New Orleans Republican. [volume] (New Orleans, La) 1867-1878, 1872-02-06

y
| Mississippi, and it is believed, with view
to assist the mob in forcibly and illegally
! revOlutiOnizing the State government. In
| view Of the fact that the telegraph offices
are closed during the day not only here, but
| in Washington, and that the telegraph here
| is in the hands and under control of men
who sell dispatches, and who would not hes
itate to delay them, and the danger that
| they may be in accord with the revolution
| lists. and in view of the fact that your course
! so far has been approved at Washington, l
| earnestly hope that you will reconsider your
action in regard to your proper duty under
the circumstances.
Among these memoranda was an Or0er
from General Grant directing the disposi-
tion of the troops in case OF riot, and pro-
viding for posting them at or near the
quell the disturbance.
Questions were many that followed the
reading Of the statement, to all of which
the Governor invariably answered readily,
frankly and pointedly. The $40" organiza-
ton which had been notified to be on the
corner of Canal and Dryades street ''sharp,"
was alluded to by the Governor as a secret
political association, all Democrats, as he
was informed by a prominent Democratic
politician, whose name he would like to be
excused from giving.
Question-YOu have spoken of two coali-
tions: when was the tirst2
Answer-In 1871. 1t was proposed not
effected.
Question-Was it the design Of that coali-
tion to impeach yOu!
Answer-I think not.
QuestiOn-WhO was the proposed candi-
date of this coalition for your places
Answer-They fattered Lieutenant Gov
ernOr Dunn with the idea, but / do not
think they had any such intention.
Question-What was the purpose of the
January coalition!
Answer-TO impeach me.
QuestiOn-What makes you think so!
Answer was told on credible authority,
read it in the papers, and heard it talked OF
by individuals.
Question-Would that deprive you of
your office!
Answer-It would suspend me, by rea-
son of constitutional provisions. Having
accomplished this much, they would refuse
to try me until after the next general cleo
ton. Then, declaring the illegality of Mr.
Pinchback's election, Mr.. Carter, being the
alleged constitutional Speaker, would
assume the functions of the executive
This was the plan, think.
QuestiOn-When was the extraordinary
session of the Senate called
Answer-The sixth of December.
Question-Was there any necessity for it !!
Answer think SO. There were many
printing contracts to be annulled, and, be-
sides, if l had died Mr.. Carter would have
been Governor, and l wanted to save
my people that calamity.
Question-Was not the prime reason the
desire to get Griend of your own in the
Office
Answer-No; had that been the motive,
it could as easily have been effected on the
first of January as on the sixth of Decem-
Der.
Question-You were sure of success,
then!
Answer-Certainly.
observation-disclosures you have such control
over the Legislature!
Answer-NO replied the Governor smil-
ing): because l am SO popular with the
people.
Question-Did you know of the motive of
Mr.. Carr to unseat the Speaker
Answer was aware that such move
ment would be made.
Question-How did you give notice OF the
extra session!
Answer-In the usual way.
Question-Was there any effort on the
part of yourself or your friends to keep the
knowledge this call from the Carter mem
bers.
Answer-On the contrary, an effort was
made to advise them of it.
QueStlOn-W as tucrc any otHcT paper
purpOrting to be a request Of the members
of the House to you ever sent you but the
one you have read!
Answer-NOt that am aware Of
QuestiOn-Did that request originate in
the House, or was it suggested by yous
Answer-It originated in the House, and
was not suggested by me.
Question-DO you require your appoint
ees to give you their designations in
| blank
Answer-I do not-have never done 80.
When the present charter of the city went
into effect | retained the blank designations
of the Administrators Of Assessments, Com
merce and Improvements, and the Mayor.
This was done because it was anew departure
in the municipal government, and left upon
me, i'll their appointment, grave RESPONSE
bility. The city too, was in disturbed
condition. and to relieve me from almost
inevitable embarrassment something should
be devised to lessen the burden of these
responsibilities. 1t was then that these gen
tlemen-my appointees to the City Coun-
cil-Of their own accord offered me
their designations in blank. Whilst
having the utmost confidence in my
appointments then, l, for the reasons
have indicated, accepted this power
of attorney. l hold no other. 1t has
been stated here that l held Senator
never held 1t. Mr.. Packard once told me
he understood l had it, and if l would ac-
cept it he and his friends would elect me
to the Senate in his place. / thought this
was to get rid of me, but l told Mr. Pack
ard that l did not have it; if l had l was
not old enough to go to the Senate; if was
old enough and had the resignation, Mr..
Packard and his friends couldn't elect any
body.
Question-Was not Mr.. West elected by
a coalition of the Republicans and Demo-
Gratis.
Answer-Yes, sir.
Question-Your people, then, were acting
with the Democrats!
Answer-No, the Democrats were acting
with us.
Question-What was the cause of it.
Answer-The prevalent fear of the Demo-
Gratis that colOred man would be elected,
and the strong personal influence OF Cen
eral West and his family with the Demo
Gratis.
Question-It has been stated here that
when Lieutenant Governor Dunn began to
| develop strength for the gubernatOrial can
didacy you sought friends almost exclu-
| sively among the white people. Is that true!
Answer-It is not in the abstract. have
sought the confidence of the entire people,
but by official fairness and not otherwise.
have never sighted or neglected the col
ored people. have been taken to task by
Carter newspapers and Democratic oracles
in coalition with them for this alleged
cause, but it too clearly indicated the selfish
purposes they had in view.
Question-The object was then to COM
bine all the elements they could in favor of
the Customhouse party!
Answer-Yes, sir.
Question-How have the United States
Senators from this State divided on your
difficulties!
hoe