The New Orleans daily Democrat. [volume] (New Orleans, La.) 1877-1880, 1877-04-26
PACKARD'S LAMENT.
The Boss Breathes His Last I'm a Melo-
dious Farewell Address.
And Tells His Woes In Series of Why's
and Wherefores.


New Orleans April %. 1877.
To the Republicans Of Louisiana:
On this day, the fifteenth anniversary
of the surrender of New Orleans to the
forces Of the United States, 1t becomes
/ my duty to announce to you that the aid
and countenance OF the National Gov
eminent has been Withdrawn from the
Republicans OF Louisiana, and that q
government revolutionary In form is
practically on the point Of usurping con-
troll of affairs In this State.
I recall the circumstances of the last
electoral campaign only to thank you
displayed. The Republican party, as
you know, entered upon the canvass
united and stronger than before. It
had enlisted under Its banners an infiu-
entail class Of native born citizens, Of
old Wing antecedents, (who, to their
honor be 1t said, still remain faithful to
the principles they espoused and the
government they supported.) It was
further strengthened by the absence
from the State OF the. opposition to that
element. whose previous adherence to
the party had brought it into disrepute.
These causes combined to bring about
the remarkable success achieved by the
Republican party In all the doubtful
parishes, with one exception, even where
the white population preponderated,
and which gave US majority in the
Legislature. Except where organized
violence prevailed, our State ticket car
ried every Republican parish, and also
q number Of parishes which, in the last
Legislature, were represented by Dem
ocratic members.
1 briefly summarize the historical
events that have since occurred. The
me nm frat ~
January last, organized with full legal
quorum In both Houses, passed laws
which were approved by the then execu-
tive OF the State, and on the I'd day OF
January last canvassed end declared
the vote for Governor.
At this time the nation was agitated
by doubt as to the result of the presi-
Dental election. With the expectation
that Samuel J. Tilden might possibly
become President OF the United States,
and with no hope OF success otherwise,
established moot legislature, and went
through the form Of an inauguration in
order that there might be semblance
OF O. government, which, Mr.. Tilden, IL
inaugurated, could possibly galvanize
into life.
In few days that followed. Gen.
Nichols and his adherents were en-
couraged by the unexpected refusal OF
President Grant to recognize the State
stitutional call Of the Legislature,
though he questioned the legality OF
neither. On the 9th Of January, when |
had scarcely taken my seat in the |
executive chair, the White League rose
in armed insurrection and, by coup de |
main, took possession of the Supreme
Court, the arsenals and the stations of |
the Metropolitan Police, all located at |
the capital. Then came orders from
President Grant, establishing status
quo, the practical effect of which was TO
tages they had gained, and to prevent
any effort to dispossess them. On the
Inauguration Of President Hayes the
State authorities made preparation to
militia force for the defense
OF the State government. Gen. Nichols
police seized upon the recruiting Off
GERS and imprisoned them for treason,
benefit OF bail or writ Of habeas
corpus.
I telegraphed this fact to President
Hayes, asking il this was violation of
release Of these men by force (all civil
remedies having been exhausteD would
be 80 considered. The President re-
piled:
"Your,dispatch of the oath Is received.
The Secretary Of War has autographed
to Gen, Augur: "A Commission will
shortly visits Louisiana. In the mean
lime the PRESIDENT desires that the
remain unchanged
ThWC ommission came. In the mean
lime She Nichols Government had crys-
ing "the situation to remain un-
changed" it had broken into the tax
offices Of the city, had taken
'orcible control of State institutions
Ind had strengthened itself on all sides.
this, however, the
Commission found the legal Legislature
,till in session at the State House, and
ny title unassailed and unassailable,
except by force. The result of their
abors during the two. weeks they re-
NAMED here Is known Of all men. They
he legal House Of Representatives to
axe seats in the Nichols House, thus
living it "a Returning Board quorum.
Prior to the meeting OF the Legisla-
ure the Democrats claimed to have
Elected only sixty rnembers-one less
han quorum. One, at least, Of the
members 30 claimed by them was alb !
ent on the 1st OF January last.
No Republican or independent men,
,er would consent to act with the !.
Jicholls House, and consequently, in |
rider to obtain even the appearance Of 9
n organization, they had been COM y
elled to call to their aid three men, de- 9
Gated at the polls, whose election had 8
ot previously been claimed.
The inquiry, therefore, seems peril g
ent in this connection, ii a Returning 9
'oard quorum" was 80 effective for the 8
Iicholls claimants, why was it that such =
uorum was ignored while it remained c
aithful to the legal government OF the '
tate?, That government held Re- I
lrning Board quorum from the day on 6
7hich the General Assembly convened, !
nd the Legislature, duly organized, !
in legal ext 'tence till disin- {
sgrated by the direct act Of the Com
lission.
This raa1lt HAVING heen achiavad IL |