Burlington weekly free press. [volume] (Burlington, Vt.) 1866-1928, 1873-03-07
NUMBER 80.
Louisiana.


MESSAGE TRON TIE PRESIDENT.
To the Senate and House of Representa-
hres Your attention srespectfully invited
to the condition of affairs in the State of
Louisiana. Grave complications have grown
out of the election there on the 9th of
November last, chiefly attributed. 1t Is be-
lieyed, TO an organized attempt on the part
OF those controlling the election officers and
returns to defeat in that election the will of
majority Of the electors Of the State DIFF
terent persons are claiming the executive
oihees. Two bodies are claiming to be the
Legislative Assembly Of the State. and the
confusion and uncertainty produced in this
way fall with paralyzing effect upon all its
interests.
y controversy arose, as soon as the elec-
ton occurred, over its results and proceed
ings, but | declined TO interfere until a
suit, involving this controversy to some ex-
tent, was brought into the Circuit Court of
the United States. under and by virtue of
the act Of Nav 81, 1871, entitled an
act to enforce the right of citizens of the
United States to vote in the several States of
the Union, and for other purposes. Finding
that resistance was made to judicial pro-
cess IN that suit, without any opportunity
and IN my judgment without any right to
review the judgment of the court upon the
JurlsdlctiOnal or other questions arising in
the case, | directed the United States Mar
shal to enforce such process, and 10 use, if
necessary, troops for that purpose. in ac-
cordance with the 18th section Of said act,
which provides that it shall be lawful for
the President of the United States to employ
such part Of the land or naval forces of the
United States, or Of the militia, a. shall be
necessary 10 aid IN the execution of Judi
cial process. Under this act, two bodies of
persons claimed to be the Returning Board
Of the State, and the Circuit Count in that
case decided that the one to which Lynch
belonged, usually designated by his name,
was the lawful Returning Board, and this
decision has been repeatedly affirmed by the
District and the Supreme Courts Of the
State.
Having no opportunity or power to can
vass the votes. and the exigencies of the case
demanding an immediate decision, ! con-
ceived it to be my duty % recognize those
persons as elected who received and held
their credentials to Office from what then
appeared to me TO be, and has since been de
cided by the Supreme Court Of the State To
be the legal Returning Board. Contorma
bly, to the decisions OfthIs board. full set
of State officers has been installed, and
Legislative Assembly organized, constitu-
ting if not de Jure at least ID facfo
Government, which since some time in De
cember last has had possession of the offices
and been exercising the usual powers of
government; but opposed TO this has been
another government claiming u control the
affairs of state, and which has to some ex
tent been pro torH.a organized. \ recent
Investigation Of the election has developed
50 many frauds and forgeries as to make it
doubtful what candidates received a MAORI
ty Of the votes actually cast, and in view Of
these iactsa variety Of action has been pro-
posed.
| have no specific recommendation 10
make upon the subject, but if there i any
practical way OF removing these difficulties
by legislation, then earnestly request that
such action may be taken at the present
session Of Congress. 1t seems advisable
that should state now what course | shall
feel bound to pursue in reference to the
matter in the event Of no action by Con-
gress. At this time. subject to any satls-
factory arrangement that may be made BY
the parties u the controversy, which Of all
things Is the most desirable, it will be my
duty, 50 far as it may be necessary for me 70
act, TO adhere 70 that government hereto
fore recognized by me. To Judge OF the
election and qualification Of its members l.
the exclusive province of the Senate. n II
is also the exclusive province Of the
House To Judge of the election and
qualification Of It's members but
as to State Offices. filed and held
under State laws, the decisions of the State
judicial tribunal, it seems to me, ought to
be respected. | am extremely anxious To
avoid any appearance Of undue Interference
in State affairs, and if Congress differs from
me as to what ought 70 he done respect
fully urge IL immediate decision to that
effect. Otherwise | shall feel obliged, a
far as | can by the exercise of legitimate
authority. To put an end to the unhappy
controversy, which di>turbs the peace and
prostrates the business of Louisiana, by the
recognition and support Of that government
which Is recognized and upheld BY the
courts of the State.
(Sigued) l. ;. GRANT.
Executive Mansion, Feb. p, 1913