Memphis daily appeal. [volume] (Memphis, Tenn.) 1847-1886, 1874-08-26
The Platform Of Principles Adopted at
Baton ROuge Yesterdby-AR Effort
70 Preserve White Civilization.

BATON ROUGE, LA, August 25.-The
following is the platform adopted by the
white peoples convention to-day:
We, the white people OF Louisiana,
embracing the Democratic party, the
Conservative party, the white mans
party, the liberal party, the reform par
~, and all others opposed to the Kellogg
usup2tion, do sOlemnly resolve and de-
clsrs that the government now existing
in Louisiana, originated in and has been
maintained by force and fraud in oppO-
siti0n 70 the viii Of a large majority Of
the voters Of the State, in opposition to
the principles OF the constitution Of the
United States, aud in violation Of every
principle Of justice and liberty; that the
dominant faction Of the Radical party in
this State has. by false aud fraud
ulent representations, indamed the
passions and pTejudices of the
negroes as a race against the whites, and
has thereby made it necessary for the
white people 10 unite and act together
in selfdefense and for the preservation
Of white civilization; that the right Of
al men under the constitution aud laws
Of the land must be respected and pre-
served InviOlate, irrespective of race,
color or previous condition; but we deny
that congress can cOnstituiionally enact
laws 10 force the two races into social
union and equality; that the white peO-
pie Of Louisiana have no desire 70 de-
prive the cOl0red people Of any rights to
which they are entitled, but we are con-
WINGED that reform is imperatively
demanded, and can be effected only by
electing 10 Office white men Of known
capacity and integrity, aud We b=lieve
that large numbers Of colOTed citizens {
viii vote with Us 70 secure a govern /
ment which must be beneficial alike to
both races. That We disclaim earnestly [
any intention Of carrying or attempting
to carry the approaching election by viO-
lence, and that charges to this effect,
emsusting from our Radical enemies, !
are without foundation, and are falsely
made for the purpose Of obtaining the
aid Of military forces Of the United
States, IN order 10 oyerawe the people,
perpetuate the existing usurpatiOn and
sCbvert the true principles OF the gov
eminent. That W. p. Kellogg is
a mere usOTper, and we de-
nOunce him IS such; that his govern
ment is arbitrary, unjust and oppressive,
and that Il can maintain itself only
through Federal interference; that the
election and registration laws under
which the election is being conducted
were Intended 70 peTpSJu&te Lne usurIa-
ton by depriying the people, and espe-
cially our naturalized citizens, Of any
opportunity 10 register and vote, but We
announce distinctly that it is the deter
minati0n q the people to have a fair
election, and 20 see that the result is not
changed by fraud OF violence; that we
extend 70 ali of our race in every cline
the rignthsnd Of fellowship, aud cordial
invitation to come and settle among Us,
and unite their destinies with ours; that
while we are in favor Of meeting pune
tually the payments Of the legitimate
debt OF Louisiana, we are immOvsbly
opposed to the recognition Of the dis
honest and fraudulent obligations Issued
in the name Of the state, and We pledge
Ourselves t. make a searching uvesti-
CATION Of the matter. We advise our
people 60 vote against the amendments
10 the constitution proposed by the
usurpjng Legislature, and pledge our
selves, on the restoration II the govern
ment TO honest hands, to provide for the
payment Of the honest Indebtedness of
the State.