The Ouachita telegraph. [volume] (Monroe, La.) 1865-1889, 1877-04-27

MONROE. LA, APRIL q, 1877.
The fence has been, at length, read
1usted, and the builders have accom-
plished the difficult task, after repeated
failures, of putting the bottom rail on
top. :. Day before yesterday little after
noon, Gov. Nichols, the other State
officials, and the legislature, composed
of members of both bodies as they have
stood entered the State House and took
formal possession of that building and
of the entire State. So, the long weary
night Of Radical misrule in Louisiana
has found a glorious slawning, and the
anxious mourners around the dying
couch of Mr.. Packard and his following
may end their vigils and prepare for
the profound slumber OF which they are
80 much in need. The cares and per-
plexities of ruling perverse people
will trouble them, if at all, in their
dreams alone. Let US nope that they
will accept tho change with the same
philosophical resignation that the Peo-
ple do, and not refuse to participate
equally in the blessings sure to flow
from Democratic rule.
Well, well, we can all now draw
long breath, and rest II bit after the
tiresofne nine years. tramp we have
had. In all its fullness, it is not easy to
realize the great revolution just accom-
plished, and it is better, perhaps, that
time should be allowed for reflection.
But the rest should not be prolonged.
There are grave responsibilities to meet,
and other changes absolutely necessary.
The Democrats heve inherited a veal
thy succession, but 1t is terribly inVolv-
ed and suffering from the grossest mis-
management. Along with the assets
there comes huge pile OF Liabilities
and evils. A struggle must begin at
once for the purpose of re-modeiing our
laws and for the correction OF number
less abuses which are part and parcel OF
the government made and administered
by the Republicans.
To reach the end desired by the
shortest cut, it is, to our thinking, best
that a constitutional convention should
be assembled as soon as is practicable.
The present constitution is i'll adapted
to the times, and wholly inefficient as
an instrument Of reform. 1t was
framed and adopted more as a partisan
platform than the fundamental law Ot
the State. In spite Of that unholy COM
pact, Louisiana has been redeemed,
and now it should be removed as
rubbish.
With proper appreciation of the res
possibilities they have incurred, the
Democrats may now guarantee bril-
liant future for Louisiana. OF all the
Southern states Louisiana offers the
greatest Inducements to immigrants
and capitalists. What has been lack
ing is now supplied-a government
atfording security to persons and pro-
lection to capital. Our labor system
may now be relied upon, and he who
plants may feel some security OF reap
ing. Larceny, it is to be hoped, will
become a rare otfense, and the planter
feel encouraged to raise stock and make
his place self-sustaining.
There is grand incentive for us all
something to nerve the citizen for a
struggle, and well-assured hopes that
his efforts to attain prosperity will not
prove failures. Plans may be laid for u
only, mature them well, and
for day or two, stop and think.
TO the wandering sons of Louisiana
in other States, it is fitting, at this aus
picious moment, we should extend an
to return to their old homes
and aid in the grateful task of recon-
Louisiana on Il solid basis. The
direction of the work is in safe and COM
petent hands, and, after what the peo-
pie have passed through, it may be
safely guaranteed that il will be mnay Il
long year before dominion will pass
again into the hands Of tho Radicals.