The Democratic press. [volume] (Ravenna, O. [Ohio]) 1868-1901, 1875-02-25
-ge4 KELLOGG'S LEGISLATURE.
Character of the Men Who make Laws for
the Pelican State-Scenes of Confusion
and Disorder in the Assembly-The sor,
Of = Concern Sustained by Bsyonets.
New Orleans Correspondence. January ~, of
.s New York Times. .--
THE LOUISIANA LEaIsLATURE.

New Orleans Correspondence. January u, of
.e New York Times. ..f 20
fs THE LOUISIANA LEGISLATURE.
The Assembly Chamber is long,
narrow, uncarpeted, foul-smelling
room. Near the door small space is
set aside for visitors, and above this
is low gallery, which one of the at
tendants informed me was "the ladies'
balcony" At the lower end of the
apartment the Speakers desk is raised
almost to the ceiling, and around this
are clustered seats for innumerable
negro clerks, messengers, and other
attendants. Entering the room, l
found the members engaged in loud
and exciting debate. The space set
apart for spectators was filled with ne
groes, who gazed with open-mouthed
wonder upon the proceedings of those
within the circle, and it was only after
ten minutes dihgent pushing that l
succeeded in securing a position from
which it was possible to see as well as
hear. Ii is almost impossible to des-
cribe the scene that was then present
ed to me. Six or seven black men
were on the floor shouting like mani
acs F.; a number of others were in their
seats crying, "Order, da!" and "Missa
Speaker!" at the top of their voices.
In the chair a young man was seated.
He presented very remarkable ap-
pearance. His clothes were much too
small for him, and had cracked in two
or three places. Through these holes
a soiled shirt appeared, and in the
bosom ofthis garment valuable dia-
mond pin was placed. The young
man wore a very dirty shirt collar,
and Il flaming red neck-tie. This was
the Speaker pro tom. of the Louisiana
Legislature. Above the din created
by members on the floor of the House
could be heard squeaky voice issuing
from this young man, and command
ing "Order!"
The confusion and noise were in
creased by the gavel, with which he
raped loudly and continually. His
commands were of no avail, however
the representatives Of the people
would not be silenced. AT first it was
OF course, impossible TO discover what
question was being so excitedly dis
cussed, but after a time l became
aware that the debate was upon the
adoption of a report of the Committee
on Elections, giving seets to two Re-
publicans who claimed to have been
elected, but who had not been return
ed by the Board of Canyassers. On
this a white leader of the House had
moved the previous question, and a
number of negroes, who stated that
they were sure the claimants had NOT
been elected, rose and refused to vote
unless Debate was allowed. When il
| is remembered that on account of the
withdrawal of the Conservatives there
are only fiftv-six members, or just s
quorum, to the House, it will be seer
that no business could be touched i
one member refused to vote. Know
ing this, and evidently wishing to have
the report of the Committee adopted
at once, the white leader referred t
moved that those who refused to vot,
be called before the bar of the Heus
for contempt. Upon this the wildes
disorder ensued. Twenty men start
ed to their feet and commenced speak
Ing at the same moment. Above tn
general confusion could be hear