Louisiana capitolian., 1879-12-06

citizens. We never will forget the day
oftlleirinauguration, when with thous-
ands OF others we escorted the Gov
ernor's carriage up Camp street, in
New Orleans, to St. Patrick's Hall, to
see the chosen leaders of the people
declared the Governor and Lieuten-
ant Governor of Louisiana. The shouts
of exultation and defiance which we
heard then will never sleep in our
memory, nor will we ever cease to
feel that they came from that politi-
cal party whose principles we have
cherished since our boyhood days.
Peace and quiet followed the events
we have just related, as a sequel to
the downfall of the Kelloggs and the
Packards. The wounds were being
slowly healed and new Constitution
that will supplant the one of 1868, the
work Of foes had been framed; and
to administer the government provid-
ed for by its liberal and just provi-
sions new set Of officials was to be
chosen. It was at this time when
unity was most needed that divisions
arose rs to whom should be named
by the people to perform the duties
incumbent onkhese officers.
Quick to seize an opportunity of
recognizing their broken ranks, the
Radical party selected State ticket,
and shrewdly canceived the plan of
abandoning the local governments to
such Democrats as would give them
comfort and fight against their party
side by side with them. And the plan
worked admirably in this parish, for
an independent movement was organ
lied composed of fenergetic men, who,
when their blood was up, would
combat to the bitter end.
The opposition flung its banner to
the breeze and campaign, one of the
most bitter that we have ever seen,
was lnaugurated in onr midst. The
fife and drum resounded through the
parish and the Independents went
around in company with the Radical
leaders, to organize the overwhelm-
ing defeat Of the Democratic ticket.
But East Baton Rouge never tires,
when apublic duty is to be performed.
No sooner was the danger thoroughly
comprehended than the gallant adhe-
rents OF the Democracy, hushed their
differences and the ranks were again
closed. Greek met the Greek III the
field, and in spite of many disadvan-
tages the opposition was confronted
with determi )ation unexcelled in
the past. Hard| work was matched
by hard work, and when on last
Tuesday, the SUN arose to light up
the scene, "the boys" were at their
post at every precinct of our loyal
parish.
Led by their Independent allies the
hosts of Radicalism came up in solid
columns, manifesting the same old
spirit of animosity. But their ranks
were greatly th,nned, for among our
'colored population there are many
who recognize that Democratic gov
ernment means PEACE and PRospERl-
rY to all alike, and they had wisely
determined to uphold their friends.
The "dolly warden" tickets were at
a premium over the yellow ones Of
the "unhoIy alliance and right nobly
did our colOred Democrats stand up
to their duty. The contest was ne
cessarily a close one. There were
shrewd and determined men, to the
manor born, directing the movements
ments of the opposition: glad to avail
itself of the opportunity to defeat that
party against which their prejudices
still exist.
Night came with the result wrapped
in doubt. Defeat meant the utter
decentralization of the Democracy and
the beginning Of another era Of con-
tention. A night of suspense was
passed while awaiting the returns.
AT daylight success hung on the con-
tents of the box of the First Ward of
the city of Baton Rouge, and nothing
but yellow tickets were visible. When