New Orleans Republican. [volume] (New Orleans, La) 1867-1878, 1876-06-21
A WORD OF WARNING.

a WV0V Vx W0AhSANNs
The lesson taught by the national nomi-
nations can not be too carefully studied
by the approaching Republican Nomi-
mating Convention of our State. In the
pure and patriotic character Of the Repub-
lican presidential candidates is held up an
example to the party all over the country,
but especially to US in Louisiana. For,
as we said the other day, and now repeat,
the popularity Of Hayes and Wheeler will
not avail US unless our nominees CORE
spond with them-somewhat at least-ia
point of fitness.
This lesson is especially commended to
the attention Of the colored members Of
the coming convention. They will COM
prise the majority Of that body, and their
| action in the selection Of candidates will
probably determine the political fate of
Louisiana for years to come. Their re-
sponsibility in the matter can hardly be
over-estimated. As representatives of
their race, intrusted with duties SO grave,
thew are now on trial before their fellow
citizens. Are they really fit for the high
privileges Of citizenship; for deciding who
shall administer the government OF the
commonwealth; or is it as their enemies
and those of the Republican party have
always maintained?
For ten years this class has been enjoy
ing freedom with all its advantages, civil,
political and educational; chief among
which is the elective franchise, an educa-
tional advantage of the highest order!
Thoughtfully and honestly exercised it
developes the judgment strengthens the
will and enlarges the mind. In times of
trial it tests character and brings out true
manliness. Let us now see how the col
ored men of our State have profted by
this period of moral and intellectual
training. As we have already said, their
representatives will comprise the majority
of the nominating convention, they like
wise form the majority of the Republican
party, and, with their white fellow
Republicans, the majority Of the voting
population of the State. Upon their ac-
ton in the approaching convention de-
pends-we repeat it, and let them heed
1.-THE destiny of Louisiana; whether she
is to continue Republican, or to be given
over to Democratic rule. This will as
suredly occur, if bad selection is made
for the gubernatorial candidate.
The question, then, is, what kind of
man is to be our standard-bearer in the
approaching struggle; what his character?
The question is, also, what kind of
man is he not to be? We may possibly
carry the State with good man who
does not unite all the desirable qualities
of model Gov ernor; but woe unto us if
we put up bad man. To do so would
be to invite defeat.
What we want then, is, in the first
place, staunch Republican; Repub-
lican on principle, and not merely for the
sake of Office. Secondly, our candidate
should be man who knows the State,
and whom the State knows. He should
be familiar with it's commercial and agri-
cultural resources, and with its labor sys-
tenn; and should regard the fostering of
the two former and the regulation of the
latter as matters of primary importance.
The State should know him as a man
of honesty and capacity; puLlic-spir-
tied man; one alive to its interests, yet |
incapable of regarding them in narrow
or sectional spirit; a patriotic, large
minded man, with some political expe-
rience. He should, moreover, possess
decision of character, and his mo-" de-
liberately uttered, should mean no; his
yes" should mean yes. With such man
IS their leader, even if he be not very
brilliant, the Republicans of Louisiana
nay expect to march triumphantly to VIC
,ory, establishing their principles firmly
throughout the length and breadth of the
State, and with them the reign of peace
md prosperity.
Turn we now to the man whom Louisi-
ina does not want; will under no circum-
stances have. In the main points he is
he reverse of him described above; but
lis is too specious and dangerous char
'cter to be pictured by negatives. In the
irst place he is no true Republican, but
'nly ''free lance, p" ready to fight for any
,arty which promises spoils. Such one,
lot being attached to the party b. prin-
iple, would not only desert it in
ime of danger, but worse still,
would betray it to the enemy, adj
nit them to its citadel, and make
'ver to them the very weapons intrusted
o him for its defense. A man like this
laced in power would regard the State
nd all its resocrces simply as a
zine to be worked for his indi-
idual benefit. Under his rule its
eeds would be disregarded, its interests
gnored, its affairs mismanaged, its fnan-
ial obligations violated, its character as
State degraded by having as its chief
magistrate one whose name would be a
ynonym for baseness.
Should such q man, however-and it
an not be denied there are such-by
rickery, promises, combinations, money
+ any other means, succeed in obtaining
be nomination as candidate for Governor,