New Orleans Republican. [volume] (New Orleans, La) 1867-1878, 1875-01-09
SENATOR BLACKBURN on THE SIT,
CATIONs
what Is Best to Be Done:

New ORLEANS. January s. 1876.
EDIroR REPUBLICAN,:
Your editorial article Of this morning,
headed Republicans Should Speak" must
| meet the appreciation and awaken the com.
mon sense OF every true member of our
party, and, am sure, will not do violence
to any lover of law and order and OF peace
and justice in the land. of whatever political
party or religious sect. For myself. must
say that take it as we'll timed and "we,l
put." and feel Its force and commapdin: {.
justice to degree above silence.
But then. when | approach this subject
feel wearied, and almost heartlees: for what
more can say than have already said. It
would seem that enough has been said.
When called before the Congressional com.
mlttee, recently, stated that l would
rather not testify before it, because looked
upon such process as amounting to nothing.
practically; stating that Democrats from
my locality, equally conscientious with my.
self, would rise up and swear directly across
my path. thus making confusion worse con
founded. ] was then requested 70 make a
written statement OF the condition OF affairs
in 1ny section. US to the intimidation and
general condition OF the co!oreI element,
the subject unity / wss thoroughly tired.
and really know nothing more to write. |
then retired from tefora the committee,
with the understanding that might. per-
haps, make 2 written sta.ement t. il, at
Washington, before final reeort.
Then the very next witnesses called str;k.
ingly verified the correctness OF tie posi-
tiOh had assumed as to che fUt:lity of
such testimony and such Investigations.
United States District Attorney Beckwith
testified to very deplOrable condition of
Iy,fJ mil 6afIn ND 1nr IsI,
Ored population, giving some special in
stances in point, but was followed by Judge
Alex W alker, who testified that he viewed
the case as diametrically different from the
statement of MIR. Beckwith. These two
gentlemen, among the most intelligent and
high toned of our community, thus making
q clear stand off as to facts under oath.
And SO this congressional testimony pro.
ceeds from beginning to ending.
And so precisely az to the statements Of
General Sheridan. Thousands and tens Of
thousands OF Republicans in this State !
would testify under oath that Genera! !
Sheridan has but stated the case fairly and
truly, and if decaying careasses and dry I
bones could be allowed to speak, an addi.
tional amount Of confirmatiye testimony |
could be added sufficient to almost pull |
down che heavens, while on the other side |
equal numbers. whom we are all bound to
recognize as equally homes. and conscen.
-ious, and in the main much more intelli. !
gent. come readily to the front cad testify
hat great wrong and 1a!sehood. aaye been
leaped upon them.
This all 1nakes very ugly ease. and
or one ''know not what to do." 1t sickens
ne. 1t makes me lose hope for mans self.
! say it sickens ,nc, for
1nOw of no c,.ch feeling or desirs as blood.
he'd or personal vengeance IN politics. I
nay differ from my fellow citizens on points !
# political faith and policy. bat it Is always
n honest and friendly difference, and does
ot lead to desire for personal harm. And
does seem to me that all men--ae least all
intelligent men-might entertain and exer.
Use the same feeling and purpose. And if
hey did, would we not at once have peace
nd safety In this distracted State, and ere
3ns general and euyiable prosperity :
lost assuredly.
And still my Democratic friends. many of
hem the most intelligent gentlemen In
1e State, and doubtless having the best I
lterest OF the public at heart, are constant.
7 appealing to me to do something to allay
10 strife and ruin. They appeal to me |
an old citizen and a consistent politician |
correct these evils. And how! Simply
quitting the Republican party and Join.
x them. Well. l would quit the Repub.
can party if knew it would cure the evils
the Democratic party. And right here !
AXE the distinct proposition to the leaders
the Democratic party. that if they will ,
loroughiy dsband forever their White
eague organization. and make . solemn |
I'd public pledge to forever hereafter de.
ounce and put down murder and assassin. !
ion for opinions sake. and carry out in {
'od faith the ''constitution and the law"
behalf OF the colored race, and OF all a
en- alike. will Join them IN such work in .
,th word and deed, and even consent to be 9
lied Democrat: and SO tar as | am indi. I
dually concerned. viii! agree that they =
ay hereafter hold all the offices which 4
w exist. and as many more as they NAV a
oose to create. provided always, that they e
all. as they proceed. prove their faith by c
cir works. I
Meantime. let existing facts, however J!
ametul. speak for themselves. nor seek to 2
AXE very bad condition of affairs still
'rse oy denying tbs truth. however de. \
)rable. q
Whatever may be said to the contrary. '
Q Republican party of Louisiana is in.
+ numerical majority. and is at least in d
main . party of peace, order and in p
stry; and if the more intelligent, but less q
merous Democratic party of Louisiana t
u only seek to emulate these simple
'bian virtues-the virtues of quiet in.
stEJ and Individual am;ty aud ameniry-l .