The daily phoenix. [volume] (Columbia, S.C.) 1865-1878, 1874-06-10
Poor Louisiana.

! tlOn tOf fLoulslanR since the terrible
devastation by the Mississippi over
flow. has been universal. The people
of the North could not we'll under
stand why Providence should, at the
same time, send two such curses as q
carpet-bag government and deluge
upon the poor, suffering citizens OF
one State of the Union. So, when
the news Of the latter calamity came,
the people hastened the more readily
to give their aid to the suffering, be-
cause it was hoped that in it the dire
ful calamities then bnrdening the State
might be washed away. The depart.
ure Of DR.. Thomas Cottman, an old
resident of Louisiana, for the desolat-
ed country was understood to indicate
the authoritative promise of govern
mental investigation and relief. This
gentleman has returned from Louisi-
ana and made his report. We can
judge Of its contents by statements
made to New York Herald reporter.
They show what great State has
been brought to by the imbecility, the
lack OF craftsmanship and character
in the Government. Gen. Grant and
his minions are directly responsible
for this terrible wrong. "Between the
Hood and the complicated condition OF
it's politics." said DR.. Cottman, II
must say that think Louisiana is in
the most unfortunate condition ina
ginable. In fact, it is question in
my mind which is preferable of tue
tWo-nemaly. to he drowned ont or to
live in anarchy"
''The water is rapidly receding. The
whites have food enough, but they
have not sufficient to divide with the
negroes. The Government supplies
rations, regularly to the latter. I was
in Poland many years ago, and then
saw tho frightful ravages of famine,
but / saw nothing equaling the oondi-
ton of the poor whites aud negroes in
the inundated districts of Louisiana.
Misery, wretohedness, want, despair,
are the constant companions of these
poor wfetohss."
.'How do the people liye?" wss
asked.
''The people live the lives of bea.
vers, aud from their appearance, you
would suppose that they belonged to
an amphibious class Of humanity.
They wade in the water and wallow in
dirt. For the most part, they subsist
on fish,"
"Who do the people blame for their
unfortunate condition."
tThe feeling against the Levee
Commission is the bitterest conceiva-
BILE, and numerous suits have been be-
gun for damages by the overflow.
Against one Of the ommissioners
alone, twenty suits have been insti-
tnted. Nothing will come of this,
however. Nobody ever gets iudg-
ment against State official in Louisi-
ana"
"How do the people stand in respect
to the rule of the Federal Govern.
ment?"
"They all complain more OF govern
tation by the food. There exists
throughout the State system of sn-
traps. With only one exception, which
shall cite further along. there are no
officials under the General Govern
ment who were residents of the Stute
prior to appointment"
"What is the effect Of tho assistance
which the Government is giving upon
the citizens?'
"The citizens of the towns and viii
lagos have come to the conclusion to
support the Federal Government, il
possible, as it is now assisting them.
They are anxious to reciprocate recent
favors. All are repudiators. however.
The negroes especially are in favor Of
the reputation of all State debts.
They have been taught that the pro-
prietors will not be able to pay them.
if they (the employers) are compelled
to pay the taxes. The negroes do not
care about any other kind of politics;
they believe just that much, and dc
not care to know more"
"What do you regard as Gen. Grants
policy regarding tho Louisiana pco-
pie?" asked the Herald representative.
zone OF conciliation," replied Or.
Cottman. "The appointment of
Bnrthe to Collectorship has done
much to create good feeling through
out the State towards the General Go.
verment. Burthe was a Creole, very
widely known and violent opponent
to Gen. Grants system of carpet. bag
gers. He was the first aud only ap-
pointment made Of citizen of the
State. Iu tho overfowed districts of
the State the feelings of the people are
those Of extreme gratitude for assist.
ance."
OHdANIzING -"The young men of
the country are all OrpauiZiDp, but no