The Louisiana Democrat. [volume] (Alexandria, La.) 1845-1918, 1875-03-17
the VICKSBURG TROUBLES

We have never been able to under
stand thoroughly the true state OF
the recent Vieksburg Troubles, out
of which the Radicals have made
great attempts at further election
capital, until we have had the luck to
meet with the Minority Report of
Congressman Speer and O'Brien.-
We now publish it in full, that our
readers may know for themselves the
true state Of the case, and further
state that these two gentlemen are
Democrats and feel, act and write like
true Democrats. And it will be food
for those who are always asking what
does the Democracy for the cause Of
the Southern people. The Report
will fill the bill and answers all such
doubters:
From q review of the whole testi-
lnony We briefly state our conclusion
First-That in the city. of Vicks-
burg and county Of Warren the white
citizens pay about SO per cent. of the
taxes, which have grown enormously
oppressive, and that the negroes
chiefly assess, collect and disburse
them.
Second-That the debt of the city,
which in 1869 was $4,000 is now
81, 400, 900, as far as can be ascertain
ed. That it has accumulated to this
sum by the reckless and improvident
legislation of the Republican officials,
and is grievous burden imposed on
a population of 1900, people, less
than half of whom are white people.
Third-That corrupt and infa-
nous Ring, composed of negro off,
Gals, has existed in said city and
county for several years, who by for
geries, peculation, and systematic
frauds on the revenues, have injured
the public credit, impoverished the
people, and augmented the taxes to
rates resulting in practical con6sca-
ton.
Fourth-That Peter Crosby, the
Sheriff and Tax Collector, was the
political and personal friend Of the
corrupt officials, and by his power in
summoning juries their conviction
was rendered practically impossible.
That the Sheriff admitted to bail his
political friends when charged with
the gravest offences on bonds notori-
ously worthless, and was the chief
impeachment to the administration of
Justice in the courts.
Fifth-That Judge Brown had pub
licly declared that the prosecution of
Cardozo, the leader of the Ring for
malfeasance in Office, was persecution
when no honest man in Vicksburg of
either party doubts his guilt, and by
his PAL tizanship had destroyed pub
lie confidence in the tribunal over
which lie presided.
Sixth - I hat the Taxpayers
League was organized irrespective of
politics or color, and that its sole OBJ
ject, as stated in its constitution and
declared in its meetings, was to Sc
cure capable officials and honest gov
eminent.
Scventh-That the bonds Of Cros-
by as Sheriff and Tax Collector were
utterly insufficient, if not absolutely
worthless.
Eighth-That the Board of Super
visors were advised Of the utter insult
ficiency of Crosby's bonds, but cor
ruptly declined to compel him, as the
law required, to give good and suffi-
cient bonds.
Ninth-That the time having. mr.
rived for the collection Of taxes, the
taxpayers, having no adequate rene
edy, were justified in their demand
for Crosby's resignation, and that his
resignation was voluntary and not
the result of violence or threats.
Tenth-The conflict of Dec. Z, re-
sulting in the killing Of two whites
a n d twenty-four colored persons
was solely and wholly caused by the
armed attempt Of the negroes of War
rem county..to invade vicksburg; that
this invasion was melted and insti
gated by Peter Crosby, and that
Crosby was advised and encouraged
to take this course, and Was promised
aid in it by Gov. Ames.
Eleventh-That the defence of the
city was made under the direction of
the Mayor, and all the preparations
and conduct of the citizens were ius.
titled by natures highest law-self-
preservation. They acted in defence
of their families and If tho;r howe,