The morning star and Catholic messenger., 1875-01-10
sHERIDAN'S DISPATCHES.
Protest Against His Falsehoods.

The events of the past week in this city form
one of the most important chapters in the his.
tory of the Union. Even during the terrible
days of the late civil war, or during the more
recent period of the so-called Reconstruction of
the Southern States, an act SO Numerically
opposed to the spirit of all Constitutional Gov
ernment, as the interference of the army with
o State Legislature, was never dreamed of.
Our readers are familiar with the history of
the frauds committed by the Returning Board,
which SO manipulated the returns of the elec-
tions held last November, as to change Con-
servative majority of twenty in the House.
into Radical majority of two, referring the
returns of four parishes, which gave large
Democratic majorities, to the House itself for
decision. General Grant and his cabinet
having decided to sustain the action of the Re-
turning Board, Lieut General P. II. Sheridan
was ordered to New Orleans to take command,
and was invested with full power to
act as he thought proper under any cir
cumstances that might arise. On Sunday
night, 3rd inst, the United States forces, con-
sisting of about 2. 500 infantry, several compa-
mics of cavalry, and several pieces of artillery,
were concentrated in the neighborhood of the
State House (the old st. Louis Hotel), fully
that building and on the street on which it
fronts, and one company being in the building
itself. Besides this w. P. Kellogg, the usurp-
ing Governor, had quartered a large part of
the police force in the State House.
Under these adverse circumstances, the Con
servatives were compelled to proceed to an or
ganization of the House, trusting to Provi'
dence and the justice of their cause for some
%>f flor
jority of the people of the State whom they
represent, their right of self-government. At
10 O'Clock on Monday, there being about hum
dred members present, with majority of one
or two Conservatives, it is said, (four Radicals
being absent) VIM. Vigers, the clerk of the last
House of Represea tatives, took the chair and
proceeded to call the roll. Immediately after
this, by UirG rocc vote, Hon. Louis A. Wilt,
of New Orleans, was elected temporary Chair
man. Mr.. Wiltz at once appointed Sergeant
alarms pro tent., with about twenty-fi assist
ants. So rapid had been the movements of the
Conservatives that the Radicals were at first
completely non-plussed, but at once rallyipg
they began to protest against the temporary
organization as revolutionary. 4 motion was
then made, seconded and carried, that the Con-
servative members elected from the four par
ishes referred by the Returning Board to the
House were entitled to their seats. These
gentlemen being present then took the oath
and the House proceeded to a permanent or
ganization. Hon. L. A. Wiltz was nominated
by the Conservatives as Speaker and
the Hon. Michael Hahn by the Ra-
ideals. Amidst the greatest confusion, oaus-
ed by the loud and continued pro-
tests of the Radicals, the roll was called, and
the vote announced as follows: WIltz So,
Hahn 3, blank 1, the Radicals refusing to vote.
Mr.. Wilt then took the oath of Office and COM
menced to administer the Same to the members,
who approached the Speakers stand by fours.
Il may here be remarked that several of the
leading Radicals, among others NE. Hahn, took
the oath. While this was going on, many of
the Radicals commenced leaving the Hall, and
the Speaker ordered the Sergeant-at-arms to
let no members out.
Notwithstanding this fact several members
made strenuous efforts to get out and were as
sited by the lobby which consisted principally
of policemen and Radical politicians. A scene
of confusion followed and at one time blood
shed was imminent, but owing to tho deter
mination and c0olness of the Sergeants- at-arms,
quiet was soon restored. Committee on
Credentials vas then appOiatea Ena While