The New Orleans daily Democrat. [volume] (New Orleans, La.) 1877-1880, 1877-04-15
A VOICE FROM AMONG THE pROPLE.

At the meeting of the mechanics and
workingmen of this city, Friday even
ing, Mr.. John Walters Jewell, me.
chanic and resident Of New Orleans
though a native of Connecticut, read
the following open letter to Gen. J. r.
Hawley. Of the Presidents Commission.
The letter expresses the views and feel
ings Of large and influential class OF
men In the city and State, and for that
reason we print 1t:
NEW ORLEANS, April 10. 1877.
To Hon. J. B. Hawley. OF Connecticut.
Ssr-Permit me, an humble citizen of Louisi-
ana. very respectfully to address you. / am q
native OF the same cd State as yourself. but have
been q citizen Of Louisiana for twenty-five years
or more. understand some of the great diff
culses that are now agitating our unhappy
State.
Sir, the Issue now IL between the legitimate
government OF Louisiana. of which Gov. Francis
4. Nichols tthe lawfully elected Governor Of the
State of Louisiana by over ten thousand
msiority) is the head; who is now
in full possession of the affections, con-
tidence aud support of the great ass OF the
people OF all classes, colors and parties, and this
man-this agtstor-s. 3. Packard and his squad
of few desperate politicians. living in terror Of
the very people he assumes to govern. can as
sure you, Gen. Hawley, upon the honor of an
honest and just man, that mon hs ago peace,
confidence aud good will would have long since
been restored to this community and State, had
it not been for this imperlinent adventurer and
the gang OF social outlaws assembled around him.
And, Gen. Hawley, l can further assure you
that the people had originally no special animosi-
ty TO Packard, and, as 1t ie deeply be has out
ragged us, we have no desire to visit vengeance
upon him. No SIR, none whatever. But, Gen.
Hawley, we dc desire and demand, now That the
| countenance Of the Federal government has been
withdrawn from him, that he withdraw his pre-
the state, and to Cypress by the civil dscord
with which he threatens our commercial
and industrial interests. And sir, the
protection Of all men in their civil rights will
be complete and universal in Louisiana when the
military trespass in Louisiana is abandoned.
Gen. Hswley, II you had been q resident OF
this city for these few years past, and had gone
through what we have endured and suffered. you
would have seen the gorgon OF politics trampled
down, the industry paralyZed, the energy OF the
people Slapped, the sources Of plenty IN every
grade Of life, the elements which should be mar
shaled in harmony TO universal ends, thrown into
discord by unwise legislation; every industry and
interest OF our people made to suffer by dishon-
to be unworthy promoted to Office, whilst
others were degraded for fidelity to offio
duty. All this and more, Gen. Hawley. you
would have witnessed had you been with us, and
VIC 0uu Id HUI yots
In conclusion, Gen. Hswley, allow me to say
that the honor and interests Of Louisiana are in
the hands Of competent and worthy men, the
chosen officials Of the people. ! am . working
man, seeking no Office and like thousands Of other
poor men who have families to support, say we
want peace to reign IN our unhappy and impov-
ershed State, so that we may make an honest
livelihood for ourselves and families. And this,
sir. can never be done as long as this man Pack
ard il allowed to disturb us with the pretense that
he 10 the Governor. This, sir, he can never be.
He is not the man Of the people. He never got
and squareiy and I, for one, declare to you, sir.
that although an humble citizen Of Louisiana
will never submit to his tyrannical rule. My con-
science dictates to me otherwise, and shall do
otherwise.
Wishing you, as also the gentlemen with whom
you are associated, success in life remain, your
very humble fellou-citizen,
JOHN WALTER JEWELL,
Formerly OF Connecticut, and a veteran OF the
Mexican war.