The Louisiana Democrat. [volume] (Alexandria, La.) 1845-1918, 1878-08-21
HON. L. A. BURKE.
HIS SPEECH AT THE BATON ROUGE CON-
YENTION.

Mr.. Chairman and Gentlemen of the Con-
vention -
] find it impossible, amid the deep
emotions which the partial action of
this convention excites in my breast,
to give expression to the gratitude I
feel. Impressed as | am with the
devotion of the friends who have
sustained my candidacy, and by the
steadfast adherence Of the gentlemen
who had other preferences, it will be
impossible for me at this time to do
much more than express to my
friends, and the gentlemen of the
convention at large, my thanks for
the honor and dignity bestowed
upon me.
I can only. assure you that my
course shall be such as to deserve
your good opinion, and that l shall
so discharge the duties of the high
office to which you have nominated
me as to yindicate your selection.
1t may have appeared to some Of
the gentlemen of this convention who
were unacquainted with the situa-
ton in our section Of the State, that
my friends have advocated my NOM
ination with undue ardor. For my
self assure that hold the endorse
ment of the people of this State high
above my consideration of emolu
ment.
For my friendly supporters it must
be said, that they have acted from
their convictions as to what was for
the bests interests of the party.
We have had many dissension5 in
our parish, and many Of you are IA
miliar with the events which finally
| welded our people together, and en-
abled us to achieve our past success.
There are so many different nation
alities, so many political organiza.
tions, so many varied inter
ests of an industrial, mechanical and
commercial character, SO unlike other
districts, where solely agricultural
interests are concerned, that our diff.
ficulties in preserving party unity
have been greatly multiplied.
Many of our people have not real
lied all their expectations in the re-
suit of our last elections, and whilst
it may be said that change of gov
eminent could not be expected tc
bring sudden and complete relief, oil
that the spoilation of some ten years
Of radical misrule could be repaired
in one short year, and while it is
true that much has been done to re
move the burdens weighing upon the
people, it is nevertheless true that
they demand that we shall 60 on il
the work of redemption. 1t is true
that great reforms have been inaug
urated, that we have established al
honest government, protecting tho
rights of all, and although peace ane
honesty have come, prosperity ha'
not followed. There are many who
10 not reflect that the recovery from
bad government must necessarily re
quire time, and they are apt to lay
their grievances upon the party il
power.
These elements in the parish o
Orleans openly threaten revol
against party rule. They say tina
the Radical foe no longer confront!
us and considerations for their ma
' teriai interests rise paramount t.
party discipline. The citizens o
New Orleans bear nearly two thirds
of the entire burden of the State gov
eminent, and their municipal bur
dens are greater still. They lool
with anxiety to the action of TIL
party in this respect. With the dan
gers of dissension staring the party
in the face, knowing that they mus
act with great prudence and wisdom
to retain our party supremacy, th'
Orleans delegation have urged GU
friends from other sections tt
strengthen our hands by according
Orleans the leading nomination il
this campaign. 1t is scarcely neces
sary to assure you, however, thai
had thi 8 nomination not fallen to thu
choice Of my friends, we would have
: gone back to our duty and given oul
best efforts for the success of ou1
party, which can best complete thu
redemption of the State. Loui
cheers and applause.]
/ We have not found it strange thai
other sections of the State have
sought to elevate gentlemen whose
character, capacity and integrity rem
dor 4bo,, ,rorth,. 20 bo,o, ,,d ,-