Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1877-03-19
The Louisiana UsurpatiOn.

AN APPEAL TO THE PEOPLE OF THE UNITED
STATES FROM THE WHITE RRPuBLIcANs-A RE-
cITAL OF THE INsURRECTIoNARY ACTS OF THE
DEMocRATs-JusTIcE ASKED.
New Orleans, March l5.-The following is g
synopsis of the address adopted by q meeting of
the white republicans Of Louisiana which was
held to-day:
An appeal of Louisiana TO the citizens OF the
United States We, the undersigned, represent
ing the republican citizens of Louisiana, in our
distress appeal to the citizens of the loyal States
to raise their voice and demand speedy relief to
protect us in the enjoyment of the sacred RICH. to
be governed by officers elected by majority of
the legal votes Of the State. Intimidation, vio-
fence, outrages, and murders perpetraed upon re-
publicans in different parts of the State by the
White League democracy, are now matters of no.
toriety throughout the civilized world. Their
policy has been to misead the people in other
States by reporting daily what is known to be
false. That they have control of the whole Of
the territory except an acre of ground in New
Orleans, and that their authority is alone recog-
nized throughout the State and they ask to be let
alone in order that the people may enjoy local
self-government The facts that an illegal and
armed military organization threatens the exist
ence Of the lawful Government. Instead of Gov.
Packards authority being acknowledged only at
the ST. Louis Hotel, 1t il recognized in the great
er part of the State outside of new Orleans. In
at least % parishes counties of the State repub
lican officers were elected and are in exercise OF
| their functions, and they everywhere recognize
Gov Packard as Governor Of the State. Ihr-
teen out of II District Judges outside of New Or
| leans were selected by the republicans, and they
have officially recognized Gov Packard.
These insurgents boast that they will force the
Government Of the United States to abandon
Packard and thus disregard its sacred obligation to
the State, or establish military government. If
the President yields to this threat it will be only
to encourage rebellion against the laws. The
question involved here is question of fact and OF
| law, and not of sentiment. There can be but one
| law full government in q State, and when another
asserts its authority it is the bounden duty of the
President to furnish the needful assistance 1t has
been boastfuy stated that the Taxpayers will pay
their taxes cheerfully to Nichols appointees. The
truth is that not of his appointees can lawfully
collect any taxes, because they have not the tax
rolls, and because licenses which are collectable at
| once have TO be endorsed by the State Treasurer
| who holds Office from the 1874 election, and who
does not recognize Mr.. Nichols appointees. The
funds raised have been by sort of Prsstimos, or
| forced loan.
| We appeal, therefore, to our fellow citizens of
the LOYAL States not to heed the ISLANDERS published
against us, and to exert their influence to hasten
| the assistance which should have come TO US upon
the wings Of lightning. Justice delayed is often
| times justice denied. In conclusion, we respect
| fully but earnestly ask, as have right to de-
mand, that the hand Of justice be speedily extend
| ed to the lawful government Of Louisiana, TO the
end that the republicans of this State may not be
forced to follow the example of the Nichols par
ty, and attempt to settle legal questions by the use
of the rifle and cannon
| w. II. DINKGRAyE.
| Chairman Of Committee