Mower County transcript. [volume] (Lansing, Minn.) 1868-1915, 1875-02-11
NUMBER 45.

all the reasons they had for confiding
alike in his patriotism and his wisdom ;
as it is also to he hoped that like meas
ure of justice will be accorded to the great
patriot and soldier who now fills the
Presidents chair.
The question, however, in what way to
meet an exigency like that which has so
long existed in Louisiana, is a question
Of principle, not Of men. And it is one
that should be calmly studied by every
American citizen. For our own part we
desire to see the colored people Of the
South fully protected in every privilege,
and in every right which the Constitution
Of the country guarantees to them. We
have not particle of sympathy with
either the prejudice that would brand
them, or the selfsLness that would op-
press them. What every citizen, however,
has a right to urge, is that in affording
them protection, or in administering the
affairs of the Southern States in any 9TH
er respect, the essential principles of the
government Of the nation be scrupulously
observed.
We must be allowed to quote still fur
ther from Mr.. Stewards speech. He says
/ still think that this first plan for the
reconstruction of the Southern States was
the best and wisest one Of all. 1t would
have been fortunate for the South and the
Union if it had been adopted then. It
will be fortunate for the South and the
Union if ii shall b: adopted now. But it
is not to be accomplished by mere denun-
citation Of what is or has been done wrong !;
it is necessary to find out and apply the
remedy. That remedy is not now within
the power of political parties or ofpublic
meetings. 1t is not within our power on
this floor. 1t is not within the power of
the President. II is only within the pow
er of the people Of the United States.
through their Representatives in Congress
assembled-It is right and proper, there
fore, that our resolutions should be adj
dressed to them, invoking their prompt
and patriotic action. And what is the
remedy? You have it in the pending
NEUTRALITY-SUSPICIOUS. action to de-
fine and enforce the faithful adherence of
all concerned to the respective duties
therein enumerated and prescribed by the
Constitution of the United States.
In the case under discussion, the pres
encc and aid of a Federal military force
seems to have been solicited by botil par
ties to State Legislative controversy.
Clearly condion of affairs so anomalous
and so extraordinary, is one requiring
early Congressional attention, to declare
what are the respective rights, duties, and
obligations, in Louisiana to-day, of sol
diers and citizens.
There can be 10 doubt that the execu
tive branch OF The Government has beer
| left to bear alone burden Of which Con
yress should, long ago, manfully takc1
its share 1t does not become us to ever
| intimate what measures it should hav,
then adopted, or should now adopt-Mos
certainly, however, the difficulties Of th'
situation should be grappled with by th'
National Leg islaturc, that the mode o
relief provided in the very nature of ou
institutions, and in the fundam entail Law
of the land may be applied,-We will onl.
add that the State government Of Louisi
! ana should be the work Of the people @
that State. freely acting through thei
representatives, and protected therein. i
necessary, by the general government
Whateve: is either less or more than this
must, of nee cssity, be mischievous in ten
dency and result.