Daily Kennebec journal., 1875-01-09
Mr.. HALES RESOLUTION.

The resolution of Mr.. Hale for new
election in Louisiana is the best proposi-
ton yet made for solution of the difficult
ties existing in that State. 1t is evident
that no halfway measures, no patchwork
business will end the troubles there, but
in all probability only to serve to prolong
and intensity them. The suggestion that
the Congressional committee should act
as arbiters in the matter has but little
merit in our opinion. 1t is better that
they confine themselves strictly to the du-
ties which they were sent there to perform,
investigating the election OF 1872 if they
please, but leaving to Congress to take
such course as may be found to be best in
the case. Their duty is to make fair
and impartial investigation and lay the
facts obtained before Congress for the in
struction and guidance of that body.
Their labors if kept within these limits
and well conducted may be valuable
But as arbiters their action would amount
to nothing. 1t would settle nothing, Meth
or would it promote harmony. Their
opinions and decisions would have no
more weight than those Of any like num-
Der of intelligent persons having equal
opportunity for investigation. The one
party or the other in the State would re-
fuse tn abide by their conclusion, notwith-
standing that the leaders might be pledged
to that effect, and SO the fight would con-
tinue. If the proposition of Mr.. Hale We're
adopted and carried out successfully it
would end the war beyond doubt. A
fair election by the people would be a
finality that could not be disputed or over
turned All factions and parties in the
State would be obliged to accept the re-
suit. 1t would declare the sovereign will
of the people. Whether favorable or un-
favorable to Kellogg or McEnery, to re-
publcans or democrats. its results would
be conclusive. irresistible. President
Grant would thankfully abide by it, and
the White League would have no farther
occupation for while at least, perhaps
forever. Dut Gun la'l eiectioh NC Heiu
in Louisiana? This is the important ques-
ton In considering Mr.. Hale's resolution.
1t is probable that it may be done. 1t is
to be noted that the conservatives. who
are out OF power, all desire new elections;
while the republicans. who hold the State
offices. would feel compelled to acquiesce
in the course adopted by the majority in
Congress. Thus there would be no oppo-
sition by any party among the peop.e OF
Louisiana to new election. and with such
a disposition on the part of the voters i'm
lnedia.ely concerned, assisted by the CO.
operation of the general government
there would seem to be a good prospect
Of holding fair election and obtaining
satisfactory result, if such thing is poss-
Jle in the State.
OF the power of Congress in the present
condition of Louisiana to order a new
election there is no doubt. The State is
without arepublican government. Itmay
be said to have no government except
that of the mob and the White League,
which are only kept in subiection by The
United States troops. By the forms of
law Kellogg is governor, bat he is power
less against the mob except by federal in
tervention. and thus there is no republican
government in the State BY the const-
tuition the general government is bound to
guarantee to every State ia the Union a
republican government Congress not
only therefore may, but it must, ii i, oh
serves its constitutional obligations, take
measures to secure such government in
Louisiana as the constitution requires.
The republicans of the North have been
desirous that Louisiana should govern
herself as other States do. They have
had no wish to interfere in her domestic
Affairs, nor TO have the general govern
ment do so. They have waited patiently
and anxiously for q better state OF things
within her borders, and have reluctantly
come 10 the conclusion at last that Con-
gress must take up her case and deal with