New Orleans Republican. [volume] (New Orleans, La) 1867-1878, 1876-01-02
TIE LEgISLATURE,

period were held responsible for great
abuses, but, after the adoption OF that ad-
ministration by the Democrats, and the
subsequent withdrawal Of the Democratic
Representatives, the Republicans were
left to the sole management, as also to
the sole responsibility, Of the State gov
eminent. We will do no more than refer TO
the reforms effected in the State and city
finances by arresting the pernicious prac-
tee Of floating and funded debt. No
Democratic member of the Legislature
can claim any merit for these invaluable
measures
There are other reforms pending which
NAV require the cooperation Of conserva-
tive men of all parties. The Republicans
have taken the initiative in having dis
carded a faithiess and extravagant ele-
ment, entered upon the paths of positive
reform, and prepared the way for amend
ments which will soon eliminate financial
discomfort from the political discussions
and establish the ascendency of Repub--
lican principles on firm basis.
We shall keep no account against those
hot-headed Democratic partisans who left
their posts through prejudice against be-
ing seated with colored members. It was
a very naughty thing to leave the interest
Of their constituents to guardians whom
they had denounced for dishonesty and
incompetency. Yet this has afforded the
Republicans left in charge an opportunity
to prove themselves competent to conduct
the government by themselves, and even
to show reforms Of the most sub
stantial character when nothing ex-
cept failure was predicted by their
enemies. Yet we are willing that
these violent politicians shall come in and
aid in finishing up the repairs which, but
for the constant incursions Of our Demo-
cratic foes, would have been already COM
plete. If they will act on the consumma-
ton of these reforms, we consent they
shall have the same approval and COM
pensation with those Republicans who
are really the authors of the harvest, and
have borne the heat and burden of the
day. The Republican members have
seen the value of economy and reform to
party reace and the substantial ascen-
dency of Republican principles. Every
one knows that the Democratic broker
and capitalist have fallen heir to the prin-
cipal franchises gra nted by the Legisla-
ture. The Democracy rejoices in the sal
aries and dividends of butchers meat,
gas, lottery and other monopolies. The
are den ounced for the very
grants which enrich their antagonists,
and these very impatient grants furnish
in part the campaign funds which ami
nate and arm their enemies.
The colored Republicans are especially
Interested in an honest and economical
of the government, be-
cause it is falsely charged that the cor
rupt purposes of the white lobbyists are
Effected through the ignorance of the col
pred voter. Plans are even agitated
an educative qualification may
be made condition of suffrage. This
Misrepresentation of colored capacity has
even spread to the North. One Northern
abolitionist, who advocated reconstruc-
lion and free suffrage, now affects to take
alarm at the alleged abuses in the South,
and proposes a peculiar protection. In
4 letter to the Hon. Alexander H. Stephens.
be says: "The people of the South, who
have suffered most from misgovernment
BY ignorant negroes, can Offset and neutral
re this evil by drawing upon their re-
serve Of intelligent and educated women
The colored Republicans will be careful
% allow no political dishonesty to be
,racticed in their names. Others may
get all the gain they risk being swindled
,ut of their political birthright. It is an
Unequal game, and one which they will |
lot suffer the Democracy to play upon
hem.
The Republican mesnbers Of the Legis-
allure will remember that the record is
low being made up for the great trial of |
S76. Weshall hold it to be their duty to
ct the Republican house in order. We
wish them to furnish record of patriot
SIN, intelligence and integrity which can
lot be surpassed. Let the centennial day
how the greatest wonder of the civilized
rorld-the man taken from barbarism
nd idolatry brought by Saxon civiliza-
ion to display the intelligence and exer-
Use the rights Of Christian republican
liberty.
When the measures of reform come up
ct the Republican action be sincere and
borough. Let them emulate the Repub-
can President Of the Union, and pursue
he guilty with more rigor if they shall
ave committed their frauds under pre-
.nce of Republican connivance.
These are feuds and sources of cor
upton from which spring much Of the
iolence towards the Republican party.
ertain official positions, held always by
democrats, furnish inducements to party
trife, and afford facilities for political
2ischief. These enormous salaries should
o>sbated. Abated, because no such op-
titles should be allowed to accumu-
'"'e t''>te fortunes out of fees and per-
aoi'l'eS eacted from the unfortunate
poor and oeeuse no party should be so