New Orleans Republican. [volume] (New Orleans, La) 1867-1878, 1874-08-13
DEMOCRATIC DELEGATION.

his pecuniary loss! I.
II DEMOCRATIC DELEGATION.
A Democratic delegation, headed by ex-
Lieutenant Governor Voorhies, and COM
posed of about thirty members, representing
the Democracy of this city, yesterday called
upon Governor Kellogg for the purpose of
consulting with him in regard to the ap-
pointment of supervisors and clerks of
registration under the law passed at the
last session OF the Legislature, requiring
new registration of voters.
The delegation was kindly received by
the Governor, and the objects of the visit
stated by Mr.. Voorhies. He said the dele
cation had been appointed to wait on the
Governor and ask, in order that fair
registration and election might be had, that
in the appointment of supervisors and
clerks an equal number Of Republicans and
Democrats be selected; and furthermore,
that the ward clubs in this city be per-
mitted to dictate the names of such Demo
Gratis as they wanted to fill such positions.
The Governor objected to being dictated
to in that way, but said he was willing to
appoint an equal number of Democrats
and Republicans at each place of registra-
ton, but they must be good men; men who
would work fair and assist in obtaining an
honest registration and election. The Gov
ernor said he was anxious to receive the
names of persons whom the Democratic
clubs might recommend for such positions.
and if they were good men for the positions
he would appoint them; but further than
that he would not pledge himself to be gov
erned by the demands of ward clubs.
To these remarks of the Governor Mr..
Voorhies replied that unless the men ap-
pointed were sanctioned by the Democratic
ward clubs of the parish of Orleans and the
clubs of the different parishes of the State,
the delegation would consider the Cover
nor as refusing their request; and if that
was the case it was unnecessary to go any
further in the discussion of that subject.
The Governor then remarked that he
| wished it distinctly understood that he
would not bind himself to appoint just such
men as the Democratic clubs might dictate.
| Here Mr.. Lawler, member of the dele
| cation. spoke up and said to the Governor:
"You might be compelled to do it,"
| This caused a rather spirited reply from
| the Governor. He assured the delegation
| the time had passed, if il ever existed,
! when he could be forced, as Governor, to
do what he did not feel to be right.
Here Mr.. Voorhies spoke up and said that
no person was authorized to speak for the
| delegation but himself, and he felt satisfied
that the delegation did not approve of the
language just used by one one of its
| members.
| The Governor and Mr.. Voorhies, as
spokesman of the delegation. then resumed
the discussion of subject under considera-
ton.
The Governor said: Then it is not fair
election you want, but division of the
patronage. If you want to secure fair
registry office, and one commissioner at
every polling place. SO that they can see
every vote registered and every vote cast;
but if you ask me to divide the patronage
of the government between the Democratic
and Republican parties, l will tell you
frankly can not do it. And l do not think
even you would consider such proposition
fair. l remember in 1872 the Republicans
simply asked the presence of one Repub
lican commissioner at the polls throughout
the city and State and that was refused.
am willing to do much more than we then
asked you to do. Ii you will give me the
names Of fifteen or twenty men from each
ward, or lees number, while l will not
absolutely promise that will appoint all of
them, will take those names into cOnsid
Grafton, and in all probability will appoint
one from each of sHch lists as clerk in
every registry Office in the city. repeat,
am quite willing to appoint one clerk in
each registry Office who is opposed to us in
politics.
To which Mr.. Voorhies replied: Then we
are to consider our proposition refused.
To which the Governor answered: No.
Send in your lists of names and / will ap-
point an opposition clerk for each ward, If
suitable names can be found in the list.
The delegation here withdrew. Shortly
after which Mr.. VOORHEES, returned and had
further conversation with the Governor
upon the matter at issue, the exact result
OF which we were unable to obtain, but
which, for the sake of fair and peaceable
election, we trust was adjusted to the salts
faction of both gentlemen and all parties
interested in our State