The Jasper weekly courier. [volume] (Jasper, Ind.) 1858-1922, 1875-03-05
Minority Report.

Messrs. Hoar, Wheeler and Frye presented a
minority report, which isbriefy summarized as
follows.
Fyrst-That there exists in the White Mems
party purpose To take possession, by force or
fraud, OF the state Government. without regard
TO the question WIN may have numerical majority
at any fair election.
.s.cond-Thst, in the execution of this purpose.
they will not hesitate 10 use any INSTRUMENTAL
ties which they think designed 10 accomplish
their end, whether the same be murder fraud
civil war, or coercion of laborers by their en-
ployers.
T1ird-while there are many white men of
moderate means who do not themselves use or
approve these unlawful means. such men desire
the accomplishment of the same end, and are
powerless under the leadership of their more in
fuential associates.
Foarfh-Three causes have made il easy for the
white men 10 SO unite The fact that the Admin
istration party In Louisiana Is made up almost
altogether Of negro votes. with few white votes
largely from other States the fact there has been
INSTRUMENTATION by Republican officials, the
belief by large number OF the white people that
they have been twice defrauded of the results of
the successful election.
Fyfh-whie these things are deplorable the
course ~ the white people themselves has tended
Ia bring them about. The simple and peaceful
remedies Of obedience to law and decent treat
ment Of opponents would, II they had pursued
them. have proven effective long ago
lSLrfh-While we believe Gov. Kellogg received
n majority OF votes In lss2, and while we believe
there were violence and fraud in many OF the par
ishes in l-si, the illegal order Of Judge Durell,
and the illegal conduct of the Returning Board in
attempting 10 cure one wrong 10y another have
furnished substantial basis for complaints.
lSereafh-Thcre has been much dishonesty and
corruption In Louisiana. For these the Rcpubh-
can officials under wannoth's rule are largely ~
sponsible, although many OF their opponents
have been equally guilty.
Eig6th-The effect Of all this has been to put an
end to the authority Of law throughout a large
portion Of Louisiana, TO deprive the negro Of
freedom and suffrage, and 10 destroy the safe
guards provided by law 10 fairness in cleo
tons. This state OF things oyerthrows Republi-
can government in Louisiana, and seriously
nenaces The whole country.
Nfnfh-A new election under national authority
Is desired by neither side.
Isnfh-Congress should exercise its constitu-
tional powers. We think William Pitt Kellogg
wac the choice Of the majority Of the voters in
le72, and should be recognized.
Elerenfh-Thcee remedies are but superficial.
Efficient educational aid would have done much
10 prevent the evil, and may do mnch 10 effect the
cure. The public sentiment Of the rest of the
country, without distinction Of party, may do
much 70 remove as it has already unfortunately
done much TO aggravate, the evils Of Louisiana.
The people should be made 10 understand that
the authority lodged IN the National Government
10 preserve a Republican fornof Government and
10 protect the rights OF all citizens will be kindly
but fearlessy and steadily exercised, and that no
party in this country will accept the alliance OF
men who seeking power by such methods as
we have been compelled Ia describe. Unless this
can be done the overthrow of the free institutions
OF the whole United States viii not long survive
the destruction OF those IN the south.
The report ~ accompanied by a resolution re-
commenting the recognition Of kellogg and the
return Of the five Conservative members OF The
Legislature.