The New Orleans bulletin. [volume] (New Orleans [La.]) 1874-1876, 1876-02-01
Tho House

Tho House
met OF 1896; Speaker Estelette in the chair
and quorum present
Speaker Estlette called the House to order
1t about 40 o'clock, sc members present.
Several amendments to the rules were called
up and on them there was some discussion
and they were finally adopted.
Mr.. Ray called up the following:
Whereas, it is currently reported that there
exists in the parishes of East and West Fell
ciana, East Baton Rouge and st. Helena, an
organized band OF men styling themselves
Regulators, whose sole object seems to be the
persecution of and the driving out of Office.
Of all Republican officials in the parishes
both State and parochlal; and
Whereas, it is currently reported that sew
eral of the Republican officials have been
threatened with violence, and, in some in
stances with death, unless they did resign;
and in consequence sent designations to the
proper authorities, and, afterward left their
homes, in order to escape further violence;
and
Whereas, in justification of their violent
measures, these Regulators shave declared
that aid officials were ignorant, incompetent,
unworthy and dishonest, and that it is abso-
luteiy necessary that they be removed by vio-
lent means, and others appointed in their
stead in order to secure peace and order in
these parishes" and
Whereas, grave and serious charges have
been preferred against the moral and political
character of several of the State and parochial
officers of the said parishes, which, if proved.
would be sufficient to deprive them of the po-
sitions they now fill; and
Whereas, it is reported that these "Regula-
tors, In the measures employed by them to
carry out their ends, have placed the lives and
property of citizens in jeopardy, and that the
civil authorities are wholly unable to preserve
law and order; therefore be it
Resalued, That a committee of three be ap-
pointed by the Speaker. with instructions to
investigate the condition of the alleged dis
turbed parishes, and to investigate the charges
against certain officials in said parishes, with
power to administer oaths and send for per
sons aud papers, and that said committee be
further instructed to report thereupon within
twenty days from the passage of this resolu-
ton.
The following was offered as substitute by
MIR. Pipes
Be ii reso!ued, That . committee of three,
composed OF gentlemen lot representing any
of the parishes of L st Feljclana, West Fe-
liciana, East Baton Rouge and St. Helena, be
appointed by the Speaker, with instructions
TO visit said parishes for the purpose of inves-
disturbances therein, and to investigate the
charges preferred against certain officials in
said parishes. with power to administer oaths
and to send for persons and papers, and that
said committee be further instructed to report
thereupon within twenty days from the passage
of this resolution.
The substitute was opposed by Mr., Raw. |
who contended that the people of the parishes |
were better able to pass upon the matter at
issue than outsiders.
Mr.. Ray was asked by Mr.. Lowell if ne did
not desire an impartial jury, and Mr.. R,y
said that be would answer no question. and
at the same time stated that the Represents.
hves were not implicated in the charges. He
said further that the good citizens Of the
parishes, many of whom were his constitu-
ents, deprecated the proceedings complained
Of
Mr.. Ray, as he continued. "Aev off the
handle" and talked wildly about the outrage
in the parish and the killing of the notorious
John Gair. SO excited did he get that he ex.
oeeded his time, and was brought to order by
Mr. Dupre, and he subsidized.
Mr.. Il aim opposed both the original and
the substitute. on the ground that there
would be no result, as it was political cues
hon, and there would be adverse reports from
he representatives of either party His idea
was that the old political differences should
be considered as by-gones, and that the two
parties should look only to the future interests
If the State.
On motion of Mr.. Demas the substitute
vas amended so as to make it read "mem-
,ers OF the House," and as thus amended,
be substitute was adopted.
Under the call for the order Of the day, the
i'll changing the boundaries Of the parishes
t Lincoln and Jackson came up, and after
ONE discussion, it was finally passed.
The following was submitted ny the
peaker:
New ORLEANS, Jan. 90. 1876
j the Honorable Speaker Of the House of Rep. j;
reseu;atives of the State Of Louisiana:
Sri have the honor to transmit annexed ]
,py OF preamble and resolutions adopted a. f
mass met ting Of tho citizens OF New Orleans t
I'd State of Louisiana. (Wm. q. Black, E>q =, |