New Orleans Republican. [volume] (New Orleans, La) 1867-1878, 1874-09-13

&XO0pv W. H. - 6W9S8eSO0
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Hon. w. F. Herman, Of East Feliciana, is
one of the leading minds of his section. He
stands at the head of the bar, and is man
Of much influence, which he has never
frittere3 sway % doubtful experiments.
He was che Zibefsl candidate fof Attorney
General h 1872, bus was eaken of the ticket
shea che iibssal Jonah eas svsAowed BY
che Democyssic whale. and had eothing to
do with che piebsld combustion which John
McEnexy led 80 isretsisgsbls disaster and
disgrace.
His ~iews upon che political eisuatioA ate
entitled to weight and will command atten-
ton, Ia letter TO che Clinton Patriot
Democrats of che fifth instanS he takes
executions to the Baton Rouge platform.
and predicts failure a. che eesult Of the
announcement Of tho SAGE issue. of course
Mr.. Herman is far from being Republican,
vet he 10 representative Of the resctionary
movement that is bound TO result from such
White League excuses az were programmed
at Baton Rouge. We copy portion Of Mr..
Kernan's letter:
The Baton Rouge Convention having de-
clared IN their platform that I've are con.
WINGED that the reforms imperatlvely de-
manded can be effected only by electing to
Office white men Of known capacity" thus
presenting % q prominent feature in the
present canvass an issue based on race and
color, it becomes . duty owe NO less to
myself than to my fellow citizens to assign
the reasons which constTain sAe to dissent
from this action.
The citizens of Louisiana having accept.
ed, in good faith the fourteenth and fifteenth
amendments Of the constitution OF the
United States. and the Fusion party having
recognized the right OF cOIOred citizens to
representation in the State government, by
nominating and eleeting. on the McEnery
ticket. colOrel man as Secretary Of State,
think they ought to abide Dy the prln.
ciples and policy proclaimed in the last
memorable Campaign in our State. The
people have not been favored with any
reasons. that have seen, proving the prin.
ciples and policy chen announced 70 be
erroneous, and Ana not aware OF any.
If constituency, under the laws and con.
stitution of the United States, and OF this
State, see proper 20 elect . colored man 60
office, ] know Of no sufficient reason why
they should nos be allowed TO exercise their
choice, and why lie should not be permitted
TO discharge tho duties Of the office to
which the vote OF his fellow citizens have
called him.
The only correct principle upon which
the people can safely act in the election OF
! men to office, is that announced by Jefferson,
more than half q century ego, to wit: lis
| he honest, is he capable. 10 he faithful to
| the constitution" and this, without refer
ence to race or color.
A ''race issue" 10 inexped'ent, inasmuch
| as 10 will not bring an additional vote to
| the candidates nominated. but, on the con.
! trary. will have a powerful tendency to
drive very many into the Republican ranks,
who otherwise would be disposed to vote
! the ticket presented.
The Republican party, in its platform,
has declared in favor Of the passage of the
civil rights bill. now pending before Con.
gress. Upon this issue, tho battle has
| already been fought in some of the North
I er1 and Western States. and the victory
! won. 1t was mistake that the Baton
Rouge Convention did not make the con-
| test solely upon the same issue, and thus
| continue to act in unison and perfect accord
with the conservative and patriotic citizens
| throughout the Union That issue must, Of
necessity. form one of the leading principles
OF national party in 1876.
The announcent of the trace issue" will,
in no small measure. withdraw from us the
sympathy and support of our Northern
friends. which was SO rapidly turning in
our favor. and which We SO greatly need in
our oppressed and deplorable condition.