National Republican., 1877-04-15
THE PROPOSED COMPROMISE ~

LOUISIANA.
1t would appear that the Louisiana Com
mission have taken it upon themselves to
effect compromise between the contend.
ing parties in that State, and that their
scheme involves the return Of PACKARD to
the United States Senate, a. consideration
for his surrender Of claims to the Gov.
ernorship. and turning over the records OF
the Executive office. We say they have
taken it upon themselves to do this, and
mean by the assertion that they do 1t with.
cut authority from the Government; for
while there may be merit in the proposi.
lion when regarded as q means Of compos
inS angry differences, offered by interpos-
Jog friends. there is no sanction for II in
any adjustment to be made Of disputed
rights of the people, nor assertion OF au.
thority In any quarter to make 1t.
There is certainly no intimation OF any
ton to insist upon such compromise in
the letter Of instructions Of Mr.. EvARrs,
and If there had been 1t would Just as
certainly be beyond the Jurisdiction
OF the Federal power and without the
bounds Of sound discretion. The position
is this I: Either PACKARD is entitled to the
recognition and support Of the United
States, by virtue Of de jurs rights as the le-
gally elected Governor, and NICHOLS
ought to be suppressed as the head Of an
organized insurrection against the authority
Of duly constituted power. or NICHOLS is
Of right the Governor Of the State by rea-
son of the support Of the people in the ex
ercise Of the functions Of the office. and
PACKARD Is properly remitted to the decision
Of the people on the whole subject II the
Federal power Is authorized to ascertain
and determine the equities In the case, as
founded upon the evidences''of the election,
then there Is no doubt but that PACKARD
should be sustaiBe and NICHOLS required
to retire from the contest; but il, on the
contrary, the Federal power has no part in
such controversy in regard to State office,
and is bound to recognize that government
which the people have erected and main.
tain, then there can be no question but
that NICHOLS Is the lawful Governor so far
as concerns the Federal Government, and
il Is bound not only to withhold any aid
to PACKARD. but to give active and effect.
i've support to NICHOLS upon his
application for assistance. There is no
room for mediation except IN q friendly
way, imparting no hint Of purpose to in.
| sist upon q compromise. 1t Is not aues-
ton OF the right Of either party to the con-
test for official position, but solely one of
the sovereignty Of the people, aud if it is
tyue that The whole matter Is with them II
il is, Of course, competent for them
to choose whom they will to rule
over them. Nor will 1t do to say that they
may not elect Governor at the polls and
then refuse to obey HIM as such for II It
is entirely within their control, Us repre-.
senting the sovereignty Of the State, then
the Familiar. rule that 'the sovereign
can do no wrong applies, and it does not
matter TO any but themselves what meth.
DDS they may adopt to execute their own
will. Their government Is none the less
republican in form because they refuse to
have particular officials administer 1t,
however such officials may be equitably
entitled. Within the limits of their reserved
powers they are absolute, and no dissent
within nor opposition without may be
nghtfully heard to dispute them.
THIS being SO. and no wellinformed
person inthe United States will dispute it,
1t is the duty Of the General Government
to withdraw the troops the moment local
government Is found competent to enforce
obedience and administer the laws, and
leave all questions Of representation.
whether in the State or National Legisla
lures, to the disposition of the people, sub
lect only to the authority Of the constltu.
ton and laws they may ordain.