Huntington advertiser. [volume] (Huntington, W. Va.) 1874-1921, 1875-03-11
The Louisiana Legislature.


A correspondent of the New York
Times, who is giving some fine pen
scratches of Southern life and man.
ners. recently visited a session Of the
Louisiana Legislature, and thus des
cribes what he saw there:
"The Assembly Chamber is long,
narrow, uncarpeted, foul-smelling
room. Near the door a small space
is set apart for visitors, and above
this is low gallery, which one OF
the attendants informed me was the
ladies balcony At the lower end OF
the apartment the Speakers desk is
raised almost 10 the ceiling, and
around this are clustered seats for
innumerable negro clerks, messengers
and other attendants. Entering the
room | found the members engaged
in a loud and exciting debate. The
space set apart for spectators was fill-
ed with negroes, who gazed with open
mouthed wonder upon the proceed
ings of those within the circle, and 1t
was only after ten minutes dillgent
pushing that | succeeded in securing
position from which it was possible
to see as well as hear. 1t is almost
impossible to describe the scene which
was then presented to me. Six or
seven black men were on the floor
shouting like maniacs; a number OF
others were in their seats crying,
Order da,' and 'Missa Speaker at
the tops of their voices. In the chair
a young white man was seated. He
presented q very remarkable appear
ance. His clothes were muca too
small for him, and had cracked in two
or three places. Through these holes
a soiled shirt appeared, and in the
bosom of this garment a valuable
diamond pin was placed. The young
man wore very dirty shirt collar and
a flaming red neck-tie. This was the
Speaker pro tenn, of the Louisiana
Legislature. Above the din created
by the members on the floor of the
House could be heard a squeaIy
voice issuing from this young man
and commanding order
"The confusion and noise were
increased by the gavel, with which
he raped loudly and continually.
His commands were ofno avail, how
ever: the representatives of the peo-
pie would not he silenccd. At first
it was of course, impossible to discov-
er what was being so excitedly dis
cussed, but after time became
aware that the debate was upon the
adoption of report of the Commit
tee on Elections, giving seats to two
Republicans who claimed to have
been elected, but who had not been
returned by the Board ofCanvassers
On this a white leader Of the House
had moved the previous question, and
Il number of negroes, who stated that
they we're sure the claimants were
not elected, rose and refused to vote
unless debate was allowed. When it
is remembered that on account OF
the withdrawal of the Conservatives
there are only fifty-six members, or
Just a quorum, in the House, it will
be seen that no business could be
touched If one member refused to
vote. Knowing this and evidently
wishing to have the report of the
committee adopted at once, the white
leader referred to moved that those
who refused to vote be called before
the bar of the House for contempt.
Upon this the widest disorder en-
sued. Twenty men started to their
feet and commenced speaking at the
same moment. Above the general
confusion could be heard shouts OF
\ on lie, you nlgger YOU. 'l'at nol
parliamentary, sab 'You's a viola
tin of the Constitution, Sab" That
last remark was made by young
and handsome mulatto. He had no
sooner uttered it thar very black
man turned upon him and exclaimed
with an air of the utmost contempt.
What You knows about de Constltu,
ton, you yellow moke, you? You
pusson of insure parentage, you shut
your fool mouf.' This caused a loud
laugh among the negro spectators,
and was greeted with such exclama.
tions as 'Golly, but dat mig is some,
Hes de man for talkin' You bet,
and 10 be sure, honey"