The Opelousas journal. [volume] (Opelousas, La.) 1868-1878, 1873-03-15
The Situation.


Roundabout, in the New Orleans
Times of the 18th inst, says:
Notwithstanding the recent conflict it
is still the desire of Gov. Kellogg and
the leaders of the Republican govern
ment, that the compromise originally
proposed by them should be cOnsum-
mated. Several members OF the Odd
Fellows Hall Legislature yesterday APP
peared at the Mechanics Institute, and
were at once admitted to their seats.
In Il long interview with Roundabout
last evening, Mr.: Kellogg spoke most
feclingly upon the present situation.
He stated that Notwithstanding the mis-
takes that had been made by the Flu
siOnists, and their undOubted attempt
to subvert the government of which he
is the Executive, that neither he the
party which he represents pretendS to
deny that a number of the gentlemen
who heretofore have met at Odd Eel
lows Hall, were as much a part OF the
State Government as any other officer.
He did not doubt that their conduct up
to this time had been dictated by ON
science; he did not pretend to prevent
any mar from pursuing what he be-
licved to be his duty.
The trial of strength, i'll advised or
otherwise, had been made. The State
government had maintaincdit its position,
but far from attempting to prosecute
those who represented the defeated
side, there is not amember of the Legis-
laturc who would not willingly receive
those legally entitled to their seats. AS
an earnest of this intention several col
orAd members, whose places were con-
tested, yesterday voluntarily rclin-
pushed their seats to Fusion members,
and had the entire delegation came
around in a body, they could have par
ticipatCd in the proceedings without a
there exists in the minds of the leaders
of the Kellogg government a sincere
desire for peace. He believes that they
both appreciate and respect the motives
OF the FusiOnists in maintaining their
position up to this time. He is of the
opinion, furthermore, that in accepting
the inevitable, the gentlemen who have
sacrificed so much in the contest for
their rights, will lose nothing i'll the
good opinion Of their constituents.
There are many things to be considered
besides the mere abstract question of
civil liberty. During the late imbrOg-
Ito, scores of our business men have
been driven by the general prOstratiOn
almost to the verge Of bankruptcy. III
the thousand anXictles which assailed
them, and with the blood red flag of
a deputy sheriff staring them in the
face, it is not to be expected that they
could devote their thoughts to the alb
stract question of political rights. HUI
initiating as it may sound, the daily in
come of humanity, the money which
pays the grocer, the landlord, and the
dozen people who supply the comforts
of a household, is of far greater impor-
lance to individuals than all the Offices
the most liberal government could
bestow.
New Orleans, if ROundabOut's OPT
Mon is to be accepted, is about to enter
a new era-an era OF prOsperity-Which
will exceed anything we have expe-
rienced since the conclusion of the late
struggle.
Notwithstanding the skeptical shrugs
of doubters, a foreign war either with
Spain or Mexico will surely come. Oul
city in either event must be the base
of supplies, and provisions of all quail
ties must be purchased with Govern
ment money.
Such a step will inevitably diver
public attention from Louisiana poll.
tics, and Roundabout frankly asks
would it not be better to settle Oul
difficulties, while q time yet remains
than to permit them to languish through
the general indifference.
Would it not be better for us to real
the harvest which is now almost within
our grasp than languish. through tn
! dreary months Of the approaching sum,
mer, in the poverty untOward circum
!, stances have created?