The Ouachita telegraph. [volume] (Monroe, La.) 1865-1889, 1882-10-07
DEMOCRATIC STATE CENTRAL
COMMITTEE.

Hon. John Fitzpatrick, chairman of
the Democratic State Central Commit
tee, has issued the following address, to
the emocratic voters of the State:
HEADQUARTERS STATE CENTRALLY
EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE, DEMO
CRATIC PARTY.
New Orleans, 1882.
Sir-The campaign now about to be
opened in this State may be confidently
expected one of great activity and
strenuous exertion on the part Of the
Republican party. Fearing the popular
verdict upon the just closed Legislature,
and executive action of their leaders, a
determined effort has been inaugurated
to secure q majority in the next House
Of Representatives; with unblushlng
effrontery the party authorities have
entered upon system OF extortlon ana
exaction without parallel in the history
of American politics. The encumbents
of Federal offices, hign and low, in
every branch of governmental service,
are required to contribute to the party
treasury, under pain of official dis
pleasure and certain dis placement. The
power and authority of those in high
places are given without stint in aid of
the partisan warfare, now waged with
out even the small merit of seeming
conflict with executive prerogative.
Insidiously has the party in power
attempted entrance into the very homes
of our people, and by artifice and
promises Of patronage seducc the weak
and cajole the malcontents, in open
hostility and actual contest for Office.
There is not Il Southern State where
desertioE from party and principle has
not been encouraged and the payment
of price fixed upon and assured. We
need not turn to our sister States for
illustration, but in our constituency, it
has now become manifest that bids
have been offered and the dealer in
such questionable traffic ready to make
delivery. This can and must be met
and defeated by the Democracy Of
louisiana, ever true to the traditions
and integrity of the party. The same
causes that produced revolt to Repub-
lican rule and brought about its de-
struction, are as present and potent
now, and as loudly call for the united
action of our people.
The liberty and happiness Of our
people must ever be set deep down in
our hearts, and therefore we must not
Weld the fruits and victories now, nor
must we relax in one particular lest the
memories Of the past be renewed in the
bitterness and dangers OF the near
1uturC. Inc llSnl must DO llulC Dy
the people; out of their might must
come the issue of rigtt-the success of
the Democratic party. We have neither
public nor private treasures at our
command, nor the means to lavish
money upon trilnmers and strikers for
thor doubtful aid, nor is it needed by 4
people in securing for themselves the
blessings Of free and good government.
You are therefore earnestly requested
, to organize your parish and district
committees at once; to put the party
| upon an efficient and vigorous footing
and secure tho personal and active
canvass by your candidates and citizens
| of YOUR entire district.
Send, at once, a full and complete
| list Of your local and district OrSanizu-
tions to these headquarters, with cor
rectpost Office address; and communicate
freely and fully in order that proper
information may be had as we'll given.
Success awaits only our prompt and
faithful action; there can be no failure
if We remain true to ourselves and our
party.
Very respectfully,
JOHN I'ITZr\TEIC'>,
President State Central Executive Com
nitteC.
@. NJ. TENNlsO&, Secretary.