The Ouachita telegraph. [volume] (Monroe, La.) 1865-1889, 1877-09-07
AN INTERVIEW WITH GOV. WILT
The Democratic Party in the South
The Returning Board Indictments.
TCincinnati Commercial. I

1t is supposed that what has been de-
| nominated as "Hayes' policy in the
South will have the effect to divide the
Democratic party in the South. I had
Il long conversation with Lieut.. Gov.
Wiltz, of Louisiana, in regard to that!
Gov. Witt seemed amused at the ides,
of Hayes policy or any other policy
dividing the Democracy ofthe South.
He said that if Hayes was to run again
tomorrow for President, he might get
II few Democratic votes in Louisiana,
but not enough to make any percepti-
bic effect on the result.
1--WE are,'' said Gov. Wiltz, every
much pleased with the manner in
which Mr.. Hayes has acted. We now
have just what we wanted-local self
government. The Democratic party
will present a solid front hereafter and,
of course, we will have a solid South.
Why shouldn't we Our interests all
prompt 1t; and, more than that, the
coiored voters will help US hereafter,
and in a short time we shall be strong
er and richer than ever we were be-
fore. I have always been in favor of
utilizing the coIored voters by taking
them by the hand and swinging them
into line, but / cannot get our fellows
to do it. 1t was distasteful to them,
but they are coming round all right.
"Our cotton crops are splendid our
sugar crops were never better. We
are getting rich again and we shall
soon be more powerful than ever, and
you men of the North will want to
disfranchise the darky as measure of
self-defense. We want men to come
down and bring capital and help us
build up our c6untry-help develop it,"
I said the trouble seems to be that a
man must agree with you politically
or remain silent, if he comes among
you, or else he will be ostracized and
treated with insult. ooh, no, sir,''
chimcd in the Governor, "not unless
he wants to rule our people, sir. OF
course if he comes down there and
wants to rule over us, we would resent
it. But'a Republican can vote just as
he pleases but If he is quiet, and bears
himself properly, he can get along as
we'll as n Democrat, and be respected"
"Then you feel certain that the Dem
ocratic party is getting stronger in the
South?" "Oh, yes, there is no doubt
about that. The Democracy will con-
troll in the South hereafter. They would
have controlled long ago but for the
presence Of Federal bayonets. You
see as soon us the troops were with
"A<S""S ehS = eASNeAAN SAAod r.
appeared. Wen have no trouble here
after the Democrats will elect their
officers.'' '.-.f
& What will you do With Wells and
Anderson, of the Returning Board," /
asked?
"Oh, Sir, they will be convicted of
perjury and punished. We must have
that done asa warning to evit-doers
We shan't disturb the President,
though. We will have the members Of
the Returning Board convicted and
punished, but we don't intend to dis
pute Mr.. Hayes title to his office. We
are very we'll satisfied with him.
Gov. Wilt regarded every thing in
the South as lovely, and was exceed
ingly pleased with the altitude of the
goose.
The Governor is frank, outspokcn
man says what lie thinks and doesn't
mince matters. He has no kind OF
doubt but that Wells and Anderson
will be stored away in the Pcnitcntiary,
Eas warning to all future Returning
Boards.
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