The New Orleans Democrat. (New Orleans, La.) 1875-1876, 1876-01-06
SPEECH or HON. 4. JOHN ELLIS.

SPEECH OF HON. Il. JOhN ELLlSs
Hon. Z. John Ellis returned HIS
Acknowledgements for the honor con-
ferred In calling him before the C0nven-
ton to address them, and stated that
inasmuch as he found himself In the
presence OF men who had grown gray
In the service Of the State, as well as Of
men Of his own age who represented
the young heart and nerve and thought
of the State, all Of whom were his peers,
that he presumed he was merely
called for the purpose OF informing
the Convention OF the real status OF the
Louisiana case at Washington. Upon
arriving there he and his colleagues
waited. upon the leading Democrats,
such MS Messrs. Kerr, Randall, Wood,
Morrison and Lamar, and laying be-
fore them the circumstance that two
claimants from the Fifth District pre-
| by the llsurping Governor and tho other
| by Governor McEnery, each in proper
| form and under the seal of the State
They suggested that when the mem
| bers were about to be sworn objection
should be made to Mr.. Morey, and at
the proper time resolution should be
introduced referring both credentials to
| the Committee on Privileges and Elec-
tions, and that they be instructed to ex
anime and report as to which Of the
| two said claimants Spencer and Morey)
WINS entitled to be sworn Us the sitting
member. rs3e
Mr.. Wood was selected by us to make
the objection and present the resolu-
ton. The resolution WAS prepared after
full consultation between Messrs. Levy,
Gibson and Spencer, under direction Of
Messrs Kerr and Wood. The latter
gentleman, at tho proper time. made
the objection, and after the members
had all been sworn, presented the roso-
luton and moved the previous dles,,
ton. Instantly Messrs. Blaine and
Garfield. and other leading Re
pubicans sprang to their feet
and charged the Democrats with the
intention Of violating the compact made
upon tho floor Of the last House, not to
reopen the Louisiana question. 1t then
appeared that toward the close Of the
last session, when Messrs. Wheeler and
Hoaf presented their plan OF adjust
ment and the resolution recognizing
Kellogg to the end of his term, that the
eous belief that tho people Of Louisi-
ana desired the settlement of
all their difficulties in the manner
proposed by the Wheeler adjustment.
that thoy, the Democrats, while they
could not and would not vote for the
plan proposed by tho resolution. yet If
passed by the Republican members,
would be accepted by them as u final
settlement Of oil the troubles which had
grown out Of the Louisiana outrage.
This charge was not denied, but on the
contrary was admitted. Upon sugges-
ton OF Mr.. Hoar the resolution pre-
pared by us was SO amended, Mr.. Wood
accepting the amendment rs to
merely refer the credentials of
Morey alone to the committee.
Being thus shorn Of all political
significance, the resolution, amid much
confusion and with the Democratic
House divided, was lost and Morey was
sworn in. The Democratic members,
utterly deceived as to the real
meaning and intent Of the compromise,
lana had accepted 1t as ~ final settle
ment of all their troubles, were averse
TO the violation Of what they deemed
their good faith and were, OPP
Louisiana question. Mr.. Ellis then
continued TO the effect that we
could not now abandon the glorious
struggle which Louisiana had made for
her rights, without being false to our
selves, to our country, to liberty and TO
posterity, and the first steps toward its
ceive Congress as to the real meaning
and intent OF Wheeler's compromise.
That when undeceived they would act
to restore to our State its rightful gov
eminent
We have, In the above, given the sub
stance Of Mr. Ellis very eloquent dis
course. Thel honorable gentleman was
very frequently .applauded during its
delivery, particularly when he referred
~ -,
glorious fight for constitutional Liberty
and Right.
At the close Of Mr. Ellis speech Mr..
A. Ii. Leonard, of Caddo, asked the
Convention permission to put some
questions to Mr.. Ellis. Mr.. Ellis came
forward and said he hoped the unani.
nous consent OF the Convention woulH
be given, and there was not u dissent
ing voice.
Mr.. Leonard then asked Mr.. Ellis on
what credentials he procured his seat
in Congress.
Mr.. Ellis replied: con the credentials
Of fifteen thousand free voters or the
State of Louisiana" Loud and con-
tinued applause.
Mr.. Leonard again asked Mr.. Ellis on
the credentials OF what Governor did he
procure his seat
Mr.. Ellis replied II filed the creden-
tals Of both Kellogg and Gov. John
McEnery, but If could only have pro
cured it on filing credentials from the
isurper Kellogg alone, / would have
I torn the paper to pieces and have made
the contest on the votes OF my constit-
uents, my best credentials. prolonged
applause.
Mr.. Kidd, Of Jackson parish, asked
Mr.. Ellis whether the Convention made
distinct declaration OF the scope and
intent OF the Wheeler compromise; he
thought the House Of Representatives
in Congress would take action toward
the restoration OF the legitimate gov
eminent Of Louisiana.
Mr.. Ellis answ cred emphatically, yes;
and he appealed to Mr. Kidd as one OF
those who had been prominent in effect
ing the compromise, to be most active
in undcceiving our party friends in Con-
gress. At the same time Mr.. Ellis
turned towards Mr.. Speaker Estilette,
who was seated on the platform, and
there announced that he (Mr. Estilette)
had pledged himself to him Mr.
Ellis to do that which he now urged on
Mr.. Kidd and every other original sup
porter of the compromise.
Mr.. leonard showed a disposition to
renew the attack, but there was some
aI:eo4;c, orI Mr. Dnhinocn %