St. Landry democrat. (Opelousas, La.) 1878-1894, 1882-03-25

Another Letter from the Hon. e. j. El-
lis on Political Matters.
columbia na,) Herald. |

We print below letter from the Hon. e.
John Ellis, member of Congress, to Judge r.
J. Caldwell, OF Columbia. 1t was not intended
for publication
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES,,
Washington, d. C., Feb. IA, 1882:
My Dear Judge: Your favor of the sixth
reached me two or three days ago
Parties are inseparable from the structure of
popular government. They are, or they should
be founded on principle to correct abuses, or
promote ideas, and their SOLE legitimate pur-
pose is to establish such rule, both of laws
and men, as will give the greatest good to the
greatest number OF the people.
| have been, and as parties stand, am yet a
Democrat, because | believe the success of that
party would answer the legitimate ends of
party organization, and give to Louisiana a
wise and stable, as well as peaceful govern
ment. Alas, for my hope; it has gone into the
hands OF a corrupt ring of men, some OF them
dese' ters, from the Republican camp, and
others original Democrats, and we have to-day
a deplorable state Of atfairs-a Constitution
which is a blotch and a disgrace; officers i'll
many cases incapable of, or unwilling to, exc
cute the laws laws so ignorantly and cumsily
framed to be incapable of execution; the
stigma of reputation Oh the fair name OF the
State; officials. even judges, speculatinS in
State and city securities that fuctuate i'll de-
cisions OF the courts taxes exceeding the con
stitutional limit; taxes i'll New Orleans over
81 per cent; commerce and business frightened
at the mention of the word "leSisaturer"
office holders and legislators grown suddenly
and mysteriously rich, and the State stagnant,
and the people pOOrer-and yet the Democratic
party (s0-callctD has been i'll power since 1877.
Now, love my State and her people better
than love the Democratic party; and / pro
pose to stand with the people, and not by any
party. who have abused and wrOnged the peo-
pie. Not long ago in New Orleans, l. told
some plain truths about the condition OF pub
lie affairs i'll our State. For this [ have been
made the target for lot OF little editors and
papers i. The trouble with these fel-
lows is that told some crushing truths, and
the people know it, and are ripe and ready to
show the ring under SO heavily and so deeply.
that the voice OF spring shall never wake them
from Information.
And heart and soul, am with the people, the
good people, the honest people of whatever name
or color, or party who love their State, andwant
law and order and peace, and good government;
and honest judges, governors. LEGISLATORS, and
capable and faithful congressman, and who are
determined come what will, that the penlten-
and the high places shall be filled with honest
men. Yes, am with the brave, patient peo-
pie, who are ready to turn their backs upon
| the preiudices and hates and dread ideas OF
the past, and with the light of new and bril-
liant future mantling their faces will press for
| ward to realize and achieve IT. -,
We have the power to do this, and the will
and the brains, and why should we not do it
sension in any party. 1t is all untrue that
| ambition, personal to myself, prompts me to
arraign the Democratic party. Had sought,
| or did seek, only my own petty advancement,
could certainly keep in with the Democratic
ring by being silent. But enough now L nave
written more than had intended when l sat
down.
/ want to get ont of politics. 1t has beggared
me. I cannot learn to steal and hence l grow
poorer all the time. But I will stay i'll long
enough to teach the plunderers what might
| there slumbers in the will of freemen.
With great respect, 1 am your friend and
obedient servant. -
Hon. Robert ]. Caldwell Columbia, La