New Orleans Republican. [volume] (New Orleans, La) 1867-1878, 1876-04-21

net aatagoaissd. Men are rarely eeavinee
Afgunent aAd never driven from the
. opanacns, but nay BE- persuaded TO waiv
: 1Cf ume the assertion Of some opinions
astean some proposed beneficial end. An
thosen nee the art BY which, In free Statel
TIE WHITE PEOPLE OF LOuIsIAMA,
however widely they may differ in thei
political views, aro ct least united IN th
opinion that the present condition Of th,
State IL deplorable; that immediate relie
l. necessary, and can Do had only Sy elect
ing to Office intelligent and honest men.
believe that al other opinions should b,
waived, and that We should unite for tn
sole purpose Of redeeming the State. WI
shou]d organise
i PEOPLES PARTY,
which would absorb tho Democratic and al
othef CONSERVATIVE parties and draw to 1T
support large number of white and blacl
Republicans, which will recognize, respect
and protect the political and civil rights OF
all races and classes, but insist that intelli-
gence, virtue and wealth should exercise Q
controlling influence in the government Of
the State. which will subordinate national
politics to the redemption of the State, and
by 30 doing deprive the federal government
Of any motive for interfering in our State
elections, which will conduct the political
campaign peacesbly, and thereby deprive
the Returning Board of any pretext for 1t
| tempting to change the result of the election,
which will practically recognize the right Of
them to cooperate in the election of good
and capable men; which will accept -
equals any and all men who will act with
1t, and accord to every one, without refer
ence to his past political record, . full and
fair opportunity to seek any position to
which he may aspire; . party which will
look to the future, not to the past; which
will earnestly appeal to the federal gov
eminent for it's aid in constructing rail
roads, building levees and opening the
Miesissippi, and which will decline to act
with any national party opposing such aid;
which will attempt to develop the vast re-
sources Of the State; which will maintain
peace and order; . party which will accept
even partial relief If unable to do any bet
ter; which win work up to results and not
insist vainly ON having everything as
once politically perfect; . party which
which will be liberal, progressive,
moderate-not reactionsry, exclusive and
extreme. Such . party should, could and
would succeed in establishing . govern
ment in Louisiana which would be generally
acceptable. The electoral vote of the State
would probably be cast for the Republican
nominee for President, and the Republican
State ticket might perhaps be elected,
We could without serious difficulty elect
majority of the General Assembly. That
body controls the State, and when it is con-
tr0lled by men who fairly represent us Lou
isiana will be, in effect, redeemed, NO mat
ter who may be President, or who may be
Governor. We should, beyond all doubt,
make
THE LEGISLATURE
our objective point, and, if necessary, con-
centrate everything which can be brought
to bear in determined efforts to elect to the
our very best and ablest men. To secure
majority of such men in that body,
would cheerfully ignore the national Dem.
ocfatic party, which has 20 long ignored
us; and to secure the election Of good men
to judicial positions and the various dis
trict, parocial and municipal offices, would
unhesitatingly make the CONCESSIONS here
ieve that the next General Assembly will
fairly represent the wealth, intelligence
and virtue of the State, and that district, |
parochial and municipal Offices will, after |
the next election, be filled by men far more
capsule and honest than those now las . |
general rule) occupying them, of the ideas |
herein suggested are accepted, elaborated /
and practically carried out. 1t would be
sheer insanity to reject q result 90 sdvan.
tage0us to all our interests on the ground |
that some Republican might possibly be
elected President, or even Governor, and,
as an inevitable consequence of such reiec. |
ton, give the General Assembly and every |
Office in the State to Republicans. 1 have
nj ways been unable 10 comprehend or &C.
cept
PARTY POLITICS,
which appear to me to be nothing more
han schemes to elect certain persons to
,ffice in preference to COL tain other persons.
It is q matter of very little consequence
'ided they are capable and honest. 1t mat.
ers very little what party controls the gov
provided the government be
espectable, fairly representative, honestly
and interfere a. little a.
'ossible with the rights and property of in
lividuals.
These propositions may shock political
eaders, but can, l think, be successfully
maintained. So far a. Louisiana is con-
erned, what she requires, first and most. |
} . General Assembly which will abolish
upertluous Offices, diminish excessive sala-
les, divest the Governor of the unusual
lowers vested in that officer for political
repeal number of bad laws and
nact few good ones, pass moderate ap-
ropriati0n bills and reduce taxation. Be-
ieving this, propose to make the election
+ such legislature our principal objec.
i've point. It is certainly attainable, and |
vill, I hope, be reached at the next cleo
ion.
The freedom with which my views have
zen expressed will of course give offense
o the partisan adherents of the various
aeas considered. Ny opinions will be dis
asteful to, and severely criticised by many |
lonest and intelligent men, and will be,
9 have been heretofore, violently assail-
hey can not comprehend and are conse-
uently chronic denouncers. The publica-
ion of this letter must certainly affect in
uriously any ambitious hopes may cher
Oh, and may prove injurious in other ;
aspects. If consulted my own interests
lone I would not risk the conse quences
Usually visited on those who give unpalata-
lie advice and state unpleasant truths. All
his is perfectly we'll known to me; but 1 | ,
vould forfeit my own self respect if de-
erred from expressing them by the fear of
ny consequences personal to myself.
very word which have written believe
0 be true. If my opinions are erroneous {
hey will of course be rejected, and no one
ut myself will be injured by any publicity 6
iven them. If based on truth they can
OF be safely disregarded. Very respect. :
lilly A. H. LEONARD.
Southwest Pass
SOUTHWEST PASS, April 10, 1876.
. Captain Q. W. Howell, Corps Of Engineers,
United States Army:
Depth of channel at mean low tide, six
SEN feet. Least width for that depth, sixty