Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1879-03-15
LETTER FROM NEW ORLEANS.
New ORLEANS, March 10, 1879.


To the Editor Of the Keaaebec Jomaai:
The events of the past few DAYS here, add
to the many indications of 'solid South"
for the democrats in 1850.
Some sixty persons were indicted by the
Grand Jury for entering into a conspiracy to
interfere with the rights of certain voters
during the late election in this State. These
indictments caused what are known as the
"Natchtoches cases" They have been tried
before the United States Court here during
several weeks. The testimony shows conclu-
sivcly that a reign of terror was inaugurated
by an organized body of white 'bull-dozers,
that scenes of bloodshed and murder followed
that in certain portions of the State every
leading republican was forced to leave his
home, or forfeit his life; that negro voters
were whipped and murdered by the score, and
that the result was an overwhelming demo
cratic victory.
The ortrages were such fragrant violations
of United States laws that the government
caused the indictment and arrest of the per-
pctrators. Their trial ended on Friday in a
verdict of acquittal. All that need be said in
explanation of this most remarkable conclu-
sion arrived at by the jury, is that they were
natives-eleven of them being white. 1t is
said that when they cast their first ballot in
the jury room, the one colored man voted for
conviction, but he was promptly persuaded
into agreeing with the majority. Ihave heard
that he has since stated that had he adhere d
to his convictions and voted accordingly, his
chance Of forming portion of the real estate
of Louisiana was an event of the near future.
After the prisoners were discharged a
scene occurred which bcggars description. 4
mock court was formed in the United States
court room, different ''bull-dozers" PERSONAL
ing the Judge, Prosecuting Attorney, &C., and
a burlesquc of the trial ensued Deputy
United States Marshal having charge of the
room interfered. He was promptly struck
down by the representatives Of a"W hitc Mans
Government" A salute of one-hundrcd
guns was fired by the ''Washington Artil-
lery" the crack organization of the late con-
fcderacy--from the same cannon that, 10 lled
with solid shot in 1861 90, assisted in max ing
the myriad Of widows and orphans in the
North. On every side are heard congratula-
tons Of the late prisoners and their friend, and
sympathisers on the ''yictory" thus achieved
over Federal authority, and boasts that
the ''nggers' and other republicans were now
at their mercy and what would be done at
future elections. None denied that the alleged
outrages had occurred. Many spoke of them
as thing to be proud Of
In sad contrast with the jubilation exhibit
ed by this class, was the air of desponde 1cv
! prevalent among the negroes, who. threatened
with their lives because of their adherence to
the republican party have fled from their
houses and little families in the country and
sought refuge here. They number hundreds,
and now dare not return. For months past
they have hoped that their right to vote as
they chose, guaranteed to them by the law and
the Constitution, would be maintained, and
assured by the punishment of the
criminals who attempted to defraud
them Of it. They see those hopes blasted
In the future they have but two courses to
pursue-absolute obedience to the dictates of
the White League, or fate worse than that
with which they have already met.
Saturday witnessed the closing scenes of
this little local DRAMA which, unimportant
as 1t may seem to you in the North, is bound
to be the basis of the next democratic cam
paign in this section. The noble band of
white chivalry, triumphantly acquitted, took
leave of the scene Of their prosecutions They
were escorted through the principal streets
by detachment of State militia headed
by band of music, and accompanied by a
mass of citizens, and embarked on the steam
er to return to the scenes of their political
contests, and to repeat those scenes in the
great contest for democracy and reform in
1880.
As the procession passed me saw an old
negro, his clothes in tatters, and his feet pro-
truding through his brogans, turn to another
of his race and say 'Good-b bye to us niggers."
And as stood on the levee and saw the
steamer bearing home these political martyrs
swing into the stream, amid the booming of
cannon and the cheers Of the throng, | cch-
oed the cry of the old man-"Good-bye
niggers, your rights and SURFACES are but A
mockery.' G.