The Opelousas journal. [volume] (Opelousas, La.) 1868-1878, 1874-11-13
How TO Control the State.
From the New Orleans Times.I

From the New Orleans Times.I
AlthOughperhaps not generally known,
we have been assured that q majority OF
the Conservative candidates returned to
the General Assembly are pledged to
call a constitutional convention, which
will probably better represent the inter-
ests of all parties than any gathering
which has been convened in years. The
compromise entered into between the
two elements of our population was no
mere spontaneous impulse, OF nasty step
made to meet a political e~xlgency. A
permanent understanding was cOntem-
plated from the first, but in the heat OF
an exciting canvass, the dellberatlOn
necessary for the adj uStment OF problems
SO grave a were presented, and the adOp-
ton of a policy not only just to all, but
which would meet every contingency,
was Of course impossible. Realizing
this, a convention was favored by many
patriotic citizens as the suTest method of
deciding on a programme upon which
all a agree.
A modification of the organic law is
not considered essential. Very probab-
Iva new constitution so adopted would
not differ materially from the one now
in force, but all realize that we are forced
to live in Louisiana, and the nor quick
ly the two elements are convinced of
the fact and decide upon a course which
will be mutually advantageous the bet
ter it will he for all parties. It is hoped
by those advocating the movement that
only persons who really represent g
constituency will be chosen, that the
c0lOred people will not only send mem
beers Of their own race, but men who by
their long residence in the locality
from which they come, and through
knowledge Of the interests and desires
OF their fellOW-citizenS, a make their
wishes known. Such a procedure would
not only develop the voting strength of
every pOrtiOnOf the State, but far better
vailing throughout III borders.
Although perhaps the best political
barOmeteryet discovered, a general cleo
ton is scarcely a sure test of popular
opinion. The ties of party, the interests
of the many candidates, stirring appeals
of prejudice, the cnpidity of thousands
seeking for subordinate positions, and
the glamOr which excitement invariably
brings, all have their influence so far as
a Adhesion can he reached under orthodox
rules. The desideratum now is a solemn
act of cOpartnership, by which a great
community of varied opinions and mani
fold necessities agree to dwell together
in unity. That such an arrangement is
necessary is obvious to all gifted with a
ray of intellect. True prosperity never
consisted in the installation of parti-
sans, whatever were their color or pOlit-
zeal complexion. Real benefit under
good governments aCcrues to those who
aspire to no Office, and just laws proper
ly administered would secure it,, who
welded the temporary power.
Louisiana should now hold Il grand in
quest upon the body polite. For years
her people have heen divided by every
device it has been possible for chicanery
to suggest. In the struggles of political
a%spirants, the practical workings and
true objects of government have been
ignored. No man. and we speak of him
as an integral portion of a community,
will fail to accept what is just, and few
worthy of the name are satisfied with
anything less. Certainly, then, in this,
us in every other land, there must be
some common platform of right and JUS
tice upon which every true citizen can
stand. For the first time in the polit
zeal history of Louisiana. the cOlOred
man seems fully to realize the extent
of his prer0gatives. On the I'd of No
vemher many of them demonstrated
their appreciation, not only of the privi-
leges, bnt the responsibilities of citizen
ship. To convince him of the wisdom of
his course, and his disenthralment from
the selfish teachings of demagOgues, he
should speedily feel the advantages of
his new position. The labor of patiently
bearing his demands, and enacting such
laws as would accord him every just
privilege asked, would not be beneath
the most brilliant intellect in the land.
1t is a mistake to suppose that an ire
pressible conflict a ever exist be-
tween the two races. Were the cOlOred
closely questioned to-day, he would
prefer the hearty cooperation and earn
est sympathy of the white man he has
known since childhood, to any other
when the conservative people of the
State can show their true animls. One
act of friendship to-day is worth fifty
extended before the election. Let it
not be said of us, as it has been truth
fully said of thousands, chow many
who have her0ically withstOod adversely,
fell in the hnnr of their triumph"
Such an understanding As has been de-
scribed would establish the power of the
people upon a permanent basis. BY as
c~ertaining to il nicely the necessities of
the hour, and abolishing the evils which
at present exist, it wOuId not onl, leave
no room for complaint, but disarm those
who will be only too willing to preach
oppression and Ostracism. That a vast
majority of those at present in the State
will be compelled to live here to the
end of their days is a fact incOntrOverti-
BILE. The sooner they learn to make
their interest a common one the better
it will be for all concerned.