The daily gazette., 1877-04-20
THE SITUA1ION IN LOUISIANA

THE SITUATION IN 10 UISIANA
THE PACKARD LEGISLATURE DIssoLv-
ING-A RETURNING BOARD MAJORITY
IN THE LEGISLATURE.
New ORLEANS, April 9.-The Pack
ard Legislature Is rapidly disselving.
There are now siXty-fve or sixty-six
returning board members in the Mich
oils House. p. j. Wilson of Madison
r. J. Walker of Tcnsas, and s Oliver
OF Concordia. returning board men,
bers of the Legislature, were seated
in the Nichols House day, as were
George Dowuey of Assumption and
Oscar Holt of West Baton Rouge, also
heretofore acting with Packard The
resolution expelling Gaude was rescin.
ded' This completes a returning
boarh quorum in both Houses. 1t may
be fairly stated that the commission
and prominent leaders on both sides
still entertain hope that terms alike
honoroble TO all parties may yet be
agreed upon.
GOV. NICHOLS TO THE COMMISSION
The commissioners report to the
President by telegraph to-day includes
the following letter from Gov. Mich
oils, referring to the joint resolution
heretofore telegraphed:
Executive Department, State of Louis
lana, Nelv Orleans, April 10, 1S77.-To
the Honorable Charles B. Lawrence,
Joseph r. Hawley, John NJ. Harlan,
John q. Brown and Wayne Macveigh.
-Gentlemen: | have the honor to
transmit herewith copy of the Joint
! resolutions adopted by the General
Assembly of the State of Louisiana, In
so doing / desire to say that they eX-
press not merely abstract ideas. but
the conviction of our people, which
will be practically executed by them
through their representatives, their
courts and their executive government
AS the chief magistrate OF the State it
will be not only my pleasure but my
bounden duty to give every assistance
in my power leading TO that end. l
am thoroughly satisfied that any
course of political action traced on
narrower line than the good of the
whole people, regardless of color or
condition, must inevitably lead to dis
aster and ruin. My views on this sub
iect were fully stated to the conven-
tion by which was nominated and to
the people by whom / was elected,
and every days experience fortiies
me in the belief that any policy found
ed on these principals must necessari-
ly result in the attainment of the ends
for which all just governments arc es.
tablIshed. have earnestly sought to
obliterate the color line in politics and
consolidate the people on a basis of
equal rights and common interests, and
it is a source of qualification to be able
to say that this great object is about
to be realized. l feel that I do but
speak the sentiments of the people
when declare that their government
will secure first vigorous and effici-
ent enforcement of the laws, so that
all persons and property will be fully
and equally protected, and should oc-
casion require it, will proceed In
person where any dirorders may men
ace the public peace or the political
rights of any citizens.
Second. The establishment of sys
TEN of public education, to be sup
ported by equal and uniform taxation
upon property, so that all without re-
gard TO race or color, may receive
equal advantages hereunder.
Third. The fostering of immigra-
tion In order to hasten the develop
ment of the great natural resources of
the State.
Having thus commit. d our govern
ment and people to these great prlnci>
pies, | desire to add most emphatic
assurance that the withdrawal of the
troops of the United States 10 their
barracks, instead of causing any dis
turbance of the peace or any tenden>
cy to riot or disorder, will be the
source of profound qualification to our
people, and will be accepted by them
as proof of the confidence of the
President in their capacity for order
ly self-government. enjoying under
the blessings of Divine Providence
the happiness resulting from a govern
ment, based upon liberty and justice.
The people Of Louisiana cannot fail
to appreciate that their good fortune is
largely due to the magnanimous poll
cy so wisely inaugurated and so con-
sistently maintained by the President
of the United States. l have the hon
or to be, your obedient servant.
FRANCIS T. NICHOLS.