The Louisiana Democrat. [volume] (Alexandria, La.) 1845-1918, 1876-09-13
n Is CERTAINLY syscsRysBLC os THAT
CONSTRUCTION.


Other instructions contained in the
same circular, and in conneetionswith
ahe existing condition Of intimida-
ton which prevails in certain par
isles, and notably in that section Of
the State in which the Democratic
State Convention vas held" [ am
at utter loss to conceive how the
sentence which you have quoted
from tho circular issued from the
Democratic State Central Committee
can be construed as announcing set
policy Of intimidation, except by
him who is ready to discover sinis-
ter and hidden meaning in every pro-
position, however simple, made by
his political opponents.
CONSCIOUS or THE WRONG
your party have done the State, you
cannot imagine that we can proceed
70 simple organization which does
not contemplate violence and murder.
! am glad chat you have made this
allusion IN your letter, for though I
have answered the question in pre-
Tious portion of my reply, I desire
to say distinctly and positively that
that circular contained no intimation
Of an unlawful character. The
means referred to were legal and le-
gitimate. l have fully answered the
Lass paragraph of the quotation from
your letter, made above, which is
hut reiteration Of the charges
against our people, based perhaps
upon idle rumos or the mischievous
Vaccinations Of wicked men for par
tisan purposes, and I have only this
to say further upon that point: That
the district in which Baton Rouge is
situated where you have located the
most notable instances ofoppression
Of the colored people, "where nightly
colored men are whipped; shot at,
and even killed: where they are pre-
vented from holding political meet
ings, etc." is presided over by Re-
publican Judge, and is more favored
by the presence OF United States
troops than any other section of the
State,
Why are not those evil doors
brought to justice7 Whose duty is it
to see that they are punished for vio-
lation Of the criminal laws of the
State?
THE ANSWER 80 THESE QUESTIONS
will fix the responsibility where it
belongs and furnish conclusive proof
that Che Republican party is respon-
sible fot the disorders which have
occurred in this State, or carry with
il the evidence that such disorders
exist only in the imagination of che
leaders Of that party.
II you and your party are sincere
in the expression of % desire for b
fair and free election, that result can
be secured by giving to the people Of
louisiana fair chance to ''guard
and scrutinize" the registration now
in progress, and the election about to
be held under tin other words by
giving US proper representation in
che registration Offices, and at the
polls and upon the Returning Board.
WE ASK THAT YOU
shall put ID practice your "theory Of
Republicans that the opposition tc
an administration which has the con.
duct ofan election have a right tc
demand far opportunity 80 scruti
nize the whole election, from the be-
ginning Of registration down To the
final casting and counting Of the
Totes." Put your theory into prac
lice, and my word for it, no freer
iairer CT more peaceable election vas
ever held than that which will take
place in the month Of November mex
in the State Of Louisiana.
There would be no further undue
excitement III the State, for th'
cause being removed the effect would
cease
''Both political parties in this
State having put themselves ON rec
ord as desiring free anu fair eiec
Gion," J ask, in that interest and i,
She name Of common Justice, chat 20,
will accede to my request--iS shout.
be my demand according 10 III
"theory Of Republicans, - with regar'
TO the appointment Of clerks o. reg
istration.
! repeat that ] am prepared 20 SUI
nish a list Of good and reliable me
whenever desired. I am, sir, yer
respectfully, your obedient servant.
/. W. PATTON,
President State Central COMMITTEE