The Colfax chronicle. (Colfax, Grant Parish, La.) 1876-1877, 1877-04-07
The Disruption Of Grant Parish.
GRAM PARISH, April4, isH.


Recent developments in the Leg
islature evince o determination, on
the part of Mr.. Barrett, to accom-
plish, If possible, the breaking up
of Repnblicanism in Grant parish,
under the very thin guise OF under
taking to perpetuate it. Such a
ruse, however. will fall far short of
its mark with the public, who under
stand as we'll as he the real motives
which actuated him in the introduc-
ton of his pet scheme. 1t was well
understood among the Democrats
who SO readily supported him at the
last election, what amount of special
legislation could be secured by that
new departure; and Republicans
now understand equally as well how
they have been victimized. His
first effort, after gaining admission
to his seat, was to secure the passage
of his favorite beneficiary law, by
which his property, and that of his
relatives might become of value,
and he enjoy the coveted reputation
Of being crafty politician.
Whether these efforts were attend
ed with any degree. of success, l do
not know; but judging by his hasty
flight from the body where he be-
came sworn member, and his little
Irritation with the Nichols House.
subsequently, leaves room for much
conjecture and speculation. The
first hop, however, was not passing
strange, when taken in connection
with the case at issue, and none the
less remarkable when compared
with his precipitate retreat from his
second alliance after failing to Sc
cure his mnch desired Object
Thanks to the timely intervention
of Col. Randolph, whereby an abor-
tive attempt to defraud our people
was frustrated. Even though we
differ in politics, it's satisfaction
to have friend in need, and we
recognize, him as such and only re-
greet his having taken position in the
wrong box. But, 10, the goal of the
willy financier's ambition is nearly
reached! The murky clouds that
enshrouded his pathway to wealth
and fame are being dispelled, and
bright visions of gold and legal
tenders loom up encouragingly be-
fore his vivid imagination and point
out with unmistakable signs his
future policy.
What wonder, then, that the ever
memorable "statu quo" should not
have been literally observed, for
what manner of man could with
stand the temptation 7 Retire, We
nOvices of State! make way for
thoughts that far outshine, with
lustre, John Slidelrs
fairest dreams. But to return to the
subject, lest in pursuing the phan-
tom should lose the substance. III
the people of Grant parish are will
ing to have their public policy
shaped by the Great. Reformer of |
then, in the name of COM
mon sense and good government,
let a petition of freeholders be pre- |
sented, memorializing the Legisla- !
ture to that effect. 1t is doubtless |
presumed that a petition was offered
Tor such a purpose-possibly so
ma If so it must have been signed
by nOn-residents and malcontents
near the parish line.
Mr.. Editor-I am not betting
nan; but | will wager q one-dollar
lat--which is all can afford-that
lot one-tenth OF the population of
rant parish ever saw that docu-
nent or knew its meaning. I'll also
'et half plug of well-chewed to-
'acco, for the benefit of those who
ave got no teeth, that if the whole
uestion which has agitated and
onfnsed the immortal mind of the
eeond O'Connell for years past, was
eferred to the citizens of Grant ,
arish, who are the proper party to
omplain of public abuses, it would
e amiacably adjusted and with less {
etriment fO tho Rapuhl;oo,, a