The New Orleans bulletin. [volume] (New Orleans [La.]) 1874-1876, 1876-02-19
LOUISIANA AND THE CENTENNIAL.

LOUISIANA AND THE CEN rENNlAl
We cheerfuIly make room for the COMMIT
nication of "Louisianian respecting tn
Centennial Commissioners, but it may b
we'll enough to add that we do not attach ex
actly the same importance TO the matter tina
he does. The Centennial ought to be jnbl
lee Of political liberty, and in such jubile'
enthralled Louisiana can not consistent.
participate. Into the gates OF free Rome he
cprquering chiefs returned, bearing the spoil
OF wa, and leading captive many enemies a
fecruits to the ranks of slaves. The triumph
was q Jubilee to free Romans, but it was any
thing else than jubilee to the princes. tn
generals, the queens, and the soldiers chained
to the axles Of the conqueror's chariot
The hearts of legionary soldiers beat higt
in their breasts as they marched through
narrow lanes of dense throngs. The bearers
Or the rods and eagles stepped as proudly 81
when they moved into the crash Of battle,
Aefyine uncounted hosts and hewiDg their
| sosd to sictory with dripping swords. But
the long line of captives tfod the dusty streets
With sore feet. their eyes downcas. their
hearts aching Soy bone. kindyed and lost
.ibssty.
II 24ouislanians participate in the Cen,en.
aiai they ought TODD it by theiy equal eight
IS free citizens OF . free State. They ought
70 fee, as proud of their own flowed Common
wealth a. the sons Of Massachusetts will feet %
thsiss. when they pass in Disic Of martial pro.
cessio1 IN front Of Independence Hall Oh
the day uose Aallowed IN the affections
Of all free American citizens. Can such be
che feeling Of those Of out people who may b
in Philadelphia on aez' Independence Day.
Will the pageantfy, gorgeous and glorious.
ahs dense multituaes. The shundes Of artillery.
the mysiads Of banners, the doofways and
~indovs sestooned with living beauty. the
1anhess darkehine Che stseets. the music Of
tep thousand Instruments. The peals from :
Aundse& church towers. the stormy plauiits
u 0injob soices-will shey delight the
eyes and ears Of the Sisitos from Louisiana?
St anay be Tho largest and most magnificent
man Hesitation Of sentiment ever witnessed on
che sound green earth: but can our citizens
enjoy it with free ana equal pleasure as will
those whs claim free States, free homes and
the sule Of equal laws which they themselves
have made! How will Louisianians feel-how
ought they 10 feel while witnessing this mem
oyable triumph ola republic over time and hos
tile elements How can they forge. that their
beloved State is still q prey to swindlsrs, vsg-
abonds, and usurpers as it has long been
that her fame and monetary credit have
been abused for the benefit Of base aliens
that her halls oflegislation have long been
polluted by thieves, who have peddled and
hawked their votes as if in open market
that her sacred thrones of justice have been
defiled by.takers 6f bribes-that their coun-
trymen have been impoverished by relentless
their State has long been de-
barred from representation in the Senate of
The Union-or that their Representatives
were driven from their hall at the point of the
bayonet. by soldiers acting under the
orders of an unworthy successor of
George Washington? How can these
things be forgotten by any true son Or daugh-
Ter of louisiana? And while they are re-
nembered, how can We join in singing pc ans
20 the liberty from which We are declared by
grants
q our State wepe truly stee, and equal with
,er sisters in fact as well Is theory. her chill
lrea would be glad and proud to swell the
grandeur and brighten Che glories Of the
Centennial. Thousands Of he's sons, as true
levotees Of liberty as ever de6ed the storm Of
battle. would help in the great celebration
With liberal hands and willing hearts; and
thousands Of her fir daughters. as noble,
,entle, generous and true as eyey adorned and
yladdened the homes and hearts Of the brave |
would also fend their presence.
AnunnunuGnAA