The New Orleans daily Democrat. [volume] (New Orleans, La.) 1877-1880, 1877-03-08

honor. manhood and patriotism Il ne
does not. at the earliest moment, inau-
gurate such o policy. Messrs. Wheeler
and Matthews can give him no addi-
tional light on this question, and their
coming, since It infers delay, 10 not o
gratifying event to our suffering people.
But, IL 10 intimated these gentlemen
arc coming down here to arrange d
compromise. An adjustment. 1t 10 ru-
mored. 10 on foot; these illustrious en-
voys are TO make q satisfactory
arrangement we are told. Angels
and Ministers of Grace defend us
II there IL word OF evil import
TO this people, that word Is eompro'
mise" And yet, like pertufbed
spirit, II ID forever intruding itself
upon us In the most critical and trying
periods Of our affairs.
"Ariosto," says Maeaulay, "tells d
pretty story OF u fairy who. by some
mysterious law OF her nature, WIS con-
demned to appear at certain seasons In
the form OF foul and poisonous snake.
Those who injured her during the period
Of her disguise were forever excluded
from participation In the blessings
which she bestowed. But to those who,
In spite OF her loathsome aspect,
pitied and protected her. she
after wards revealed herself In the
beautiful and celestial form which
WIS natural to her, accompanied their
steps. granted oil their wishes, filled
their houses with wealth, made them
happy In love and victorious In war;
Such spirit, concludes our author, ID
Liberty. At times she takes the form OF
u hateful reptile. But woe to those
who. In disgust, shall attempt to crush
heri And happy are those who. having
dared to receive her In her degraded
shape, shall at length be remembered
by her In the time Of her beauty and
her glory"
Not such spirit Is Compromise.
Rather does 1t resemble In It's nature
an evil fairy which, by some mysteri-
GUS law Of her nature, 10 empowered to
assume In periods of public calamity, u
beautiful and celestial shape. But woe
to those who, deceived by her lowell
ness and her flattering promises, follow
and embrace her, for she will surely, In
q brief period. resume the hideous
form which is natural to her, and heap
shame, disappointment and ruin upon
those who have trusted her. IT the
people of Louisiana do not now realize
the truth that Ia embodied In this ale
cory, they have lost their senses or
their manhood.
Our fortunes are wretehed indeed,
but they cannot be bettered by any
90 mpromise which involves the surren-
Ter of any right or privilege we are en-
tit led to under the constitution and
laws OF the country. We have tried
his method Of deliverance, and 1t only
o dded shame and humiliation to our
p overly and helplessnesg. We stand
n ow squarely against any compromise
In this matter. Louisiana Ia either
free State Of the Union, or she Ia q con-
quered province Of the nation: we are
either free citizens, possessing the same
liberties, rights and privileges as the
people of New York, or we are the
enslaved subjects of the Federal Gov
eminent. This 10 the plain and simple
issue to be determined, and II we un-
ierstand the temper Of the people OF
Louisiana this Is the issue that must
md shall be determined. II Louisiana Is
b subjugated province and her people
slaves, let the farce Of the constitution
DO done away with and her destinies
placed under satrap appointed In
Washington. If, upon the other hand,
his Is free State and our people are
rec citizens OF the Republic, let them
% left free to settle their own local af
airs, to establish their State govern
nent, organize their own Legislature.
md elect their own Senators without
from any source. But in name
II Heaven, let no effort be made to i'm
,ose upon us another compromise.
We think, however, these rumors Of
have no responsible origin.
'reslde nt Hayes, in his inaugural, ex-
pressed a determination to insure to this |
people the fullest measure OF self
government. He said: II am sincere
y anxious to use every legitimate in
luence In favor Of honest and effective |
ocal self government, as the true
ource in those States for the promo
ion Of the contentment and prosperity |
4 their citizens
This Is sound doctrine. This is what
ur people need, and what is required to
,acify this State. This Is the only |
ound doctrine upon which Louisiana
an be made contented. pros
'erous and useful member of
he Union. We appeal then to
he President to stand by it; it may |
lot please one faction Of the politicians