The Donaldsonville chief. [volume] (Donaldsonville, La.) 1871-current, 1874-08-15
DEMOCRATIC FAIRNESS.

ing the Democratic party of the city
of New Orleans, headed by Judge A.
VOORHEES,, ex-Lieutenant Governor OF
this State, called upon Governor Kei-
logg, last Wednesday, and requested
him in appointing Supervisors of Reg
istration for the coming election to
select an equal number from the Re-
publican and Democratic parties, and
that the ward clubs of the city be al
lowed to name such Democrats as
would prove satisfactory to them in
the capacity of Supervisors.
In replying to the committee, the
Governor objected to the dictation
proposed, and stated frankly that he
could not, in justice to his own party,
accede to the request for an equal
division of patronage, but that he was
perfectly willing to give the opposi-
ton representation to the extent of
one clerk in every registration pre-
cinct and one commissioner of cleo
ton at every poll. At this juncture
an obstreperous member of the dele
CATION very indeeoreusly exclaimed
that the Governor might be compelled
to do what they demanded, but he
was promptly checked by Judge Voor-
hies, who said, "No, no, not that, "
adding, al alone am authorized to
speak here for this committee" The
Executive desired the delegation to
understand that no threats of force
would induce him to do what he did
not deem to be right; that while he
was willing to make reasonable con-
cessions to political opponents for the
purpose Of securing fair and satisfac-
tory registration and election, he was
not to be driven or frightened, and
the sooner that fact was known the
better it would be for all parties. He
then suggested that list comprising
fifteen or twenty Democratic citizens
of each ward be handed him, and
though not promising in all cases to
select his appointees from that list, he
would give it due consideration and
endeavor to make satisfactory ap-
pointments.
A leading Democratic newspaper
commenting upon this interview says,
"The request to be made of the Gov
ernor was a perfectly proper and JUS
tifiable one;" and doubtless the mass
of the Democracy agree with this
opinion. Can they have forgotten
that when, in 1872, the Republicans
asked, not equal representation in the
appointment of registration and elec'
ton officers, bat merely one commits.
sioner at each poll, the perfectly
proper and justifable" request wal
peremptorily refusedq Do they moi
remember that this refusal was made
with the sanction and approval of the
very committees, newspapers and Pc.
litical hosts that are now demanding
much greater concessions than they
were willing to grant two years ago
Verify, this is striking example Of
Democratic consistency and fairness
Governor Kellogg has shown by hil
disposition to give the opposition a
chance to inspect every registration
certificate issued and every ballot
cast, that he desires only fair cleo.
ton; and If the Democrats are not
content with the equitable PROPOSE,
tion of his excellency, 1t would seen
that they seek something moro thar
an honorable contest. Their position
Eappears identical with that of tn,
Irish nalefactor who took no consola
ton from the assurance of q frient
that his case was to be passed upol
by IN upright judge. "Sure," say
Pat, "it's not an upright Judge
want, but enc that will lane q little.