St. Landry democrat., 1882-01-14
Senator RObertsOn'S State
mCnt.
IN. 0. States.1

In the Senate yesterday Mr.. Robert
son, of St. Landry, after sending copy
of the States of December 9th to the
clerks desk, that an article relative to
the reorganization Of the Senate might
be read, made the following reply and
explanation of his position.
Mr.. President-ln order that might
in no manner Obstruct the legislation
for which this extra session was called,
[ have purposely delayed noticing this
article until this time, and regret ex-
ceedingly that justice to friends and
myself cOmpels me to take any notice
of it even at this time.
| entertain the greatest personal re-
gard for the editor Of this paper, who
has unwittingly fallen into error in this
article in each OF the three statements
embodied in it.
did not know that the movement to
reorganize had not been abandoned.
So far from being aware OF it, my
friends and myself sincerely believed
that the action of the Democratic eau
Gus on the first day OF the session in
my favor had settled the matter for
this session. So confident were we of
this that we made DO objection to the
departure of friends who, if present,
would have supported me. To me the
whole matter was entirely unexpected.
at least anticipated, as was agreed, that
notice of ut least twenty-four hours
would be given before any caucus would
be held, but Notwithstanding this agree
ment and without notification to seve-
raj members, caucus was called by
announcement made on adjournment
to meet Immediately.
never declared that l did not desire
L. L. Il hat 7
notified that majority of the Demo-
matter | would resign and submit to a
my position by the votes Of the Demo-
cratic party, and that when assured by
a majority of the caucus that it was for
the good of the party that | should re-
tire, would cheerfully hand in my
resignation.
Had l been waited upon with such
friendly assurance the reorganization
would have taken place with our assis-
lance. All
The third proposition, however, Mr..
President, | wish particularly to an
swer, and that is, the implied charge of
Il combination with the Republican
of the Senate. To refute
this it is only necessary to call the at
tention of Senators to the fact that
there has scarcely been day since the
that could not by such
have regained the position
my friends believed properly belonged
to me.
Mr.. President-I, with those friends |
who have given me their support, be-
ieve that my Office as President pro
.em. of the Senate is a constitutional |
office. We believe that my removal
vas revolutionary, and not justified by
he organic law of the State.
We believe that since the Constitu-
ion creates this office and commands it
% be filled, that the officer elected to it
became, from the day on which he qua
fled, as. much constitutional officer,
With constitutional rights, as the COVER
Tor Of the State, and could not legally
tut by the Constitution.
But, sir, we have decided to await the
,etter temper of the Senate, believing
hat in the future justice may be done.
We have not attempted an organiza-
ion when we knew we could success
ully accomplish it. We did not wish
o divert the attention of the Senate
nd incidentally that of the House of
from the important
York for which they had been called
Dgether, and we believed that had the
olitical fights Of this session been de-
erred to some other time the failure of !
be extra session would have been less
Before taking leave of this subject,
desire to call your attention to the !
act chat my friends and myself are !
Democrats all representing on the floor s
t the Senate strong Democratic consti-
lencies. , ,
Some of us have stood by the Democ- {
acy of Louisiana in her darkest hours
nd given our days and nights to her 6
ltimate redemption.
And if we have not attempted to t
[exicanize and re-revolutionize this q
ody it has been because of our loyalty t
, the Democratic party, to prevent any !
element being brought into
le party, even though injustice might t
ave been done to some Of us. We are .
embers of that party, and we intend !
} remain there. We cannot be driven s
ON it. r
Personally, gentlemen, / have toward =
one Of you any but the kindest feel
gs. The day will come when you will c
ok more kindly upon my efforts in be- a
iii of the State.
Rufus ChOate was won't to attend the !
lurch of the late DR.. Nehemiah Adams q
Srv aor t,% <n l. n. L. l