The Louisiana Democrat. [volume] (Alexandria, La.) 1845-1918, 1878-10-09
OUR BOW TO THE PUBLIC.

AS will be seen by the heading of
the DEMOCRAT, the proprietorship
and editorship has this day changed
hands, and now till after the election,
will be the champion and organ of
the Democratic Conservative party
of Rapides. In coming before the
people of Rapides, we do not claim
to be editors journalists, but plain,
staunch, Conservative Democrats,
battling for the only true and honest
party of the white, as we'll as the
colored man, who prefers an honest,
constitutional government, and a
just and impartial execution of the
laws, regardless of race, color or pre-
vious condition. We intend 10 speak
the truth, and nothing but the truth,
as to persons or parties, rendering
explanations and retractions unncc-
essary, but are ever ready to give
satisfaction when demanded, from
any and every source, promptly and
willingly.
We have started ont in this cam
paign without any mental reserva-
tion or doubt, as to Democratic sue
cess in the coming election, for we
have started in the race to win, and
win we will, by fair, square, and hon
est means, free from fraud, or the
trickery Of Returning Boards, or any
of the vile uses, so long in vogue by
the Radical party. AS we have said,
we come before the honest and law
abiding people of Rapides, claiming,
yea demanding their support, to the
only party that has shown itself ca
pable, ready and willing, to make and
execute the honest and just laws of
constitutional government; a party,
that, in long years past, reflected
honor on the land, making prosper
Gus and happy its whole people. As
to the Radical party, it is un.consti-
tutional in every act, tenet and prin-
cipIe; twas conceived in hate, and
born of malice and coercion, bearing
the fruits, reconstruction; the syn
onym of misery, degradation and
spoliation of the South, and as such,
has been the result of radical rule in
louisiana; how is it reasonable for
any honest man to support such a
party and it's measures?
To the colored people, who have
stood by US at the ballot.box, and
who intend to stand by US, we thank
you, and extend to you the hand of
friendship and protection. We have
heard it seid, that the leaders of the
Republican party are telling the col.
ored people, that voting for or with
the Democrats, is voting for their
own slavery; TO such leaders we give
the lie, emphatic and unqualified, and
without reservation, and beyond the
slight hope of apology. Yet, to the
colored people who continue to vote
with the Radical party, we say to
you, that you are slaves to igno-
rance, hate and prejudice-to the ma.
tive born whites, to whom you do not
hesitate to flee, in your hour of trou.
bic and want, for protection and sue
cor. You will be freemen, sooner or
later, and that freedom will come
through the wise, generous and just
policy of the Democratic onserva
tive party. And now we say to you
in all sincerity and friendship, come
with US, and help to free yourselves
from the bondage of hate and preju-
dice, that has so long enslaved you
ennobling your freedom by your own
struggles and exertions.
AS to the Workingman's party
we have but little to say and can
only liken it to the dying swan, that
sings but once, and then just before
it dies; yet, unlike the dying swan,
the Workingman's party will never
sing, for it died "bornin."
In conclusion, we will state that we,
the Democratic Conservative party,
now hold the reins of Government oil
Louisiana, we intend to continue to
hold them against all corners, for in
Democratic Conservative rule, de.
ponds law, order, and protection to
all classes, and security to all per
sons and property.
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FATHER RYAN, the author of the