Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1879-09-29
THE RLECTION IN DECKMBER-THE DEMOCRATS
SPLIT UP AND THE REPUBLICANS WITHOUT
ORGANIZATION OR LEADERS.

The Political Situation in Louisiana
THE ELECTION IN DBcKMBER-THE DEMOCRATS
SPLIT UP AND THE REPUBLICANS WITHOUT
ORGANIZATION OR LEADERS.
Louisiana Is classed as one Of the southern
states that is likely to revolt against demo-
cratic rule, and not infrequently, Of late it has
been claimed that its eight electoral votes
might be cast for the republican ticket next
year. For the purpose Of getting some correct
information in regard to the political situation
In that state, reporter OF THE STAR called
Hs Wa nov m 10
the union army, and when the war ended set
tied In Louisiana. He Is not actively in poll
tics now, and therefore preferred that his
the information furnished. In the first place,
he explained that the state election ordered to
take place next December Is In pursuance OF
upon at the same time. The Nichols adminiS-
trat1on was inaugurated In the spring OF 1877
for four years; therefore, under the present
not take place until November, 1880; but the
new constitution, adopted by the convention
recently adjourned, contains provision Or
dering an election for all state officers, except
treasurer, and for members OF the general as
sembly In December, thus cutting Off one year
OF the Nichols rule: but should the new con-
stitution be rejected, Of course the election for
administered under the old constitution.
Star" But, will the new constitution be re-
jected?"
"There is no probability at all Of that" re-
piled THE STARS informant at is acceptable
to all classes of people, with the exception of
the debt ordinance, and that Is to be voted upon
to that ordinance, as 1t Is looked upon as par
tial repudiation, and 1t may be rejected, but the
constitution itself will be adopted by an almost
unanimous vote.'
Star:-"What will be the course Of the repub-
ncan party in this election?"
GAS party, replied the general. t:it will not
be likely to take any course. 1t Is without any
organization and the leaders, or those who pro-
fess to be its leaders, are thinking more Of con-
trolling the state delegation to the national
convention next year than Of organizing for
publicans will vote, much will depend upon the
action OF the democratic state convention which
meets at Baton Rouge OF the 9th of next
month"
"The vote of republicans depending upon the
action of democratic convention?" asked the
reporter, with some surprise;
"1eS; | will explain that" was the reply.
Witt, the present ieutenant-governOr, is a
candidate for the democratic nomination for
governor. He is known as the ring candidate,
and is run in the interest of Burke and the
their own interest. He Is opposed by the de-
cent element of the democratic party, who are
running Ogden. These two factions of the
end in split or bolt. That is ai What a the @ con
servatiye republicans are hoping for. In the
event Of split we would support Ogden, who
is a thoroughly honest and conservative man.
he is earnest and almost fanattcal in carrying
out anything he undertakes. He Is in favor Of
just and honest administration, and of pro
tecttng all class es of citizens In their rights
and the conservative republicans feel that they
could tust him. Therefore, the majority Of
them will support him for governor"
What are the chances for bolt?" was the
''Should Ogden win the nomination at Baton
Rouge, ss believe he will, p replied the general,
..the Witt Burke faction will bolt, and they
can depend upon the support of the rough ele-
parties. Then the decent conservative element
OF both parties will unite In support of ogden,
and e5,1. that ts viii be the issue. Congressman
ogden. The truth is that the conservative
people. l mean those who have property
and interests at stake in Louisiana, want
to get state administration that will protect
laws. We want to crush out rings Of all kinds
and get government for the people. We be
Aeve that we could depend upon Ogden for
votes of conservate republicans If he runs for
governor"
star:-"If there is no democratic split what
will the republicans probably do?
s'Should the democratic convention nominate
WIZ and the Ogden people accept and support
the ticket, then we will endeavor TO get the
republican convention, which meets on the Goth
appeal to the conservative people for their
votes. should we get such ticket we could
hope to form some sort of union with the con-
servat1ve democrats that would give us chance
to break the ring ticket. Should the repubn-
cans, however, nominate ticket Objectionable
to the better elements Of the population, then
many voters OF both parties would remain away
from the polls and the ring ticket would be
elected-or counted in-as it has control Of the
machinery. Therefore, say very much de-
pends upon the action Of the democratic con-
vention, and nobody can tell with any certainty
what the outcome may be until after 1t meets.
Really the republican party has no leaders in
Louisiana now; at least none that the mass of
its leaders are scheming for their own advance
ment and trading upon their supposed inf1u-
ence with the party"