The New Orleans daily Democrat. [volume] (New Orleans, La.) 1877-1880, 1878-02-15
CRIMINAL INTERT ERENUE With THE
ADMINISTRATION OF JUSTICE.

From whatever standpoint we contemplate
the fraud by which Mi Hayes was made Pres
ident In defiance of the laws Of the country,
d hideo,ia and revolving spectacle arises be-
fore us The Administration Is indeed waste
''in which no salutary plant takes root. no
verdure uuiekens.' All the stroke of Ithuriel's
anear the luathaome toad assumed the image
Of the fallen archangel; but at the touch OF
investigation the fair exterior Of the Presi-
dcney changes to n leprous hloteh upon the
honor Of the republic We can attack 1t at no
roint without developing n mass of crimina-
tien and recrimination, treaehery mystery,
falsehood. fraud and perjury. All the glitter
OF authority surrounds II. yet ii ia like
one of those noisome plants whose flow
era, though symmetrical Ia shape and bright
in color. when bruised give forth poisonous
and disgusting odor.
Hayes In the presidential chair, Sherman
Secretary Of the Treasury, stoughtoh Min
later to Russia Matthew'S and Garfield In Con-
uress. Tom Anderson condemned to the peni-
tentiary and Mad. Wells out of jail on heavy
bail. This is indeed an extraordinary and hui
initiating spectacle to an American citizen. 1t
is not astonishing that the men who have
and who are enjoying Tia fruits, are restless,
angry and alarmed at the pursuit of it's mem
hers bv tho rcmorpele,s ministers Of justice.
Il is not astonishing that John Sherman Mat
thows and Garfield, who planned, aided. en-
cnurasrpd and Allotted tho whole system Of
forgery and perjury which Wells and hnder-
son carried out and by which they reversed
the election in this State, should fcign indig-
nation at the prosecution of their dupes or
allies by the law officers Of Louis
lana. Tho sorrer, like the thief or the muir
derpr, Ia always alarmed when his pals are
arrested. ho has naturally q reasonable APP
prcheneion that to save their own skins
they will turn States evidence. Honor
mong thieves seldom goes 30 far rs to sup
port ignomnous Imprisonment for a term Of
wears for the benefit Of the scoundrel who
enjoys the fruits of the crime with worldly
honor high Office and national influence.
Naturally, therefore we repeat, the Secretary
nr the Treasury, and with tho Senator and
Representative from Ohio, to say nothing Of
tho President, are startled and indignant at the
vigorous prosecution Of Wells and Anderson,
naturally they regard with contempt any
loyal obstacle to The invasion by Federal
power of the jurisdiction OF our courts. natu-
rally they are willing and anxious to have tho
Sovereignty of Louisiana again trampled
under foot and The rule Of the hayonet restored
among her people The singular spectacle
has not vet appeared upon the earth OF a per-
juror or rorger who regarded the preserva-
ton OF the laws. the liberties and the honor of
his country rs paramount to his own evasion
Of Justice and escape from punishment.
We have not, therefore. been in the least as
toniShcd at the terrible ilutter oceasioned in
administration circles in Washington by the
conviction of Anderson. and the capture OF
Wells. We confess, however. TO much aston
ishment ut the audacity OF cx-Gov. Warmoth
Yesterday In introducing resolution in the
House looking TO an interference on the part Of
the legislative branch If the State government
with the judiciary in the interest of this gang
of vulgar furgers. The Legislature has no
right and no business 80 interfere in this mat
ter: any expression of opinion relative to the
nrosa,ution OF Wells and Anderson by either
the legislative or the executive department
of the government would be criminal
and we may say, exceedingly indecent act
The members of the Returning Board are in
the hands of the courts. charged under the
laws Of Louisiana. with having committed
the infamous crime of forgery. After fuil
and fair trial Anderson has been convicted
and the proof against Wells is stronger IL
possible, than that ON which the jury con
victed his associate. What feature OF inc
case gives to the particular crime OF these
men any sacredness or dignity that
does not attach to all other acts
IF sorrervs What claims have the criminals
in this case upon the consideration OF TINS
pnorle that d grave breach OF its authortn.y
should l.c committed 10y the Leslslae0te