations. or public meetings, or
addresses, to assert it's undying vitality.
The ConveRtion of our foes was soon to
meet @ at Baton Rouge and it was thought
| prudent to refrain from any demonstration
| that was likely to Epite them, and ALSO to
await the developments of their Convention.
The result has vindicatsd the wisdom OF our
policy.
| asm is returning to the heart OF all trne men.
The Baton Rouge Convention has met, and
failing to satisfy the views OF it's party the
Radical camp is descendant and full Of dis
content and open mutiny.
The Liberal wing of the Republican Basty
deceived by our seeming inaction, and eng
| boldened by the dissensions of their late
bsetEerp, issued an address and call for a con-
| vsntion, signed by near three thousand
| names. 81
| 1t was an imposing Gallon paper. Let
| Democrats in the country remember that in
| this city are 800 metropolitan policemen, near
| 1000 men employed in the Department of inn
provements thousand others, perhaps, from
| the various other Offices, the State House, the
offices of Assessors, Collectors, Sheriff Justice,
Constables, Recorders, all of whom are under
the absolute control of tile leader of the Lib
| eral movement. sg
Some hasty, but true-hearted and honest
Democrats sighed that call, but they were
those who deemed the ratification of Greeley's
M of hU fha Raltiruapn EoOyepfi0n
foregone conclusion, and in the battle for the
salvation of the State none will be found truer
than they are.
But let us remark, that while we find no
fault with them, it is more dignihed to await
the action of the National Convention, and
then with firm array and disciplined step to
| move forward to the support of the candidates
of its choice. Then, SO far as the Drmocratic
party of Louisiana is concerned, it stands TO-
day firm, strong, united, with the wrongs of
this people burning in it's heart, with the hope
| of their redemption. nerving its arm In front
of a divided and demoralized foe.
1t appeals to it's history TO demonstrate that
II has always been the champion of the oppres-
sed, of honest industry, OF the working man,
ofcammercial, State and Federal administra-
tions, as against the oppressor, this monopo'
list, aggregated capital, and the prohigate
squanderers of State and national treasure.
Calling to the naturalized citizen, the DEM
ocratie party brings to his memory its over
GhEUW " niLeA e1nts 5ptftelVli
laws" enacted by the Centralsts, the legitf-
mate father Of Radiealism, which were lew
eled at the rights of the foreigner who had
sought an asylum upon American soil, before
the beginning of the present century Lit asks
him also to remember it's championship OF his
rights as an American freeman in 1912 and
in 1856 against the hostile attack of 1.Know
Notlingism."
Toevery citizen. regardless of his race or
yast political associations, it speaks and in
4 AI..,h,
ent corrupt and infamous State and National
Administrations.
| Urder National Radical rule nearly every
yestige of liberty is detroyed. 1t has subOr-
dinated the civil to the military law.
Courts martial have usurped the functions
The armies and navies of the United States
have been used to coeree political conventions
and to control State elections.
Citizens for alleged political ofenses. have
been arrested, dragged before strange fribu-
mails, and, almost without hearing or testinl0-
ny, have been consigned to weary terms of
penal seryitude and subjected to baukrupting
fines.
The writ of habeas corpus is suspended and
well nigh destroyed.
Federal power and ruled over by mere sol
diers, with powers more absolute than
Roman procOnsul or Turkish vicerOY. ~
| The wealth, the intelligence and liberties OF
the proud people of the South are turned over
to the rule of barbarian ignorance and the
greed of nameless and unprincipled strangers.
Grievous and enormous monopolies are eree-
ted which by the aggregation OF capital are
rendered dangerous foes to honest industry
and popular liberty.
Taxes and imposts are imposed on the labor
ing many for the benefit of the privileged
| few.
The honest arm Of industry is crushed down,
/ money Is coined rom the very sweet of labor's