The Ouachita telegraph. [volume] (Monroe, La.) 1865-1889, 1873-01-25


pie, which have been so fully and elo-
quently presented to him by a large
delegation Of our best citizens. Nor
should we on that account distrust the
justice, the equity and patriotism Of the
executive and legislative departments
Of tho Federal government to afford us
relief from the wrongs which have been
done to our people aud State, when
they shall be placed in full possession
Of all the facts relating thereto.
This moment Of an entire, cessation
OF national political strifes, the great
desire of the people of all sections, and
| especially of the South, to afford u gen-
erot's support to tho Federal authors
tics, and to tho constitutional policy Of
the dominant political party, of which
tho President is the chief, arc peculiar
~ favorable for such a response to our
petition and claim for rcparation and
intervention, in order to maintain the
equal political and civil rights of the
State and people of Louisiana, in tho
Union and under the Constitution.
Let us not, therefore, my fellow
citizens, despair of the just and cquita-
bic action of the Federal government,
in our defense against tho conspiracy
and wrong doing OF its own unworthy
| officials.
And that we may show ourselves en-
| titled to such relief, let lis bc truc to
| ourselves, and go forward consistently,
! firmly, and peacefully, to assert our
constitutional rights, and fulfill our con-
stitutional obligations, by tho full and
| complctc organization Of that rcp,bli-
can government, which is guaranteed
| to all the States Of this Union.
1t is in this view Of my duty now
appear before you, to accept the honor
and assume the responsibilities of Chief
Executive Of this State. Nominated
and supported by q combination of cit
izcns of various shades Of political opin-
ions, all united upon tho common OBJ
Ject Of reforming the government of tho
State, and relieving the people Of tho
burdens and evils of several Years of
NAL administration, have employed
no other means Of influencing the opir-
ions and votes of all classes of citizens,
than hy appeals to thcir intelligence,
their morality and patriotism. have
evoked no prejudiccs or passions, have
countcnanccu 40 fraud or violence, in
Justice or intimidation toward any por-
ton Of my frllowcitizcns; and if any
such or any unworthy or improper in
ullItI and n ri l,r,
III my behalf, l rrpudiatc and disown
them. AS highly as i appreciate The
honor and distinction OF the Chief Mur-
istracy of Il State endcarcd to nc by SO
many sacred tics, would never con-
sent to accept and occupy the Office un-
less with the full conviction that it was
bestowed by the honest vote of a ma
jority Of the suirragans. In this con-
viction l shall enter upon the duties of
the Office, without partisan prejudice.
without Observation-Disclosures to any class
OF our people, or any other passion that
would divert INC from the devotion Of
all my faculties and energies to every
measure which has in view the umcli-
ofation and advancement of our poIiti-
cal, social and material condition.
10 this cni shall strive TO juc,lIc,tc
feelings OF mutual good viii, rrutcrnal
confidence and respect for the equal
rights of all, and an oblivion of all past
folds and controversies among All
cl.1SrS of our people. The great changes |
in our constitutional and social systems |
resulting from our civil war will be !
faithfully and earnestly adhered TO and |
by mo. And to that large
class Of our citizens who have been clc- |
waited by these changes to perfect |
Of civil and political rights |
with those to whom they once stood i'm |
relations Of infcrInrity and scrvtudr, / |
pledge my unaWcrvinG devotion and |
defense of their rights, and my support |
OF all wise and just measures to pro- |
mote their wcliarr and happiness.
70 all classes of citizens, without re- |
gard to race, color or previous rOnui- !
ton, or to political and party di5tinc-
tons, pledge tho faith ana honor of It
loving som Of Louisiana to use NV host
effort to restore our beloved State to
that prosperity, peace, order and con-
=ltcratiOn which she once cninvcd