The New Orleans bulletin. [volume] (New Orleans [La.]) 1874-1876, 1875-02-18
THE DANGERS WE ESCAPED.

Now that all the heat of discussion and q
> element attending the projected compromis
is over, we are better able to look back, an.
see what dangers we have escaped, than ws
possible for us to apprehend at the time Tn
natural desire of some representatives in tn
Conservative caucus to seek relief for thi!
| poverty-stricken State doubtless led them te
look with favoring eyes upon almost any
preferred remedy for present evils, endcaused
them to lose sight, in measure, of the dire
results to come from hasty action.
As rule, the masses are seldom mistaken
in their judgment upon questions in which
their rights are involved. By. some unde-
fined law not yet explained, an aggregation Of
individuals of even most ordinary ability
seldom are wrong in their opinions The
people, in the matter we have just referred to,
| with unity which was remarkable under the
circumstances, raised their voices against the
proposed compromising with the Radical
party here, and at once the threatened ills
were exposed. From North Louisiana, fro m
the Western portions of the State, and from
the Florida parishes, came hurried messages
condemning the treaty with infamy the
whole people were aroused to the highest
pitch Of indignation; and compromise was
killed.
The people were right. Had the Wheeler
proposition been accepted what would have
been our position to day? The Executive of
our State is a man whose known proclivities
to prevaricate and deal doubly are too well
known in this community for any faith to be
placed in his most solemn promises. After
the 14th Of September, smarting under the |
pains of the lashing his myrmidons received
that day, he obliged himself to give to the |
people of the State fair representation on
the Returning Board, that the counting of the
vote of the last election might be perfectly
fair.
How well he kept his promise need not be
old. Time after time he has said that his
influence should be used to secure the neces
AIRY legislation to bring about changed con-
iition Of affairs and to insure speedy end of
PARTISAN rule. His present position shows
low he has fulfilled this promise. Besides
he Executive to contend against, we would
ave had Senate overwhelmingly Radical
nd largely composed Of the tools of Kellogg
n opposition.
With these two powers against us, granting
Il that can possibly be urged, what could the
conservatives in the House do towards ameli-
rating our condition? It is true, they might
ave prevented the passage of obnoxious
Tvs. but this is not SO much desirable now
> the repeal of those by which our people c
ave for years been kept in state of semi !
srvtude. What we want is to have stricken
ON our statute books acts like the Regstra-
on law, the Metropolitan Police law and T.
hers Of like character, which would have
cen impossible.
If the Conservatives had entered the House
was proposed, on q joint ballot they would
i've been in minority, and all efforts look
g to the publication of the government
ould be futile. -
1t is indeed fortunate the protocol fell Z
the ground. With nothing to gain, and
anhood, honor, reputation and selfrespect
lose, our people would have deserved what
er fate might have in store for them. The
efs, although not seen until we were near
em, were luckily avoided, and we congratu-
e our people on the escape.