New Orleans Republican. [volume] (New Orleans, La) 1867-1878, 1873-10-31
1eNoRINa THE PEOPLE.

together in the summer Of 1872 under the
magic influence of that good old Demo-
cratic rule that proclaimed ''to the victors
belong the spoils.' The Fusion party
was made up of the odds and ends OF all
parties that under the pretense of looking
after the best interests of the State, We're
really looking for the spoils Of office.
There was what was left of the Democratic
party. split into two wings, one extremely
combative and the other protesting TO be
conservative. Then there was the Reform
party that set oft with the grand purpose OF
reforming the evils of the Democratic and
Republican parties, a party that was COM
posed of tax-resisters and Democrats And
next in this strange admixture of political
elements. comes the Liberal Republican
party, made up of Louisiana Republican
soreheads and scheming politicians of all
stripes. The strength of this party, within
this State, was supposed to be in Cover
nor Warmoth, and this finally reconciled
the Democratic and Reform parties to the
necessity of entering into a contract
with the Liberal Republicans to secure
the defeat Of the Republican State ticket:
not by an expression of the will OF the
majority of voters, but by q suppression
Of that will. This was expected to be
done by Governor Warmoth, whose power
over ballot-boxes and voters was supposed
to be equal to the emergency: and with
the understanding that that power would
be used to accomplish the defeat Of the
Republican State ticket, there was fusion
of certain political elements and new
party born and christened 'Fusion."
This is the pure and noble party that pro-
posed to expeE corruption and restore
''the pristine glory and honor Of the Com
monwealth - But fortunately the first
attempt of ''the true sons of our noble
State () to get possession Of its political
Offices by ignoring the people, was
thwarted by a law of the federal govern
ment, securing republican government to
each State. The honest enforcement Of
this law prevented the Fusion cam
didates from usurping the government Of
the State, and was the means of sustain
ing the decisions of the courts of the State.
Supreme and district, relating to the
election, and determining who were law
fully elected. These decisions, together
with the action OF the Legislature, re-
suited in favor of Governor Kellogg and
the other gentlemen at present composing
the State government. OF course, the
validity of their election established the
legality of the Legislature and its action
in electing Mr.. Pinchback a member of
the United States Senate. But these
things have not occurred without causing
the determined and persistent opposition
Of the leaders Of the Fusion party. who
for time undoubtedly carried with them
quite sprinkling OF cur ''oidest and
best citizens. some Of whom We're posi-
bly, misled 60 believe they were working
to purify the political administration of
poor Louisiana. The matter was carried
to Congress: congressional! committee
was directed to take testimony. and after
remaining in session many days and pa
tiently hearing many witnesses they made
a report more favorable one 70 the Flu.
sionists saan they had cause to expect
and far more favorable than could be OBJ.
tanned again under The circumstances.
Yet that repos: was no: sufficient to sat-
isfy Congress that Louisiana was
without republican form Of gov
or that those who were
administering !: we're no: there in ODE.
disnee to the will OF the people. Con.
g~ss vas undoubtedly convinced that
Louisiana las a republican form of gov
tLa. 81 constitution based
upon sepubIcan principles; il was also
that there had been an election
lnder that constitution. and that the Re.
publican and Democratic candidates for |
State offices had contested tie matter, and
State as we'll as federal authority had de.
;ide6 in fayo. Of what il known as the |
Kellogg government. These facts being
sufficient 70 satisfy Congress that there
las been nc violation Of the rights Of the !
people 81 o: republican government. it
cry properly concluded that it had no
light 20 interfere il the domestic affairs !
# this State: tina: the State authorities I
hould determine the result of its elec.
iorle This was TIE c.ea- conclusion that |
'ong.sss arrived az when the Louisiana
ase-aS the advocates o: congressional
Interference III tie domestic affairs o; a
tate term twas before that body. And
othing has sirce TRANSFERRED to make Con.
ress change It's views. What has transpired
ill strengthen Congress ii the position
has already takeu in ysgard to louisiana
fairs 1t will not 10 fox Congress to
lsten to the partisan appeals Of men who
My look at Louisiana and IT'S political
fiices stake worth playing for. There
) only one way to push her forward, and
hat is 10 give her peace and Sc. her sons
0 work. The great burden of those who
onlplain is thc resul. of idleness rather
han taxation The men who cry ioudest
bout taxation and poverty are those who
either wosli nor pay taxes. The greatest
,ult with government in this country
that it is too lenient with all kind, of
TENDERS. This frequently cause. the law
biding citizen to experience the iespot-
,m of the lawless element that Is apt to