Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1879-09-29
The Political Situation in Louis
lana.

A general election for state 0mcerS and MEM
beIs OF the general assembly will take place In
louisiana next December. and the political
situation there is made interesting by the fact
that there are two democratic factions In the
field. In an interview, published elsewhere in
to-day's STAR Louisiana republican describes
the condition Of the two parties In that state,
and defines the issues that are dividing the
people. The new constitution, which 1t ap-
pears, will certainly be adopted, will retire the
Nicholl's administration year before the term
for which 1t was elected, expires. This brings
the election In an 'off year." and gives the
people a chance to pass upon questions of state
government exclusively, and, If they desire,
relieve themselves Of some Of the bad features
OF local administration of which they have been
complaining. There is evidently, desire to
take advantage OF this opportunity to improve
the state government, and portion OF the
democracy have a candidate for governor In
the field upon this issue. There are two
aspirants for the democratic nomination,
and the partisans Of each are engaged
In lively and somewhat bitter canvass.
Wilt, the present lieutenant governor, is
the candidate Of the machine or the
"ring," as it is called by the opposing demo-
Gratis. Gen. ogden, an ex-rebel officer is the
anti-ring candidate, and he is supported by
Gov. Nichols. The "machine" is as powerful
IL Louioilho 10 CloCNuClO, anu IL Is
by State Treasurer Burke, who figured so con-
spicuously in the "Wormley Conference" AS
an evidence of Burke's political power it may
he stated that he induced the state convention
to insert In the new constitution provlso
specially exempttng his Office from the clause
wlping out the existing state officers. That Is
probably the only instance on record wherein
constitution made special exemption In favor
OF single officer Mr.. Burke is directing the
Wilt interest, while Congressman Ellis, Gov.
Nichols and other prominent democrats are
organizing the ogden forces. The democratic
convention meets at Baton Rouge on the 9Th of
next month, and it is believed that the fierce
fight of the factions will end in a bolt, and
probably the running of two tickets In this
event the republicans might unite with the
supporters OF the more conservative demo-
cractic ticket; but their probable policy
would be to nominate a good ticket
and Slip into power between the two fac
lions Of It's enemy. The prospect of division
In the democracy Is quite serious, but the
contest is confined to state issues solely. The
democrats who are now denouncing Wiltz,s
candidacy in violent terms might be willing to
Join with conservative republicans In obtaining
a good state government that will protect all
classes OF citizens and preserve the states
credit; but these same men would be found In
company with the other democrats next year,
In active support Of the national ticket of that
party. This Is understood by the republican
leaders, or some OF them at least VINO favor
the nomination Of a straight ticket for state
officers by the convention which meets on the
10th Of next month. This course is insisted
upon by those who want to put the party In
good fighting trim for next year, anG among
this class there are some who express the be-
lief that the republicans could carry Louisiana
on square fight, for good Presidential
ticket.