New Orleans Republican. [volume] (New Orleans, La) 1867-1878, 1876-09-19
POLITICAL NOTES.

POLITICAL MOTIFS.
Never has such bold and unabashed cor
ruption developed in . political canvass as
that brought forth in the Democratic ward
contests of last week. Perjury cohabited
with Bribery, and their offspring is able
bodied Fraud, which stalks through the
Democratic convention hall and clamorous
ly demands the naming of the next city
and parish governments as the representa-
tive of the people and-spare the mark
reform!
No honest and decent citizen can listen
ten minutes to the examinations and recrim-
nations Of the delegates and their strikers
without shame that he is q Democrat or re-
joicing that he is q Republican.
The preliminary organization of the
Democratic convention is to the uninitiated
"eilk-stocking" victory. The uninitiated
are deluded. 1t is the result of trade be-
tween the leading wirepullere, which does
not in any aspect mean reform. 1t ruth
lessly sacrifices all minor ambitions for the
greater ones-as it does the hope Of the
populace for reform.
With the probable exception of Mr.. Fin
nerty's aspirations, the ring formed an
terror to the Baton Rouge convention we
are convinced holds its own. All the money
offices will be its guerdon. The judgeships
and city offices, except the improvements
department, are willingly relinquished to
the wing of the convention claiming to re-
present the respectable and moneyed Gle
ments of tho party.
But the vital contest comes on the Legis-
lature, which, as before stated in this paper,
the ring men have not surrendered. They
have heard, and appreciate the intimations.
that the vast emoluments Of the Offices they
covet, the people desire cut down, and their
corrupting influence in our political strug
giles thus destroyed. The remark of one of
the most potent of the ''ring'' shows how
little they contemplate such relinquishment:
"Oh, yes-of course I am in for reform,
and We would have given it to you had you
let us alone. But tell you right here that no
G. There ought to be italic dashes
to represent his esrnestnessl can get NOM
ination for the Legislature until he pledges
to leave the sheriffs' and clerks offices as
they now are during the next term. We
are willing to pass bill fixing things for
the next election, but We are too much out
now, aad have got to play for even,' and
id if we don't do it,
One phase of this political turmoil strikes
all observers. Perhaps it would be more
to tbs point to say . customary phase Of
our Conservative Democratic politics is
lacking or crushed out Shall We call it
the decadence of the influence of the Creole
element (proper) in Democratic politics.
Even in their old strongholds the Celts and
Teutons seem to drive irresistibly the
Latins to the wall. Who could have fore
told such an apparent anamoly that Mr..
John Dillon should beat DR.. Rance for an
office in the Second District
The Cubans have felt this aggressive an
tagonism, if We can judge by tho signs Of
times. They have felt, besides. that the
true equality which awards deserts to in
dividual merit and worth is innate in the
organization and only needs
little more development. The Democrats
claim there are 40O0 Cuban voters in New
Orleans. Nearly 700 of them have enrolled
as Republicans, and the list grows apace.
1t is folly for the estimable critic of the
Picoyune to say they are coerced-this is
to their independence as citi-
zens. 1t is ignorance to say the movement
is not sincere, for every day adds to the
proofs of their honest conviction and stub
born determination to persevere in their
new departure.
If the reports of the Democratic press
have induced any credulous persons to be-
lieve that the Republican mass meetings
the State have not been . sue
cess, We are sorry for them. Never before
have the Republican leaders realized how
Louisiana is Republican. The
defectione, which have caused 90 much
jubilee in Democratic councils, have proved
but the loss of individuals-not follow
retiracy has added, not de-
tracted from the party strength.
To-day, and We say it with rounded be-
lief, based on full data, there are more
white men who will support Republican
candidate for Govarnor of Louisiana than
ever before.
A mortal and lasting fear of General Tom
Anderson pervades the bosoms of the
Democratic State committeeman. At his
name fear chills the marrow of their bones,
and Democratic majorities sink into
They do not trust the Demo
Gratis Of st. Landry and the neighboring
parishes to deal with him, but detail special
emissaries to visit his section of the State
and devise the means of outwitting their
dreaded foe.
All this is very complimentary to General
Anderson, if not to the Democrats Of his
senatorial district. To the latter the mis-.
trust is proving costly, toe, for third con-
vention is called to secure unity in opposing
him. A convention will meet in Vermilion-
vile on Wednesday next, where it is hoped
o 90 voudou the Democratic ticket that the
,eople will be weaned from their launch
riend and first love, and vote against An |
lerson for reelection to tho Senate.
And the Bourbon Democracy claim this
district by any majority between 1000 and
900.
There is one politician prominent in Dem
.cratic "ways that are dark" who occupies
70 evenly balanced . position that he can