New Orleans Republican. [volume] (New Orleans, La) 1867-1878, 1874-10-16

Noten had been kept from the polls ~
intimidatipn, and that the vote, IS cefh-
he'd, was in no sense fair expression OF
the wishes Of the people. In 1872 the
returns were carted out of the State by
Irresponsible parties, and when they
finally turned up in Washington showed
such evidences Of fraudulent practice
that even Senator Thurman declared no
dependence could be placed upon them
as a basis Of official action.
I: will thus be seen that, though de-
cidedly a Republican State. Louisiana
has never been self sustaining. Instead
Of assisting the other Republican States
20 elect President We have constantly
been dependent upon them, through the
national government, to protect our local
officers in maintaining their positions and
discharging their functions. We are adj
monished by the result OF the election III
Indiana and Ohio that we can no longer
look for the assistance OF political friends
in that quarter. The Republicans are in
the minority in both States. and will re-
aui-e all their exertions and energies to
hold their ground. Hence we are left TO
our own resources. which If PROPERLY
economical are ample FOX the occasion.
We have voters enough in our party in
this State, though deficient in statesman.
ship. This is so well known at the North
that it is difficult for the most astute poll
tic;ans of that section to recognize our
professed strength with our admitted
weakness. 'How does it happen" say
they, ''that with clear majority on your
general ticket you are not able to hold
your Own:". The answer is obvious to
any Republican Of average intelligence
here. but being family matter we de-
cline to state it.
The first step in the sigh: direction
is 70 select educated. intelligent men OF
fidelity and integrity to go TO the Lesisla-
ture. No one has any special interest i'll
q professional ward politician. whether he
calls himself Republican or Democrat
So far as the principles Of the two parties
are concerned, he may be either. though
he is. in fact. neither. We believe our
political opponents have set us a good
example in this respect. They have done
we'll for them. So far as We have been
able to learn of the intentions Of some Of
the delegates to our parish convention,
our party is in danger Of suffering dis
advantage in several Of the wards on the
vital score Of personal fitness Of candi-
dates for the Legislature. This ought
not to be. We have good men. who are
true Republicans. in every ward. Unless
OUT nominating conventions select from
this class. the day will be lost to the
Republicans. and the whole State cap
tured by the Democracy. No depend
ence can be placed. in the future.
upon Northern assistance. Some Of the
Democratic papers are even anticipat-
ing a majority against us in the next
Congress. This is. Of course. not only
highly improbable. but we regard it as
impossible. I: is only referred to as
premoni,ion Of what may be unless we do
our whole duty in the work Of preventing
il. !: should he our boast that We bring
strength. no. weakness to the national
Republican party. which has so faithfully
stood by US during the long gears Of sore
trial. 4 State seven years old, in the
hands Of local majority which controls
both federal and State patronage ought to
be Independent. 1t would be so if all the
incumbents OF Office possessed that moral
strength which consciousness OF being
always in the right gives every man. Men
who have failed in the past. or neglected
opportunities to achieve deserved credit
in public station should be left out, and
others selected. By this means alone can
we hope to succeed in the coming cleo
ton. We must first deserve success be-
fore we have reason to expect it. This
can only be done by placing men in nom.
nation whose election will be considered
a blessing by all good people.