The Kenosha telegraph. [volume] (Kenosha, Wis.) 1860-1888, 1875-01-21
tied to the offices for which they were candi-

dates.
Respecting the alleged interference by the
military with the organization of the Legis-
lature OF Louisiana on the 4th instant, I have
no knowledge or information which has not
neen received by me since that time and pub
llshed. My first information was from the
papers OF the morning of the 9Th of January
did not know that any such thing was an
tlcIpated, and no ORDERS no suggestions, were
ever given to any military officer in that State
UPON the sub. ect prior to the occurrence am
well aware That any military interference by
the o1hcers or troops OF the United States with
the organization Of a State Legislature or any
OF lts proceedings, or with any civil depart
ment OF the government is repuA nant to our
ldeys of government. / can conceive of no
case, not involving rebellion or insurrec-
ton, where such interference by the au-
thority of the general government ought to be
permitted or can be justified; but there are
circumstances connected with the late Legis-
lature imbroglio in Louisiana which seem to
exempt the military from any intentional
wrong in that matter, knowing that they had
been placed in louisiana to prevent domestic
violence, and to aid in REFRESHING it. The rev.
olution was apparently, thought is believed
not really, abandoned, and the CRY of 'sFed-
eral usurpation" and tyranny in Louisiana"
was renewed with redoubled energy. Troops
had been sent to the State under the requisi-
ton of the Governor, and as other disturbances
seemed imminent, they were allowed to remain
there, to render the Executive such aid as might
become necessary to enforce the laws of the
State and reoress the continued violence
which seemed inevitable at the moment when
the Federal support should be withdrawn.
Each branch OF Legislative assembly is
the judge of the election and the qualitica-
tions of It's own members but if mob or
body of unauthorized persons seize and hold
the Legislative hall in tumultuous and riot
Gus manner, and so prevent any organization
by those legally returned as elected, it
might become the duty Of the State Execu-
tive to interpose, if requested by majority
of the members-elect, to suppress the dis
turbance and enable the persons elected to
organize the House. Any exercise of this
power would be justifable under most extraor-
binary circumstances, and it would then be the
duty of the Governor to call upon the con-
stabulary, or, if necessary, the military force
of the State; but with reference to Lou
isiana, it is to be borne in mind that any at
tempt by the Governor to use the police force
of that State at this time would have un-
doubtedly precipitated bloody conflict with
| the White League, as it did on the 1Ath of
September. There is no doubt that the pres
ence of the United States troops on that oc-
casion prevented bloodshed and the loss of
life. Both parties appear to have relied upon
| Lu0m DIS COubGIfdIOTb Vi Lu0 puOuC peace.
| The first call was made by the Democrats,
to remove persons obnoxious to them from
the Legislative hall, and the second was from
the Republicans, to remove persons who had
usurped seats in the Legislature without le-
gal certificates authorizing them to seats, and
in sufficient number to change the majority.
Nobody was disturbed by the military who had
legal right at that time to occupy seal in
the Legislature. That the Democratic
| ynF% Is.
organization by fraud and violence; that in
this attempt they trampled under foot the law,
in that they acted under a precon-
certed plan, and under false pretenses intro
duced into the hall men to support their pre-
tensions by force, If necessary,
and that the conflict, disorder and
riotous proceedings following are facts,
seems to be well-established, and 1
am credibly informed that these violent pro-
ceedings we're part of a premeditated plan
to have the House organized in this way !;
to recognize what has been called the McEn-
| cry Senate then to depose Gov. Kellogg,
and 30 revolutlonize the Safe government.
Whether it was wrong for the Governor, at
the request of a majority of the members
returned as elected in the House, to- use such
means as were in his power to defeat these
lawless and revolutionary proceedings, is
ro~hans debatable question; but it is quite
certain tnaI Inere WO1Iu nave boon no trouble
if those who now complain of illegal interfer-
ence had allowed the House to be organized
in a lawful and regular manner. When those
who inaugurate disorder or anarchy disayoW
such proceedings, it will be time enough to
condemn those who, by such means as they
had, prevented the success of their lawless
and desperate schemes.
Lieut.-Gen Sheridan was requested by me
to go to Louisiana to observe and report the
situation there and, if in his opinion neces-
I sary, to assume the command which he did,
on the 4th instant. after the legislative dis
turbances had occurred, at 8 o'clock in the
evening, number of hours after the disturb
ance. No party motives nor personal preju-
dlces can reasonably be imputed to him, bat
honestly convinced by what he he's seen and
heard there he has characterized the leaders
of the White Leagues in severe terms and
suggested summary modes Of procedure
against them, which, though they cam
not be adopted, would if legal, soon
put an end to the troubles and disor-
der in that State.
Gen. Sheridan was looking at the facts, and
possibly not thinking of proceedings which
would be- the only proper ones to pursue in
time of peace-he thought more of the utterly
lawless condition of society surrounding him
at the time of his dispatch and of what would
prove sure remedy. He never proposed to
| do any illegal act nor expressed determine
| future might authorize for the punishment of
the atrocities which have been committed and
the commission of which cannot be success
| fully denied
| 1t is deplorable fact that political crimes
and murders h&ve been committed in Louis
lana which have gone unpublished, and which
have been justified or apologized for, which
must rest as reproach upon the State and
country long after the present generation has
passed away. have no desire to have United
States troops interfere in the domestic con-
Germs of LOUISIANA or any other State.
| On the 9th Of December last, Gov. Kellogg
telegraphed to me his apprehension that the
! White League intended to make another at
tack. Upon the same day made the follow
ing answer, since which no communication
has been sent to him:
Your dispatch of this date Just received.
It is exceedingly unpalatable to use troops in
anticipation of danger. Let the State author
tiles be right, and then proceed with their
duties without apprehension of danger. If
they are then molested, the question will be
determined whether the United States is able