The New Orleans bulletin. [volume] (New Orleans [La.]) 1874-1876, 1874-07-16
Mr.. BURKE's POSITION.
u New ORLEANS, July Is, 1874.
To tho Editor OF the N. o. Bulletin:

uslsH NEW ORLEANS, July IL, 1874.
To tho Editor Of the N. o. Bulletin:
Sr-YOu have exhibited disposition t.
publish the views of different correspondent.
concerning the political outlook, and as I be
leve that all conservative elements are aiming
at the same result, "good government" per
init me to refer to my telegram to NJ. H. Hin
man, Esq, from Grand Junction, June IS
1874, in explanation Of recent events connect
ed with the Independent Club movement
VIZ III you make conservative platform
avoiding race issues, supporting only men o.
known integrity and capacity, pledged to re-
duce and limit the expenses Of government,
and taxation, men of Democratic proclivities
reform convictions, and liberal ideas, should
in my opinion, consent to lay aside party diff
ferences, and unite in one common effort t.
redeem the State and parish under the banner
Of the Independent party.
If you have strong element for repudia.
ton, compromise it by clause in favor o.
suspending the payment of the principal and
interest Of the debt for five years, thus giving
people time to recuperate, but pledged to the
final payment OF the legal debt.
As to plan, of organization, would recon-.
mend all Democratic, Reform, Liberal and
Independent Clubs in each ward, to assemble,
vote for consolidation and appoint commits.
sioner Of election for officers Of central clubs,
after which sub-clubs form as desired.
1t seems that the Democratic party insists
upon making a straight out fight under the
Democratic, White League banner.
In my opinion the organization Of political
party based upon race distinctions is a
political blunder, calculated to place in the
hands of Radical demagogues the means OF
alternating that powerful current Of kindly
interest indicated by the people Of the North
in the Boston contributions, House vote Oh
the Canal bill, appropriation for survey OF
levees and mouth Of river, and in the Con-
gressional donation for overhowed sufferers.
believe that such a desperate expedient
will prove destructive to the development OF
our material interests, tend to defeat the
Levee and Canal bills, insure the passage OF
the Civil Rights bill, and place the President
in position where he dare not oppose it with
his veto.
In my opinion the question Of race supre-
macy in the Valley Of the Mississippi will find
its speedy solution in the rebuilding OF our
levees, and in securing an outlet to the sea, a
tide of emigration will then roll into the Mis-
sissippi Valley, such as linois and Texas in
their palmiest days have never experienced
Holding these convictions firmly, and be-
heving it to be contrary to the theory of this
Government, that O contest should be waged
against any person on account Of race, religion,
or nationality, l have declined to join the
Democratic ranks.
Immediately over-zealous individuals assail
the men who hold to these opinions, and
charge them with prediction for the Radi-
cal party.
Permit me in all kindness to invite the at
tentiOn Of the Democratic leaders to the fact
that thirty per cent of the voting population
Of the South have become voters since 1861
They have trained under Democratic leader
ship since the war through nine years OF dis
aster and defeat.
To many Of these young men the glories of
the Democratic party are only traditional.
We now seek for peace, through the burial of
dead issues, and yearn for the restoration of
the era of material prosperity in the South.
Believing that this may only be accomplished
by elevating to Office men Of wisdom, integ-
rity and capacity, we place these qualifications
above party considerations
We supported MI. Greeley upon the plat
form of national reconciliation and the reha-
bilitation Of the South, andwe would support
Gen. Grant to secure the same objects.
For the above named class Of Young men,
the Democratic lash has no terrors:
The whip should be put aside and let US reason
together.
Intolerance will only evoke opposition and
The Dempocratic party may require this ele-
ment in the coming struggle for national sue
cess in 1876.
Concessions that will not impair the future
Of the Democratic organization will
secure union of the conservative voters of
his parish; failure to make them may COM
pei the organization Of party upon the basis
If making no nominate MS, but selecting their
ticket from the best men presented by other
parties Should such an organization num-
Der anywhere from 5000 to 10000 votes, it
will hold the balance Of power in the parish,
which will inspire all parties to nominate their
am not candidate for any nomination in
his campaign, and bring into it no animosi-
les growing out of the last contest; grateful
or the compliment then paid me by minori-
y, esteem it q duty to make an effort for
unity, before the organization Of party lines
'ender such result impracticable.
am respectfully, yours,
-p.- H1 T. A. BURKE.