Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1875-01-15
THE PRESIDENTS MESSAGE.


THE PRESIDENTS MESSAGE.
The message of President Grant on Lou
isiana affairs speaks to the common sense
and love of justice of all American cili-
zens. 1t tells "plain, unvarnished tale
of events and circumstances leading to
the present condition of affairs in that
State, disclosing what part the admins
tration has acted in them, and on what
grounds and by what authority. Practi-
cally lawlessness has been almost un-
checked in Louisiana since 1866. Riots
have occurred in which scores were slain
and no notice has been taken of them by
the civil authorities. Murder has been a
common occurrence and nobody has been
punished for it. The courts have been
overawed. Holding Office under repub-
lican administration has been regarded a
crime, and the taking OFF, of persons
who held such Offices has been considered
by the conservatives as a thing to be
winked at if not openly commended. The
facts presented by the President make it
evident that to be a republican in Louisi-
ana is not an easy or agreeable matter.
All over the State where it is possible
they are prosecuted and hunted for their
principles, willis to hold Office makes
them the mark for the assassin bullet.
Even as the old Covenanters of Scotland
held to their religious faith at the peril OF
their lives, SO are prominent republicans
in Louisiana prosecuted even unto death
because of their political principles. There
is no attempt in the message to overdraw
the picture of the treatment Of repubii-
caDs. Only facts authenticated by the
best authority are stated.
Having shown the general condition of
lawlessness in the State and given an idea
Of the outrages committed by the conser-
vatives for political motives, the President
speaks of the election in 1872, frankly stat
ing the difficulties which were raised by
that matter, of the uncertainty as to who
was elected Governor, and the reasons for
which he recognized Kellogg. To doubt
the candor and honesty of the President
in the course he pursued is impossible to
one he reads his statement, and il is equal
ly impossible to tell how he could have
pursued course more justiiiable than the
one which he adopted 1t was against his
wish that he was called to interfere in any
manner with the domestic affairs of Lou
isiana. He called the attention of Con-
gress to the situation. He was careful
and moderate in the steps he took to pre-
serve order He sent but few soldiers
there. When it was represented to him
last summer that the presence Of troops
was irritating to the people and unneces-
sary to preserve order. he removed all but
q small garrison IN the New Orleans bar
racks. Then the conservatives applauded
him, but Immediately proceeded TO abuse
the confidence and favor shown them by
organizing and preparing for the riot
which took place in September--thc pre-
liminary movement in the election OF last
November. That riot opened more clear
ly the eyes of the President to the char;.c-
ter of the men and party he had to deal
with in Louisiana. They had deceived
him. broken their promises to observe or
der. and for time overturned the State
government. Upon the requisition of the
Governor issued in consequence of that
rio: he ordered more soldiers to New Or
leans, where they were continued and
still are. He gave no orders posting them
at the Slate House on the 4th. They were
placed there by authority Of the Governor
TO aid the police in keeping order. Dis
iurbance had been threatened at the Or
ganization of the Legislature and the pre-
caution of having tie military at hand
was deemed necessary. The President
did not order them into the State House,
nor order them to remove anybody from
the building. While attempting to evade no
responsibility attaching to him. he states
the facts 'as they were Admitting that
the general government should not inter-
fere with the organization of the .egisla-
ture OF State. he thinks that in the pecu
liar circumstances under which the militia.
nv acted there are reasons TO he found ex
cusing them from intentional wrong. If
there were any who supposed the Presi-
dent would assume the character of Gaze
sar by claiming the right to interfere with
the organization Of the Legislature of Lou
isiana. they find themselves disappointed
In his message. They find him there ex-
pressing the same consistent Difference 10
the civil authority which he has always
shown. Prompt in battle, he is equally
prompt to obey the constitution and laws.