New Orleans Republican. [volume] (New Orleans, La) 1867-1878, 1872-03-12

emigration from the border States. and thu
enable them to own the State, as it were!
Pinchback-Well, no. Emigration j
likely to set in here, but such an idea a
you allude to l don't believe ever entere
their heads.
ON THE CARPET BAGGERs.
Reporter-What is your real opinion G
the calpet bag element, and how are the
now regarded by your race?
Pinchback-Well, it wouldn't exactly
Tor me to tell my opinion Of the carpet bag
gers. Generally speaking, they out-Hero
HerOd in love for the negro until they ge
an office, and then they grow colder towar
their benefactOrs than any Southern MAJ
ever was or possibly can be. While pei
fectly willing to reap all benefits, they mel
vously dodge all responsibilities. The.
eagerly accept my hospitality, but rarel.
extend theirs, and only then in sneaking
unmanly manner, intensely disgusting to
Southerner do not wish to be understood
| as making this applicable to all, for Their
are some good men among them. men WHOM
this State may yet be proud of.
RepOrter-DOn't you think we could ge
along very we'll without them
| Pinchback Laughingl l dom
| think we could just at present, Tor one o
| them seems to have sent you here to inter
| view me.
ON THE REFORM MEASURES.
Reporter-Were you individually, or as
the representative OF your race, opposed tt
the reform measures demanded by the
white people, and if so, which!
Pinchback-I was opposed to total re-
peal of the election and registration laws
l was willing they should be amended; but
the others l was in favor of, and so used my
Influence.
Reporter-Why were you opposed to the
repeal of the election aud registration laws.
Observation-Disclosures believed they were
necessary to secure peaceable election.
RepOrter-Are you satisfied with the new
laws, and do YOU think they will secure a
peaceable and fair election
Pinchback-I am satified
RepOrter-DO you not think what is now
understood as reform in Louisiana is the
true policy Of every citizen,
Pinchback-That depends entirely upon
how you understand this cry of reform in
Louisiana. We all want Reform white and
colored but does the cry Of reform now
really meaH reform! = -.
Reporter think it does, but please ex-
plain more clearly.
Pinchback-I am afraid that many of the
men who are SO loud-mouthed about reform
are actuated by merely selfish motives If
understand It properly the reform move
ment by the whole people is reduction in
taxation, efficient and honest men in office,
and economical administration of govern
ment: but If reform simply meapsthe over
threw OF the Republican party, am no re-
former.
ON THE ATTITUDE OF THE COLORED PEOPLE.
Reporter-In your opinion is there any
danger or likelihood OF the colored people
of this State organizing themselves into a
distinct party antagOnistic to the whites
Pinchback-I know that there is no such
intention among them.
Reporter-If such a project was started
do you believe it could be carried out sue
Pinchback-I am positive it could not, for
several reasons: First. they lack the neces-
sary means; second. they are deficient in
the necessary organizing talent: third, in
such an event l am confident the much
dreaded conflict of races would inevitably
result therefrom, and that all. intelligent
and good men must deprecate and prevent.
THE GRANT MIDDLE.
Reporter-As far as your observations
nave extended, Governor, do YOU think the
sentiment of the colored people of this State
lccOrds with Governor Warmoth's declared
Intention of opposing Grant
Pinchback-I do not. | know that the
eading colored men are all friendly to the
President, and nothing but com bination
If General Grants Customhouse friends |
with the Democratic or Reform party can |
ilienate the colored vote of this State from |
i'm.
Reporter-Are you friend and partisan
# General Grant in the political contest!
Pinchback-That is an important ques-
ion, requiring delberatiOn. | never like
o shoot OFF my gun half cooked, aud, before
committing myself to any man Or any poll
:, want to know exactly what it is. When
have ascertained Grants views and inten-
ions toward the colored people ofthis State.
'hom | represent, will be able to answer
specifically: not till then.
RepOrter-Have you as yet taken any
leasures to inform yourself on this point!
Pinchhack-I have not. but intend to
o 80 soon.
keporter-HOw soon
Pinchback-I expect to go to Washington
thin fortnight, expressly for that pur-
ose. and when l come back will answer
on finally and fully.
Repor ter-Are you opposed to or suspi-
ous of General Grant at present!
Pinchback-No: but it is rumored here
lat General Grant has expressed willing
lie hands of the Democracy, providing he
an get the electoral vote. IT this be true,
shall be compel,edMstO oppose him. But
0 not understand me as ctediting this ru-
lor. Ny relations with President Grant
70 at present most friendly, and it is in
der to ascertain the truth or falsity of this
lmor that my trip to Washington is CON
mplated.
PINCH ON WARMOTH
Reportcr-DO you regard Governor War
oths influence and power with the colored
1ters as increased or diminished by bis re-
,ntlv enunciated sentiments published in
e Times interview
PincEback-I don't think il helped him
".
Reporter-What do you think of the
,licy pursued by Governor Warmoth in
curing legislative majorities on several
casions, when it was well known that
lblic sentiment was against him.
Pinchback-Id do not think Governor War
oth's influence with the Legislature ex-
nded to the length the public seems to
.agine in controlling legislative action. In
ct, don't think anybody on earth could s
ntrol the House of Representatives.
Eeporter-Has not the Governor mani
sted some apprehensions of late that you ,
Duld 90 over TO the Reform party.
hback-Not to my knowledge. What =,
you mean by going over to the Reform
rty!
mean giving in your adher-
ce to the party born Of the Committee of
fty-one.
Pinchback-Not to my knowledge. We =
It'll advocated reform within the Repub-
an party. Our relations are friendly, !
ID, as far as | know. in political unison q
ION State matters. =
Reporter-ln the session Of 1871 you
ere the acknowledged leader Of the oppo- {
ion to Warmoth, and constantly solicited
against him. What reasons had YOU
T such direct change of sentiment!
Pinchback-I 1t grew out of political COM u
ications in the Republican party, such as '