Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1874-09-17
THE NEWORLEANS ms URREC7ION
AND USURPATION.

State House, and usurper mas seateo
himself in the Executive chair and as
sumed the functions pertaining to the
head of the State. OF all the outrages
committed in the South this is the most
daring and wicked, not only overturning
the State authorities by force and blood
shed, but insolently flying in the face OF
the general government. 1t is part OF
the programme adopted to "hre the south
ern heart. no doubt; scheme by which
an intense feeling will be worked up
against the general government, which
must necessarily interfere and stop the
usurpation begun.
It appears that Governor kellogg's po-
lice seized a quantity of arms ostensibly
the property of private citizens, but IN
tended without doubt for arming the
White League. These guns were mostly
of foreign make and falsely entered upon
the manifest as boots, shoes &c. Upon
the seizure taking place commotion was
raised by the cry that the Governor was
invading the right of private citizens to
bear arms. This spark was industriously
famed to flame, and on Monday last a
mass meeting was called and held in
Canal street. at which resolves were
adopted requesting the immediate abdica-
ton of the Governor, and committee
was appointed 20 wait upon him. This
r. Oh ~, r-aS
r. II. Mari, proceeded at once to the ex-
ecutive Office, and through one OF his staff
informed the Governor OF their desire 10
communicate with him. Answer was re-
turned that he refused under existing cir
cumstances to communicate with the COM
mittee, as he was apprised that there were
several large bodies of armed men in
various parts of the city under the direc-
ton of the mass meeting in Canal Street,
and he regarded the proceedings as a
menace. To peaceable communica-
ton from the citizens he would respond
with pleasure, but could have no commu-
nication under a threat. The committee
retired and reported to the mass meeting
the result Of their interview, when the
people were advised TO 60 home, get their
arms and ammunition ready and await
further orders. In the afternoon a ploc-
lamation was issued by d. B. Penn. styl
ing himself Lieutenant Governor, calling
upon the militia of the state to arm and
assemble under their respective officers
for the purpose of driving Kellogg from
power. At three O'Clock a large number
ofmen were under arms and posted about
the streets. At four o'clock body of
Metropolitans, about five hundred strong.
under General Longstreet, appeared in
Canal Street. General Longstreet then
rode up and down the street and ordered
the armed citizens to dispense, but with
out avail. Firing soon commenced, bar
ricades were thrown up, the Metropoi-
tans were roughly handled. and quite
number of persons, some dispatches say
fifty. were killed and many wounded. At
seven O'Clock the insurgents had pos
session of the State House and all the
State property in the city, and Governor
Kellogg and General Longstreet had
taken refuge at the Custom House.
Thus ended the first act in the bloody
tragedy at New Orleans. Governor Kel-
logg made an appeal to President Grant
for aid. and Tuesday the President issued
his proclamation commanding the insur-
gents to disperse and submit themselves
to the laws and constituted authorities of
the State. Should the rebels undertake to
resist the power of the United States gov
eminent they will assume heavy re-
sponsibiiity and probably be dealt with in
the sharp manner which the exigency re-
quires. The audacity with which the in.
surgents have performed their work will
be stimulus to President Grant to act
promptly and decidedly. Very likely
however, the usurper Penn will retire
from the Executive Office peaceably when
he finds that he has to deal with the power
OF the United States government, and
Governor Kellogg will return to his dut;es
at the State House
For the decisive stand which the Pres.
ident has taken in the matter he deserves
and will receive the thanks of all good
citizens. And if the people OF Louisiana
who complain of Governor Kellogg's Gov.
eminent think they will receive any SYM
patty from the North in their lawless and
bloody course against him. they will be
very greatly mistaken. Kellogg has been
Governor of Louisiana nearly two wears.
recognized rs such by the courts and by
the general government, and he will be
sustained in keeping possession of his of.
nee the remainder of his term by the
whole power of the United States if nee.
essary. backed by the popular support in
every State not under the influence of the
White League and the KuK lux.
Election returns have been received at
this Office from 800 cities, towns and plan
tations. Dingley receives 43,442, Titcomb