The Cairo bulletin. [volume] (Cairo, Ill.) 1872-1878, 1873-02-27
THE PRESIDENTS MESSAGE
ON LOUISIANA AFFAIRS.

To the senate and house of representa-.
tives:
Your attention is respectfully invited TO
the condition of affairs in the state of
Louisiana. Grave complications have
grown out of the election there on the
sixth of November last, chiefly attribute
bic, it is believed, TO an organized attempt
on tho part of those controlling the cleo.
ton officers and returns to defeat in that
election the will of the majority of the
electors of the state. Different persons
are claiming the executive offices. Two
bodies are claiming the legislative Assem-.
bly, of tho state, and confusion and the
uncertainty produced in this way fall
with paralyzed effect upon all its interests.
Controversy arose as soon as tho election
occurred, over its proceedings and results,
but declined to interfere until suit in
volving this controversy TO some oxtent,
was brought into the circuit court of tho
United States, under and by virtue Of the
act Of May 81, 1870, entitled an act to en-
force tho right of citizens of tho
United States to vote in the sev-
oral states of the Union and tor other pur-
poses. Finding that resistance was made
to the Judicial process in that suit without
any opportunity, and in my judgement,
without any right TO review the Judgment
oil the court upon jurisdictionai or other
questions arising in tho case, l directed
the United States marshal to enforce such
process and to use, If necessary, troops for
that purpose, in accordance with tho 18th
section OF said act, which provides tina, il
shall DO lawful for the president of tho
United States TO employ such part Of land
or naval forces of the United States. or
OF MALTA, as shall DO necessary, to aid in
performing Judicial process under this act.
Two bodies Of persons claimed to DO re-
turning boards for the state, and circuit
court IN that case decided that tho one to
which Lynch belonged. and designated by
ms name was the lawful returning board,
and this decision has been repeatedly nl-
hsheo ny the district and supreme courts
of the state.
Having no opportunity or power to Gu n
vass votes and the exigencics of the cuse
demanding an immediate decision, l con.
ceIei 1t to- he my duty to recopniza
those persons. us elected who received and
held their credentials to office from what
then appeared to me to DO and has since
been decided by tho supreme court of tho
state to be the legal returning board.
Coniqrmatle to the decisions Of this board
full set Of state officers has been in.
stalled, and the legislative assembly or.
ganized, constituting, it not do lure, at
least dc iacto government, |
which since some time in
December last has had Possession of
the Offices and been exercising the usual
powers oi government. But opposed to
this has been another government claim.
ING TO control tho affairs Of the state, nnd |
winch has to some extent been pro Jor,aa |
organized. Recent investigation Ut ssid
election has developed SO many frauds and |
forgeries as TO make it doubtful wha, can.
dldaies received majority OF Votes aclu. |
Any cast, and III view Vt this fact vsric- |
" oil action has been proposed. / have |
no specihc recommendation 10 make upon |
the subject, but II there is my practical |
way oil removing these difficulties by Leg. |
isiation, then l earnestly request that such |
action may be taken during tho present
session of congress.
1t seems advisable that ! should state
now what course | shall feel bound To
pursue IN reference to matters ia the
event of no action by congress ut this
time, subject TO any satisfactory arrange
ment that may DO made by the parties to
the controversy, which Of all things Is
most desirable. 1t will 10 nv duty so ].
lar as 1T may be Necessary for me to act,
10 adhere to that government Heretofore
recognized by me. To Judge OF the cleo.
ton and qualifications of its members ia
the exclusive province OF the senate IA i,
Is also the exclusive province ofthe house
to judge Of tho election and qualiacstions
OF It's members. But as 20 state oilices
hlied and held under state laws
and decision of state judicial
tribunals, II seems to DO respected. Lam
extremely anxious to avoid any appear.
ance OF undue interference in state Affairs
ana II congress differs from me nc TO what
ought to be done, l respectfully urge il,
decision to that effect. Otherwise [ sbsu
feel obliged, as far as / can by the exercise
Of legitimate authority, to put an end 10
inc controversy which disturbs the peace
and Pro'trstes the business of Louisisns
by the recognition and support of Thai
government which is recognized and Inn.
held by the courts Of the state.
lSigned.] us. 9xAsr
Executive Mansion, Fec. rs, 1873.