New Orleans Republican. [volume] (New Orleans, La) 1867-1878, 1874-12-23
THE MEMBERS OF THE RhTUkAlH~
BOARD.

6UA6Us
These gentlemen, all of whom bear hlgn
characters for integrity and uprghsness,
and two of whom have repeatedly neio
positions of trust and honor conferred by
the choice of their fellow citizens, during
the last twenty-five years, have been, from
the very moment Of assuming their
present important and responsible posi-
ton, the object Of constant and UNJUST
attacks on the part of the Democratic
party and the Democratic press Of the city
and State. And not merely idle attacks,
meant simply to annoy, but aosoiu'0
threats, meant to intimidate TEEN ln'o
making their returns, not according l"
the facts and the law. but as the Demo-
cratic party and press have pre-deter-
mined. There is, however. limit to the
power of bullying. even when backed oy
that Of mob violence: and though men
nav shudder 'with horror q. the remem'
brarce of Coushatta massacres. and recog-
nize that the words ''public indignation,
as used threateningly by Democrats
mean in reality violence and homicide
vet the fact still remains that New Orleans
is not wild country parish. and that here
there are means o; protection easily
obtainab!e.
The members OF the Returning Board.
therefore, propose to do their sworn duty
regardless of threats and insinuations: TO
do it thoroughly and deliberately accord
ing to their own understanding OF the
law: and when it is done. to resume Their
private avocations in peace and safety
The spies who are on the watch to entrap
them in the act Of secret departure tor
parts unknown arc therefore on very
cold trail, for no such departure is con-
templated; and il their wages are con-
dittored on success they had better take
to some other business. As an instance
of the unfairness displayed toward these
gentlemen by the press, we would call at
tention to the misrepresentation OF certain
words attributed to Governor Wells. COM
mitted by the Bulletin in its leading article
Yesterday morning. The words are 1--WE
intend to beat you" and. are properly ex'
planned by the context; viz: eve see
through your plans, ETC." The meaning
is very plain: 1--WE as sworn officers OF
the law are entrusted with the business OF
making true returns Of the votes cast in
che recent election, and we intend to do
so in spite Of any trickery whatsoever by
whomsoeve- attempted" Yet the Bulletin
endeavors most disingenuously 70 pervert
these simple words into an admission on
the part Of the chairman Of the board
that she and his colleagues have colluded
and conspired together to defraud the
people of Louisiana of what is theirs BY
every human right!' Could misrepre
sentation 60 further than this! Gould
party malice by the incest ingenuity more
prossly distors language from its true
! meaning? Such distortion is. however.
! a necessary means to keep up to fever
heat the uneasiness with regard 70 the
! Intentions Of these officials which ha:
been so systematically maintained from
J the first. Taken in connection with the
homicidal suggestions Of certain Of The
country papers. tho course OF the CITY
press looks like predeternination to fine
! these gentlemen guilty Of an offense Sc
great as to Justify any violence that ma!
! hereafter be attempted upon them. Thi'
method, however. of reconsidering iega
action by mob violence has about run j:
course: and the Democratic party here. j
! wise. will listen to the advice OF theil
/; Northern brethren and keep quiet.