The Opelousas courier., 1882-11-04
An Address to the Democratic
Voters of the State
HEADQUARTERS STATE CENTRAL EX-
ecutivc CON-, Democratic Party,
New Orleans. Oct. 1882.

HEADQUARTERS A CENTRAL EX-
ecutive CON-, Democratic Party,
New Orleans, Oct. 1882.
SIR-The campaign now about to be
opened in this State may be confidently
expected one of great activity and siren
uous exertiOn on the part of the Repub-
lican party. Fearing the popular YER
dict upon the just closed Legislature,
and executive actions of their leaders, a
determined effort has been inaugurated
to secure a majority in the next House
of Representatives with unblushing eff
trontery the party authorities have en-
tered upon q system of extortion and ex-
action without parallel in the history of
American politics. The incumbents Of
Federal Offices, high and low, in every
branch of governmental service, are re-
quired to contribute to the party treas
ury, under pain of official displeasure
and certain displacement. The power
and authority of those in high places are
given without stint in aid of the parti-
san warfare, now waged without even
the small merit of seeming conflict with
executive prerOgative.
Insidiously has the party in power at
tempted entrance into the very homes
of our people, and by artifice and prom
Uses of patronage seduce the weak and
cajOle the malcontents into open hostility
and actual contest for office. There is
not a Southern State where !desertion
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 be
come manifest that bids have been Of
fered, and the dealer in such a question
able traffic ready to make delivery. This
can and must be met and defeated by
the Democracy of Louisiana, v @ true
to the traditions and integrity of the
party. The same cause that produced
revolt to Republican rule and brought
about its destruction, are as present and
potent now, and as loudly call for the
united action of our people.
The liberty and happiness of our pe0-
pie must ever be set deep down in our
hearts, and therefore we must not yield
the fruits and victories now, nor must
we relax in one particular, lest the mem.
OhlGD va biIO pACe NC ACLCWCu Ah UAO OkU
terness and dangers of the near future
The fight must be made by the
people; out of their might must come
the issue of right-the success of the
Democratic party. We have neither
public o private treasures at our com
mand, nor the meansto lavish money up.
on trimmers and strikers for their doubt.
full aid, nor is it needed by a people in
securing for themselves the blessings Of
free and good government. You are
therefore earnestly requested to organ.
ice your parish and district committees
at once to put the party upon on eff
cient and vigorous footing, and secure
the 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 organization
to these headquarters, with correct post.
Office address !; and communicate freely
and fully in order that proper informa'
tion may be had as well as given.
Success awaits only our prompt anG
faithful action ; there can be no failure
If we remain true to ourselves and oul
party. Very respectfully,
JOHN FITZPATRICK,
President State Central Elk. Com
.. NJ. TENNIsoN, Secretary.