The New Orleans Democrat. (New Orleans, La.) 1875-1876, 1876-01-07
Resolutions or the Convention.

They are as fOllOWS.
Whereas the usurpation of the gov
eminent of the State of Louisiana,
through the perversion of functions Of
the General Government, Is an evil
which weighs heavily on the people OF
this State. and while it is q constant
menace to the pcrpetuity of representa-
tive institutions; and the Federal Con-
gress, whose duty it is to guarantee to
the several States republican form OF
government, cannot ignore the present
condition of despotism and anarchy, so
detrimental TO the material interests Of
Louisiana.
Whereas, the Wheeler adjustment had
no reference whatever to the election OF
November. 1879 nor did it ever extend to
all tho contested elections of November,
1874; but was expressly limited to the
investigation of seventeen contested
seats in the House of Representatives,
and to two contested seats in the SEN
ate, among the new elected Senators.
Whereas, the said adjustment never
pretended to ascertain or determine
ANYTHING beyond the status of these
contested seats OF the General Assem-
bly,, and, inasmuch as the powers of the
Legislatures are strictly defined and
limited by constitutional provisions, and
it was not competent for them to submit
to arbitration the conflicting claims OF
the rival State governments, and as those
who supported said adjustment never
intended or contemplated that, by any
possibility, said adjustment should en-
brace any question beyond that of the
contested seats in the Legislature:
Whereas, the Radical party of Louis
lana, at whose promptings the said
usurpation has been foisted upon this
State, has devised the most comprehen-
sive System OF measures, through in
iquitous election and registration laws,
arbitrary Returning Board with unlim-
tied prerogatives, and through fraudu-
lent census returns, measures devised
for the purpose OF perpetuating the. ex-
istence of this usurpation, with which
1t is thoroughly identified, and
Whereas. The said usurpatory gov
eminent has never been acknowle dyed
by the people of Louisiana and it does
not maintain its precarious tenure OF
power with their consent or willing sup
port.
Be it resolred by The Democratic Con-
serudtire party Of The State of Louisiana,
In Contention assembled, l. That the
memorial of the people Of Louisiana,
praying for relief at the hands OF Con
gress, be again presented for their con-
sideration by our representatives III
Congress.
2. That the primary test of member
ship of the Democratic Conservative
party of Louisiana is an unrelenting OPP
position Of tho tlsurpation, and without
regard to past political affiliations, all
those who join in the crusade against
the usurpation are in full fellowship In
the party.
3. That we advocate the abolition OF
useless Offices, more especially that OF
tax collectors, which offices should be
RENTED the sheriffs, and reduction OF
salaries, fees and perquisites OF office,
and q vigorous retrenchment i'll the
expenses of the various departments
Of the city and State governments.
We advocate q substantial reduc-
ton of taxation. State and municipal,
and, while we are in favor of meeting
punetually the payment of the legiti-
mate debt of Louisiana, we are immov-
ably opposed to the recognition OF the
dishonest and fraudulent obligations.
issued in the name of the State and we
pledge ourselves to make q searching
investigation In the matter. 3d.,
g. We advocate the reduction OF the
exorbitant appropriations for public
printing and Metropolitan Police pur-
poses; and demand that the whole sys-
tenn Of police and public printing be re-
modelled.
6. We declare our hearty opposition
to all monopolies whatever.
7. We recognize and reaffirm the
Democratic doctrine that gold and sill
yer be the legal currency; and favor a
return to u specie basis as soon as 1t
terial interests OF the country.
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