New-York tribune., 1875-02-02
THE LOUISIANA QUESTION
THE DEBATE IN THE SENATE.

IHE DEBATE IN The SENATE
DEBATE OVER MR.. scHURz's REVOLUTIONARY.
WEST REHEARsEs THE STOCK ARGUMENTS FAV-
ORrNG THE PRESIDENTS POLICY AND TIE KEEL
LOGG RING-A MILD ADMIRATION FROM SENATOR
MORRILL, OF VERMONT.
lBY TELEGRAPH TO THE TRIBUNE.l
WASHINGTON. Feb. 1.-Mr. West to-day devoted
himself to the task of proving that the Executive
had no desire to overthrow constitutional govern
ment in Louisiana, and establishing military des-
pOtism, urging that the report of the Sub Commit
tee was tho result of superficial inquiry, and
nothing more than a Democratic, White League
brief. He proceeded to state that in 1872
both parties united in urging the Pres-
dent to use the troops in New-Orleans.
He said the Governor urged him as well as Wilt,
the usurping Speaker. The Democrats in mass
meeting and the Democratic State Central Commit
tee both appealed for aid to help the organization Of
the Legislature; but the President responded,
Troops cannot be used, except under provisions OF
law" In his recent message the President also de-
clares himself opposed to any use of the military
except as last resort to restore order and save fe
In short, according to Mr. West. all the Presidents
acts and utterances refute the assumption that he
ever desired countenanced such of the troops
The assertion of the Democrats that he account
able for the transaction at NewOrleans was labeled
a sham pretension," and Mr.. Thurman's character
izing his mputation of blame TO the President as
"the airiest bubble that ever filled An empty head
or ono occupied with Presidential aspirations" was
returned upon him.
Having disposed Of the charge against the Pres
ident, the report of the sub Committee was taken
up and dissected. This report had reused his indg
nation and excited his ire. Sheridan could find 10
three or four days an air impregnated with ASSES
snaton and q widespread spirit of opposition to
the Government among the people Of Louisiana
but it was preposterous to suppose that this Com
mittee could ascertain anything OF the
real condition Of affairs in these short visits What
stronger proof is needed of the utter worthlessness
Of the report that the fact that il recites no horrible
tales of redhanded outrage, that no rivers of blood
flow over its pages nc assassns figure IN It's col
umnsi When in poiut OF fact Mr. West says, since
1868 there has been nothing but intimidation and
murder and outrage in the State" nine great massa
cres occurring in year.
It was admitted that fraud and corruption do
exist in louisiana but owing simply to the bad be-
bavior of the Democrats who kept Government so
busiy occupied that it had time to devote to the
reformation of wrongs. In conclusion, Dir. West
declared that he would uphold the party of thieves
against that of murderers. The speech did not have
any close connection with the point III debate; 1t
merely undertook to screen the President and re-
hearse the outrage statistics.
Mr.. Morrill, of Vermont followed Mr. West with o
gentle homily from the test given by Mr. Schurz,
couched in mild terms and delivered in kindly
tone. He deprecated the long continuance of the
debate and urged Democrats at the South to uphold
the laws and be truly loyal. This Government has
been always ready to greet the returning prodgal.
The Democrats have said that where they hold con-
troll order rules; but he feared it was in the same
manner in which order reigned at Warsaw. new
election in Louisiana an extreme medicine, and
useless unless the election free and fair.