The Louisiana Democrat. [volume] (Alexandria, La.) 1845-1918, 1875-12-29

ton for the course the proceedings
took on the motion of Fernando
Wood, but we have reason to know
that Messrs, Levy, Gibson and Ellis
did the utmost in their power in our
behalf, and the reason why Louisl-
ana's wrongs were denied a hearing
is that many of the Democratic Re-
believed that we were
concluded by the adjustment of last
winter, and as we had sold our birth
right for a mess of pottage, we must
abide by our own act. 1t is not ne
cessary to repeat here that the COM
promise was not our act, nor the act
of the people of the State.
During the debate in reply to in
quiries from the Republican side, it
was stated and admitted by many of
our Democratica friends, that at the
last session of Congress there was an
implied understanding and tacit
agreement, though not formally ex-
pressed that, the proposed Wheeler
compromise should be regarded as an
asquiescence in the Kellogg govern
ment and further discussion and &C
ton on this subject, by the House,
should not be had.
The following propositions were
submitted, in the debate on the reso-
luton by its supporters.
That, Such understanding Or agree
ment, in previous Congress, was not
binding upon this, anew body;
That, The passage by the House at
the last session ofthe 43rd Congress,
of the resolution recognizing w. P.
Kellogg as Governor did not, and
ought not to control the 44th Con-
gress;
That, The election returns of 1872
had not been canvassed by the Con-
gressional Committee of Inyestiga.
ton whose members had undertaken
the Compromise in 1875;
That, This compromise had not
the approval and ratification of the
people of Louisiana as a recognition
of Kellogg as the legal Governor and
as concluding the claims of McEnery.
These propositions, incidentally
raised, the House was unwilling to
act upon, and its action was decisive,
only of this: that, as Kellogg was ex-
ercising the functions of Governor
and was recognized as such by the
coordinate branches of the State
Government, his certificate, entitled
Mr.. Morey to be sworn in as mem
Der Of the House.
"A great many of our friends in this
Congress indicate an indisposition
to reopen the Louisiana Question
and an aversion to any Legislative
action thereon.
While the sentiment is undivided
among the Democrats condemnatory
of the illegalities and violence which
foisted the Kellogg government upon
the people of Louisiana and the I'M
warranted interference of the Presi-
dent, which has by military force,
continued the usurpation, they seem
to consider themselves bound by
what they regard as an implied agree
ment to acquiesce in that govern
ment and they further, regard the
seating of the Democratic members
of the Lower House (of Louisiana
under the "Wheeler Compromise as
the consideration for such acquies,
cence and abstinence from the agita
ton, in Congress, of this Gubernato
rial question. In other words, they
deem themselves tacitly pledged tt
the views above expressed, and hole
that, to disturb the understanding re-
ferred to, would involve seeming
breach Of faith. In support of theil
position they contend the aboyeis the
general sentiment of the country al
large, and, therefore, it would be bet
ter to submit to the Kellogg govern
ment for the present than to agitatt
the question, when no practical goot
would result therefrom and to rely
upon the approaching election il
1876 to GUST the present State off
GERS and install their successors wht
shall be chosen by the people. They
urge also that the outspoken denun
citation by the majority of the people
of the military interference by thu
Executive of the United States, il
overthrowing the legislature of
State, enforcing an illegal decree o
a Federal Judge and sustaining /.
palpable usurpation, will prevent .
renetltion of the outraoes which have