New Orleans Republican. [volume] (New Orleans, La) 1867-1878, 1874-10-18
A Free Ballot

The Democrats Of Louisiana claim, that
they are plundered and oppressed, and try
to gain tho sympathy OF their Northern
brethren by telling them that all they de-
mand is fair election. "Remove from our
midst federal soldiers. and give ms Tree
ballot and we will have an election that
will express the true sentiments Of the peo'
pie of louisiana" This sounds we'll enough.
and If 1t could be relied upon would meet
the Endorsement of every Republican in the
land. Republicans ask nothing more than
fair election. but this the Democrats deny
them. Who ever heard Of q Democrat
being prosecuted or driven from the polls
in the State Of louisiana Who has not
heard OF thousands Of Republicans hunted
tor their opinions sake, kept from the polls
by threats of death. denied the right 20
vote because they would not support tie
Democratic ticket! Yet all these Demo
cratic peace.makers want IL a ''fair cleo.
ton ~ Their freedom to kill and outrage
political opponents is interfered with. and
they want federal troops removed that they
may make sure work in carrying out the
policy they have adopted. Here 10 = good
specimen Of the 'fair election" they propose
to have if left to themselves. It is a portion
of the Democratic address issued to the
colored people and published for their bene.
hit in the Natchitoches louisiana Iindi-
Gator:
1.-The white people intend 81 carry the
State election this fall. This intention is
deliberate and unalterable. from the fact
that their very existence depends upon it,
and that you may enjoy the blessings which
will naturally follow such an event.
blessings made doubly sweet when you
know you were instrums ntal il bringing
them about. We desire your cooperation.
and we.simp,y ask you. will you assist in 'he
redemption ut yonr State from the degrade.
ton and ruin she now is IN. Or will you
follow still the advice OF those who have
placed her thus! Take time to answer it.
and let your mind. should you decide
atiirmatively. DO .: rest for your future
welfare and happiness. We propose to do
for you. On the other hand, should you
imagine that the teaching OF your former
rulers IL correct. and you elect to at.
tempt, tor it will only be an attempt. to
continue their rule-:hen you must take
the consequences. For we tell you now.
and let il be distinctly remembered that
you have fair warning, that We intend
to carry the State of Louisiana in No.
. yembes next. o, che will be military ter:
III a single hostile gun Is fred between
the whites and blacks in this and surround
ing parishes, every carpet Dagger and ecal.
awag that can be caught will, in twelve
hours therefrom. be dangling from q limb.
We do not say this in spirit Of braggado-
cia; we say it in the interest Of peace, and
we know what we are talking about"
Yet all these political brigards ask for 10
"a fair electlon!" Their intention ''is delib.
crate and unalterable," and they give the
Republicans ''tair warning" that they Gin.
tend to carry the State of Louisiana in No.
vember next. or che will be- . military ter
ritory," and yet all the ask il "a fair cleo
tion." For cool impudence this claim beats
the highwaymans when. with loaded re-
volver at the head OF his victim. he politely
assures him that all he asks il fair
chance to make an honest living. We
believe fair election will be held in
Louisiana this fall, and if the Democrats
are really in the majority they will have An
opportunity to assert it at the polls. Bat
Of one thing they can rest assured, and
that is that Uncle Sam will be there 20 see
that both parties have fair play in the elec.
ton. AS this is just what the Democrats
pretend they want, they should thank their
benevolent old uncle for his prompt answer
70 their prayers. But we fear they will
denounce him for his kindness, for though
they asked for justice, the granting Of it is
death to their hopes. The flair elections"
that secure Democratic majorities are those
foreshadowed by the TMdicator and other
Democratic organs throughout the South.
The chances tor full enjoyment Of these
one. sided elections are extremely slim
under Republican administrations Wosh.
tnlt0n Republic.