The Rutland daily globe. [volume] (Rutland, Vt.) 1873-1877, 1874-01-24
LOUISIANA Az TBuE FRONT
AGAIN.

LOUISIANA AZ TsuE FRONT
AGAIN.
Louisiana affairs are once more attract
ing public attention. This is brought about
by Senator Morton's proposition to rein
vestigatc Pinchback, and, also, by the as
scrtion Of the quondam Governor Warmoth
that Senator Carpenter and General Butler
will, very soon, respectively, introduce
bill providing Tor the establishment of
republican form of government in Louis
lana, the adoption of which will bring
about Il new election. This proposed ac-
tion--if there is any such proposed action,
of which we have no doubt will be based
upon that much abused clause of the CON
stitdion that ''thc United States shall guar
anty to every state in this Union Il rcpubi-
can form of government. What this
clause exactly means. every one seems to
be left to determine for himself. "'rhc
constitution as | understand il" was Gene
raj Jacksou's tavortc expression, and so
every Senator or Representative, when he
wishes to introduce or pass Il measure in
reference to an individual state, has the
guaranty TO every state in this Union a
republican form of government as he
pretcnds to understand it, to fall back on.
1t is somewhat strange that, prior to the
rebellion, but one meaning was found
thereto. and that it was understood in only
one sense. That sense and meaning was
that the United States should prevent
republican form Of government from
being Overthrown in the several states and
a. antagonistic form of government erect
ed therein either by domestic instruction
or foreign invasion. And further, perhaps
by stretch Of the powcr-that. after
such overthrow, some measure of protcc.
ti0n should be extended until they recover
ed from the shock and while matters were
in chaos
Without stopping To enquire whether
Louisiana has such Il government whether
ii is "a state in which the sovereign power
is exercised by representatives elected by
the people ! it is evident that the guar
anty part is mere bosh-the whole object
and intent being, under this pretcnce, to
give Congress reasonable excuse for
or ering new election. Neither will we
enquire, here, whether it Is not about time
that the southern states were left to govern
themselves. They did so prior to the war,
and there was no complaint If they are
left alone, they will gradually adapt them
selves TO the changed condition of affairs
This has been the case with those states
which have been left alone. In reference
to Louisiana, we all know that the peope
thereof are groaning and travelling in pain.
few days ago, We took occasion to refer
to the testimony given before one of the
House cOmmiitees-a delegation from
which visited Louisiana during the HOLIDAYS
showing the great depreciation of prop
eriy in New Orleans, and throughout the
state, consequent upon the unsettled CON
dition of political affairs. It is, doubtless,
true Lhatuness n change is broughtsabout
speedily, almost universal bankruptcy and
luin will pcvale the state But will con-
SiNF'FlpiiAi llilNl DtlltI tlC tOuullIOu
VIII it not, rather, make confusion worse
confoundcd? Will not this be the inev
table result? arising, az experience has
shown, from conflict of authority, conflict
OF courts, conflicts of parties, riot and
bloodShed, il not a civil war ON small
scale Supposing Congress should order
new election, what would il amount to I?
y bill for that purpose could not pass, the
arrangements therefor perfected, and the
election held until the day appointed for
the regular election. BY the constitution
OF Louisiana, an election for new legis-
laturc will he holden on the first Monday
OF November-as soon, certainly, as any
election ordered by Congress could take
place. Members Of Congress are to be
chosen at the same time, SO that the cleo
tion will be held under both federal and
state supervision. II proper care is taken
in the selection Of the federal supervisors"
fair, honest election can be had. With
such legislature we can trust the governor
question. An honest legislature would de-
privc dishonest governor OF all opportu-
nifty of HARM 1t is true that the term of
the governor lasts two years longer, but
what matters it, if honest courts and legis-
latures are ready to checkmatc the first at
tempt at wrong doing. Let the people of
Louisiana have chance to regulate their
own affairs, without congressional inter
ference unless it shall become, hereafter,
absolutely necessary.