Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1874-01-29
LOUISIANA POLITICS.

The political affairs OF Louisiana are
prominent at Washington this week. The
remarks of Senator Morton on Monday in
favor of his motion to recommit the case
of pinchback to the committee on privi-
leges and elections, was turn of affairs
rather unexpected. The Senator ex-
planned his position by stating that he had
received information, since his argument
in favor Of the Kellogg Legislature and the
admission of Pinchback to seat in the
Senate, which charged the latter with the
use of corrupt means to secure his cleo
ton. He therefore desired the matter to
go before the committee for investigation
in order that the facts might be ascertained.
On the question of the validity of the kel-
logg government Mr. Morton's opinion is
not changed; he holding that the general
government cannot 60 behind the decision
of the State tribunal on question Of State
law without breaking down the rights of
State, consequently that the present State
government must stand until changed by
State authority, and that the general gov
eminent has no authority TO order new
election. His course in relation TO Pinch
back is not affected by considerations of the
legal status of the Louisiana State govern
ment, but by the mode in which Pinchback
secured his election; question which
properly comes before the Senate under
the power to Judge of the elections of its
own members.
Reports have been sent abroad stating
that the President would recommend to
Congress the taking Of steps for new
election of State officers, but these reports
are not true. The President will simply
state the facts in relation to the case, with
which he believes Congress has no right
to order. A bill has been prepared for
new election, but under present cir
cumstances there seems no possibility OF
its passage. for the democrats must oppose
it of course or depart widely from their
principles in relation to State Rights, and
the republicans will object to it for similar
reasons as Mr.. Morton and others already
have declared.
The hesitation of Mr. Morton and the
reports from Washington indicate that the
standing of the Kellogg government has
been unfavorably affected by recent devel-
ments. The sincere desire of the Presi-
dent is, without doubt, that the people of
Louisiana shall manage their State affairs
without interference by the federal gov
eminent, and that justice and right shall
prevail there. In the factious and con-
fused condition of affairs existing in the
State it is difficult to determine what is
right, but that course which will best pro-
mote the self-goverument of the people
under their State constitution is undoubt-
eddy the best. This is the course which
the President seems to be following, and
in this he ought to have and probably will
have the support of Congress. The SOON
er the Southern States learn 10 hold fair
elections. to submit to the will Of the ma
jority As expressed at the polls. and cease
to trouble Congress and the President with
their local quarrels, the better it will be
for them and al concerned. Primarily the
fault is with the people themselves; they
can remove It any time they choose to set
about it in earnest.