The New Orleans bulletin. [volume] (New Orleans [La.]) 1874-1876, 1875-09-19
TO THE PEOPLE OF LOUISIANA

TO THE PEOPLE OF LOUISIANA
have been taken, and that movements are on
foot, looking to the calling of Democratic Con-
vention, and the reorg anization of the Demo-
cratic party; and this matter is now largely en-
Sss ssse the attention Of the people 'hr0's0H the
During the month of July last after the publ
cation Of the proceedings at Monroe, frequent
calls were made upon me by gentlemen
whose wishes and opinions are entitled
to the most respectful consideration.
to convene the State Central Committee of the
Democratic and Conservative party, Of which l
am Chairman, for the purpose Of calling con-
ventiOn to reorganize the Democratic party. l
expressed to them my settled conviction that the
Central Committee was not the representative of
the Democratic party exclusively; and that it had
no power or authority to call Democratic con-
vention. But knowing, as did, that there exist
ed a difference OF opinion on this subject,
and that some action on the part OF
the committee was expected, l called the
committee together, in the hope that the
greater part, if not all. Of the parishes in the
State would be represented; and that the action
OF the committee would reflect the views and
wishes Of tire majority Of the people Of the State
opposed to Radicalism.
The attendance was not so numerous as had
hoped and expected it would be; and more than
half Of the parishes were not represented.
stated to the committee, as plainly as l could,
the calls that had been made upon me with
view to the reorganization Of the Democratic
party, and my opinion OF the want of authority
in the committee to call Democratic conven-
ton. Quite number of the members in attend
ance agreed with me in that opinion. The pre-
ceedings Of the committee have been Published
and it is only necessary now to state the result
in the language of the following resolutions
adopted by the committee:
81. That the committee deems it inexpedient
to call q convention, no exigency having occurred
rendering it necessary.
go That the committee will at the proper
time, call Democratic State Convention to
nominate candidates and to give the people op-
posed to Radicaism an opportunity to place
themselves into line with the National Democracy
in the campaign of 1876"
Toat there may be no misunderstanding as to
the scope and effect Of these resolutions it must
be borne in mind that a motion was made to re-
consider the first resolution, followed by mo-
fion to Law the motion to recons der on the table,
which was carried and that there was motion
to strike out the words "to nominate candi-
dates" in the second resolution, which was lost.
So that the committee determined to call but one
convention, and that Democratic State COnven-
ton to nominate candidates.
considered myself bound by this action of
the committee thus far:
1. That had no power or authority, in any
official capacity to call convention.
g. That it was not proper for me, the chair
man OF the committee, to set up my opinion in
opposition to that Of the committee, and to call
upon the people to disregard the action Of the
committee.
| have. therefore, abstained from any public
expression touching the holding of q convention,
preferring that the people, who had already
taken the matter in hand, should consider it
calmly and deliberately, influenced solely by their
own wishes and opinions, and should determine
for themselves the expediency of holding a con-
yention, and the time and place of meeting.
My supposed opinions have been the subject
NJ. ,,,1 ortic oil in 10
and numerous letters from different parts OF the
State show that in some localities am under
stood to be in favor of convention, while In
other localities am understood to be opposed to
a convention. An Importance is attached to my
opinion on this subject which by no means an
ticpated, and which has not been OF my seeking;
and complications and MISUNDERSTANDING have
arisen. threatening divisions among the people,
which make an explicit and public ayowal on my
mart a necessity. l must either submit to the
risk of having my friends influenced, perhaps
divided in sentiment and in action, by what they
suppose my opinion to be, or must abandon
the line of conduct and silence which orr iDally
deemed proper and had prescribed for myself.
The generous confidence and the warm atfec-
ton which the people Of Louisiana have bestowed
upon me, which appreciate far above any other
Oft within their power, entitle them, whenever
fhey 20 desire, to know my opinion on any sub
iect which may interest them and those whose
Confidence and esteem / so highly prize, will
acuuit me of any assumption or ieadership; OF
oQotlSm OF seu-scohihSs "iiA VA ouy III
proper thrusting of my opinions upon them, IN
addressing them, as now do, SIMPLY IN my III
dividual capacity. without having, ana without
pretending to have, any authority whatever.
hold ii to be the right of the people, or of any
cortion Of the people, of whatever views and SEN
fiments to assemble at all times, 10 take counsel
fopether touching their common interests; and
hold it to be the duty of the people 80 to assem-
BILE. whenever, in their Judgment, any soou can
thereby be accomplished. ~
Tn nav Judgment the condition OF things now
ax;stinc in Louisiana requires that the people
shonld meet and take counsel together, touching
S.st.ara If great concern to them and do not
.rnrehend. from such meeting, any serious dis
tTrhance of that harmony and concert on the
,srt of the opponents of Radicalism, which l
fava andeayored TO promote and to secure.
The action of the committee, as interpret and
1aratand IL has determined
That the committee will not call any other
.lan a nom Mating convention;
. That that call will be for Democratic Con-
The whole subject, therefore, is reduced to very
-. and simple proportions. AS the commit
ns1o datermined to call bat one convention,
~ tha 4 . Democratic Convention, Tor the specl-
=. .,rrnose of nominating candidates, that con-
ontt;op can with no propriety, be assemoe cd I'M
~ the summer of 1876, probably IN august, Ger
t.nv not earlier than July, IL the usual period Is
observed. ..ouosora - aba,I Damo-
1.o GSnnvantion be held in advance OF the
cTsuo - convention to nominate candidates,
DENY mo'i .ha committee resolved to call at the
proper timer