The New Orleans bulletin. [volume] (New Orleans [La.]) 1874-1876, 1875-02-25
OPEN LETTER TO SPEAKER
WILTZ.
Able Opinion of ThOs. Allen Clarke
Oh the Compromise.

Allen Clarke, Esq, while the so-called 'com-
promise" was yet under discussion. We dc
regard the question as far from being closed,
and as the remarks of Mr. Clarke SO forci-
BILE and pertinent to the issue at this period
of our peoples distress, we have requested
that the subjoined letter might be published.
The opinions of so eminent a lawyer and
profound thinker as Mr.. Clarke are entitled
to great weight, and we earnestly recommend
the letter to the careful perusal of those
persons who voted for the compromise meas
ures in the Caucus last evening:
Hon. l.. A. Wilt, Speaker
Advice unasked in private affairs is imper-
Thence. In public matters, by virtue of
common interest, that which otherwise would
be intrusive becomes in citizen patriotic, if
Influenced by patriotic motives.
May not, without intrusion, suggest some
counsel in the present situation of public
affairs
We are in the presence Of de facto govern
ment, bound upon every principle of public
order TO yield obedience within the limit of
that authority which public law imposes
Treason may be committed against it, and
upon the highest authority the courts of de
jure government would enter Judgment upon
trial of such an issue against proved
offender, unless the act was in aid of the de
jure government.
There is no practical mode Of trying the
issue between the possessor and the claimant
lie jUe. The authorities capable of acting re-
fuse Revolution would be a crime when
having none of the elements to insure sue
cess.
To secure public order and tranquility
without yielding any right requires patient
passivity. Watchfulness, incessant vigilance,
unwearying patience are the qualities Of the
true patriot. If mistakes are made it is no
humiliation to retrieve them by as far as pos
sible, sacrificing the pride Of a hurried judy
ment to deliberate conclusion.
On the 4th of January last you were in the
presence of de .facto government. The brute
power which it borrowed you did not antici-
pate 1t intruded into your hall; by force it
removed five of those whom you had recog-
nized as fellows With a very natural indig-
nation you followed them. The almost unan-
imous opinion of the country condemns the
intrusion of the armed soldery. That opin-
ion would be made practical if leaders Of pub
lie sentiment could see any way before them
to make it efficient.
The right of majority of the popular as
sembly is accorded by your enemies to you.
Conservatives. unanimous public opinion
demands that recognition.
You are asked now, in consideration Of the
practical recognition of the right, to seats for
yourselves and associates to compromise. Have
yos right to compromise? Upon what prin-
cipal of fundamental or other law? Where
are your special powers? You may make a
compromise which in honor may bind your
individual conscences, but l respectfully
urge, and, with all Difference, you cannot
bind your official conduct without violation
of official duty.
compromise and what compromise
You get what they acknowledge belongs to
yOn.
They give you your rights with all the non
chalance of robber or thief, who proposes
if you will shake hands with him and ac-
knowledge him as man OF honor and integ-
rity he will give you back the things Of
which he has despoiled you.
What would the laws of this country-ot
any civilized State call such compromise?
compromising of felony.
What is gained? Will your acceptance af
ford any relief to our people? Will you your
self be benefited either in your public or
private capacity?
Both will find that they will be compelled
sever after to hold their peace" as regards the
rightful origin of the government of Durell
and the continued rightful existence Of all the
evils that have followed whether of new
courts new taxation, new monopolies, or con-
doned offences.
The former will find that the signs and
the occasion for charity to the widows and
orphans will no longer be justified by patriot
ism. The latter yourselves) will find the
possession of Office Pickwickian you will
have ample verge and space for the arts and |.
airs of legislation tolerated by the gratited
possessors Of real power, who will smile and
bow at what they will regard as antics. l do
not suppose for a moment that you will
accept from the hands of the Executive
favors which he will be delighted to award as
evidence of his pleasure at your subservi-
ency. Is not much every way due to those
who so calamity conducted the contest of
1872?
But l will not prolong7 this communica
ton. 1t is longer than l intended, and yet is
but suggestive of larger discourse.
Your obedient servant,
THos ALLEN CLARKE.
New Orleans, Feb. "A, 1875