St. Landry democrat., 1883-10-06
THE CONDUCT OF THE CANVASS.

the State, following the lead of the
Times Democrat, has been constantly
proclaiming that their opponents are
making warfare OF personal abuse
against Governor McEnery, or, as our
New Orleans confrere chooses to term
it, slaader. They say that they on their
part, are conducting the canvass decent
ay, and as proof, one journal calls for
an instance in which Gov. Nichols has
been spoken of in other than respectful
terms. The charge is so totally at vari-
ance with the truth that we are con-
strained to believe it is made for the
purpose Of exciting sympathy for their
favorite, as a persecuted man. Such
strategy is unbecoming the supporters
of an aspirant for the gubernatorial
chair. So far as we have observed, the
opposition press have been considerate
in their treatment of the Governor, in
deed they have refraiued from COM
menting upon and using to his prejn-
dice, some things of a personal nature
which are everywhere privately said.
The friends of the Governor would have
no right to complain if these things
should be. publicly said. Their inju-
dicious and abusive attacks upon their
opponents invite such a warfare.
AS an example of the style OF the ad-
ministration organs, we have before US
an extract from an article in the Qua
chita Telegraph. 1t is comment upon
our editorial published two issues since,
in relation to the election law and the
police jury act. We Gull these express
sions from the short extract in
question
"Vituperatiye,n "sordid,'' marrow
minded" selfish bitter" far
fetched" "indefensible,'' "undemocrat-
tedious" INSCRIPTIONS" intense
prejudice if not ignorance "dreary
driveling,' marrow minded charges Y
s'prejudiced press,'-and should Gov.
McEnery not get the nomination, the
aforesaid organ, by anticipation, gives
over the democratic party to reprobacy
of mind, and denounces the times in
which we live as an "age of vice."
We think the article from the Tele-
graph, which is published at the Gov
ernor,s home, may fairly be taken as
an illustration Of the spirit which ami
mates his friends in this canvas while
those papers which advocate a change
in the administration have simply pub
lished their objections to the present
administration, and, we think, have
substantiated them to the satisfaction
of the masses Of the Democrats Of this
State.
Our criticisms of the two legislative
acts mentioned above, are answered by
TRADE of abusive epithets that we
would expect from a fourth rate stump
orator, who, for lack of brains, draws
upon the vocabulary OF billingsgate fol
arguments. 1t is worthy of notice only
for the purpose of showing the animus
of the Governors home organ.
So far as ex-Gov. Nichols and Cen
eral Ogden are concerned, these papers
need take no credit to themselves fol
refraining from personal criticisms II
would be hurtful policy to them.
These gentlemen stand above reproach
and all personal abuse would recoil
upon the journal or party that uttered it
The attempt to make people believe
that the destinies of the democratic
party depend upon the successful can
didation of Gov. McEnery, is the meres'
bosh. He is but one single member Of
the party, and his failure to secure the
nomination, will not even disturb the
harmony of the organization. Neither
he nor any other man has claim to the
Governors office, and the pretense thai
he alone can administer successfully
the affairs of this State for the mex
four years, is reflection not only upor
the gentlemen who are spoken OF for thu
place in opposition to him, but upor
the hundreds of intelligent and capable
citizens throughout the State not a viii
his interiors morally intellectually, o
otherwise.
We desire to see union and harmo
NOUS action in the party organization
but do not think the course OF the ad
ministration press calculated to brin1>
it about. 1t is not only the right, but i
is the duty Of the press and the people
to criticise, and pass Judgment upor
the conduct Of public servants, ant
when III the exercise OF that right they
are constantly denounced by admins
tration mouthpieces as slanderers, it il
time to call halt, and to demand the