The Grange advance. [volume] (Red Wing, Minn.) 1873-1877, 1875-01-19

usurPation and tyranny in law was re-
newed with doubled energy. Troops
had been sent to the State under reoui-
sition Of the Governor, as other dis
turbances seemed imminent. Thew
were allowed to remain there to render
tho executive such aid as might be-
come necessary to enforce the laws Of
the State, and to reprcss the continued
violence which seemed inevitable the
moment Federal support should be
withdrawn.
Prior to and with view to the late
election in Louisiana, white men asso-
cla:ed themselves together in armed
bodies, called White Leagues, and at
the same time threats were made in the
| Democratic journals Of the State that
the election should be carried against
the Republicans at all hazards, which
very naturally greatly alarmed tho col.
ored voters. By section 8 of the act OF
February 28th. 1871, it is made the
duty Of United States marshals and
their deputies, at polls where there are
votes cast for representatives in Con-
gress, to keep the peace and prevent
any violation of the so-called
enforcement acts, and other offenses
against the laws Of the United States
Upon requisition Of the Marshal of
Louisiana, and in view Of said armed
organization and other pretentious Cir
cumstances, caused dctachments of
! troops to be stationed at various local
itics in the State to aid him in the per.
fermance Of his oflicia! duties in the
enforcement of the State laws. The
| officers and troops Of the United States
may vel! have supposed that it was
their duty to act, when called upon by
the government for that purpose.
Each branch of legislative assem-.
bly, is the judge Of the election and
qualifications of it's own members, but
if mob or body Of unauthorized per-
sons seize and hold the legislative hall
in tumultuous and riotous manner,
and 80 prevent any organization by
those legally returned as elected, it,
might become the duty of State exc.
cutive to interpose, if requested by
majority Of the members elected, to
suppress tho disturbance and ena-
bic the persons elected to
this power would be justifiable under
most extraordinary circumstances, and
it would then be the duty of the Gov.
ernor to call upon the constabulary or,
if necessary, the military force Of tho
State.
But with reference to Louisiana, it is
to be borne in mind that any attempt
by the Governor to use the police force
Of tho State at this time, would have
undoubtedly precipitated a bloody con-
aict with the White League, al it
did on the 18th Of September.
There Is no doubt but the
presence Of the United States troops
on that occasion prevented bloodshed
and the loss of life. Both parties ap-
pear to have relied upon tn :m as con-
SENATORS of the public peace. The
first call was made by the Democrats
to remove persons obnoxious to them
from the Legislative hall, and the sec.
ond from the Republicans to remove
persons who had usurped seats in the
Legislature without legal certificates
authorizing them to seats, and in suf-
ficient number to change the majority.
Nobody was disturbed by the mill.
tary who had legal right at that time
to occupy seat in the legislature. !
That the Democratic minority of the
House undertook to seize its organiZa.
ton by frand and violence; that in this |
attempt they trampled under foot the
law; that they undertook to make per-
sons not returned as elected members |
so as to create majority; that they
acted under a preconcertcd plan, and
under false pretenses introduced into !
the hall by men to support their pre-
tensions by force. if necessary, and Gre
ate disorder and riotous proceedings,
are facts which seem to be we'll estab.
lished. am credibly informed that |
these violent proceedings were a part |
of p"emeditated plan to have the
house organized in this way, recognize
what has been called the McEnery SEN
ate, then depose Gov. Kellogg and SO
revolutionize the State government.
Whether it was wrong for the Gov.
ernor at the request of the majority of
members returned as elected to the |
House, to use such means as were in his |
power to defeat these lawless and revo.
lutionary proceedings, is, perhaps, a
debateable question. But it is quite |
certain that there would have been
no trouble if those who now complain
ofillegal interference had allowed the |
House to be organized in a |
lawful and regular manner.
When those who inaugurate disorder,
war and anarchy, disavow such pro-
ceedings, it will be time enough to con.
denim those who. by such means as
they have, prevent the success of law
less and desperate schemes.
Lieut.. Gen. Sheridan was requested |
by me to 90 to Louisiana to observe and |