The Donaldsonville chief. [volume] (Donaldsonville, La.) 1871-current, 1877-05-05
THE OUTLOOK.
BY EMERsON BENTLEY.

BY EMERSON BENTLEY.
Governor Nichols, the elect of the
citizens of Louisiana who rallied under
the talismanic cry of reform at the
polls, is now in undisputed possession
of all the powers and prestige of the
gubernatorial office, and is henceforth
entitled to complete recognition and
obedience. He must exercise his du-
ties under a constitution framed by
Republicans, on platform of Repub-
lican principles, especially adopted by
Democratic assemblage of legisla-
tors, or violate solemn pledges, given
to the national government and its
advisory commission. While the great
majority of Republicans would prefer
to commit the work of reform to their
own chosen leaders, they will abide
in good grace the adverse decision
which has defeated their hopes. They
will give to Governor Nichols the
same measure of confidence they would
have desired that Democracy should
give to Republican Governor had
his title passed unquestioned.
Without denying the sincerity OF
their opponents, Republicans claim
to be equally as sincere and patriotic
in their loyalty to the best interests
of the State. 1t remains to be seen
whether it lies in the power of Dem
ocratic administration to exceed its
Republican predecessors in the con-
troll of the mixed elements of our State
politics. If pledges are kept in letter
and spirit, citizens are equally pro-
tected, reform becomes something
tangible and perceptible, there will
go up from the Republican party of
Louisiana a candid acknowledgment
of the fact. If good faith is broken,
if no real reform beaccomplished, and
the laws fail to protect, then Governor
Nichols will not receive other than
continued and reasonable opposition.
Governor Nichols, like President
Hayes, possessing the prestige of an
unspotted character, which challenges
even the admiration of opponents,
comes into power under all circum-
stances conducive to wise admins
tration of law. Let us, as Republicans,
place no impeachment in his way, but
grant him a fair trial. Unmerited
criticism will revert upon its author,
broken pledges will crush the title of
an administration to public confidence.
We shall render the strongest aid to
the Governor by keeping up our party
organization. We should not disband,
but exercise our influence unitedly at
the polls and in the legislature. This
VIII SiHo US VIC udidhco Va poheA DIS
against faction of Democracy-sa
the Bourbons-which may seek to
cripple the Governor, and make his
conciliatory policy a failure and a
fraud. 1t will keep up a nucleus for
a victorious opposition in the next
canvass, in case the hopes of the good
citizens of Louisiana, are not realized
under the guidance of Democracy.
Stand together, Republicans, we are
neither disbanded nor permanently
defeated. We are under flag of
truce and confiding in the honor of
Democracy for a period, which de-
ponds for it's duration upon their good
faith. We must frankly accept the
olive branch, and prove no less zeal
Gus than Democracy in the triumph
of law, order and justice in the State.
1t is possible that revolutions, bull
dozers, and national commissions may
never be heard of more in Louisiana.
The declarations of Governor Nichols
lead to this end, and for this reason
Republicans stand ready to assist in
the honorable task he has attempted
to the full extent of their voice in
public affairs.
Under the operation of a new law