The New Orleans bulletin. [volume] (New Orleans [La.]) 1874-1876, 1875-01-28
NEW ORLEANS THURSDAY, JANUARY %, 1875.

Orleans with any settled prejudices against
the people; had settled convictions relative to
| the condition OF things throughout the South
ern country generally, but not concerning any
| local affairs in the State had conversations
| with Beckwith Packard Congressman Smith,
E. L. Pierson and others concerning the con-
dition OF the Red River parishes
| There is not among the white people such
a sentiment as would prompt them to punish
white man for any wrong committed upon
negro. The chief crimes among the negroes
Will be found to be want Of chastity among
the women, and petty larcenies committed by
the males. Did not enter upon his duties
here with a determination to accept the de-
positions of Republicans and not to entertain
those Of white men and Conservatives. En-
tered into social intercourse with the white
people of the Red River District to very
limited extent.
Did not draw his conclusions relative to
this community from its expressions, but
from its acts. The great cause of complaint
on the part of the people is on account of
maladministration, high taxation, corruption
in office and has no doubt that the complaint
is just. The white people assert with truth
that there has been maladministration the
people no doubt believe and certa My assert
that the present State Government is a
usurpation. No doubt the rate Of taxation is
enormously high. Witness opinion is that
there is at present no government in the State.
The people have been oppressively taxed,
and there is no doubt but that the money has
been squandered, for which the people have
just cause of complaint. Has been told that
persons have abandoned their lands, re-
fusing to pay the enormous taxes assessed
against them. During the campaign no man
could have made Republican speech in
hat ,,r1,
with il. He would have been killed before
concluding it. Numbers of negroes in Caddo
told witness that they did not vote. because
they feared to do SO. The negro registration
exceeded that of the white by twelve hundred
majority.
Pledges were signed almost universally
by white people to discharge Republican ne
gloes Since the advent of Gen Sheridan
and since witness made an Off -ial report
thereof there appears to be a dspositionsto
withhold the exercise Of these pledges. The
Information upon which this report of wit
ness was made, was derived from the ne
groes themselves. Many of these negroes
were discharged before their contracts had
expired. Did not take any steps to prevent
the enforcement of this Wholesale discharge of
negroes.
Does no: know personally that what is
termed White League. is an armed organiza-
ton. 1t certainly is not an avowed armed
organization. There is considerable differ
ence between the White League of that sec.
ton of the country and the SIX or seven hun
dred school boys known as the White League
in the city and commanded by Gen. Ogden.
The latter is publicly avowed an armed Or
ganization.
Understands that the Grand Jury of the
parish has taken no steps in the Coushatta
aft tod ic
the subject, and has heard that arrests have
been made. 1t is SAID that twenty seven per-
sons have been arrested; and if it is so, it |
does not represent one-tenth of those who are
directly and indirectly implicated in it. Most
of the parish officers of Caddo are utterly
worthless. The Sheriff is about as worthless |
an officer as exists. He is Kellogg officer.
The negroes have no more chance before |
Republican courts than if these courts were
Democratic. There is no authority in Louis
lana outside of that of the White League |
and the United States, that can enforce law.
Concerning the composition of juries in the
country parishes, as rule they are formed |
with majority Of negroes. Does not regard
the average negro as a competent juror Ad-
mitted that it was generally before these jul
ries, thus composed that negroes are meted |
out slim Justice.
Charles G. DeRudio.
Is a lieutenant in the United States army,
and was sent to st. Martinvlle last October
with a detachment of troops to assist the
United States Deputy Marshal in making ar
rests Shortly after arriving in the parish,
received information that an armed organiza-
ton was at Breauxs Bridge, having for its
purpose the expulsion of the United States
forces from the parish, and rescuing such
persons as might be arrested.
AT various times during his stay in the
parish, when on expedition in search of the
men for whom warrants had been issued, met
armed bodies Of men who were said to be
White Leaguers. On the day of the election,
Intercepted thirty or forty negroes who
affirmed that they had not voted because they
feared being discharged and ill treated