The Opelousas courier., 1883-12-29
oPELoUsAs PARISH OF ST LANDRY La DECEMBER
The Governors Speech.

On being apprised of his nomination
by the Democratic Convention at Ba
ton Rouge on the evening of the Goth
inst, Gov. McEnery appeared before
and addressed that body as follows:
Gentlemen of the State Democratic
Convention of Louisiana--In accepting
the distinguished honor of this nomi
nation by the Democratic party of
Louisiana, [ will say that ! appre-
ciate it with gratitude more than can
express. Under other circumstances it
would be an honor filling the measure
of any mans ambition; but under
those which have attended this cam
paign, there are feelings which rise
above all ambitions, springIng from the
proud satisfaction that my administra-
tion of the Executive Office has been
approved and my honor vindieated by
an overwhelming majority of the peo-
pie of Louisiana.
This has not been accomplished by
breaking down the reputation of others.
No mans fortune, name or reputation
has been destroyed that mine might
rise upon the sad ruins. | have relied
for my official yindication upon the
truth that would go forth from my
friends and neighbors.
Without Inconsistency can pay the
same tribute to tue worth of the gen
tlsmen whose names have been mem
toned in connection with this nomina
ton that / did in 1876 and 1879. They
are gentlemen whose names are insep-
erably associated with the honor and
glory of our State. But let the dead
past bury its dead, and all the bitter
ness which has been engendered during
this canvass pass into the end of obliy-
ion. Ii may be expected that | should
congratulate the Democratic party up
ON the healing of late dissensions and
the restoration Of harmony, but there
is no occasion for this, as there has
never been any dissension in the party.
It's vitality is such that it requires a
stronger force than personal preferences
to destroy it. AS quickly as a flash of
inspiration the assembled delegates
realized what hopeless task it was to
make the party organization secondary
to personal ends, and a rebuke has
been given this day in the assembled
household which has been most gra
ciously accepted. A peaceful blessing
restsSap0n it to last as long as repub-
llcan institutions exist and there is a
necessity for the party.
have grateful Acknowledgements to
make to every portion of the State and
glad am ] to say that sectionalism has
| been lost sight OF and that North and
South, East and West Louisiana have,
I In this campaign, been united. This
administration has been approved, and
win endeavor TO carry ont the wishes
of the people In continuing the same
policy In the Executive Office. A pa
tient hearing will be given with the
same attention to the humblest and
the proudest. OF our citizens, the door
of the Executive shall always be open
and ready access win be invited at all
times.
The institutions 0f the State will be
further encouraged for greater useful
ness; and for our common schools |
will again repeat what stated IN my
/ last message. am in favor of the most
liberal appropriations for school pur-
poses, and regret that there should
be any limitation of taxation for this
purpose. The 1920 miles of levees will
\ receive nay constant Watehfnlness, and
| hope tosee the day near at hand when
1 this people of the alluyial districts can
1 conplacently look upon the angry
waters of the Mississippi river, without
apprehension or fear, but will welcome
/ the swelling tide to carry water under
i control to their fields aud sugar houses.
i The finances of the State shall re-
ceive my most earnest attention, until
the bonds OF Louisiana shall rank with
the best in the markets, and every man
who renders public service shall be
promptly paid Id cash. This last has
already been reached, but | hope ere
long that net even an hours delay
shall intervene.
In fact, Louisiana's shield has al
ready emerged from the dark clouds
which obscurad it and come out into The
4 sunlight. twill be my duty to keeI
4 it bright, 80 that, turn il as you may, i
| will always reflect her glory.
4 In conclusion, let me say that be-
q long to no ring, except that which hal
encirclad itself around yeur coast ane
i kept away pestilence when y wa
making efforts to pass through the gate
ways Of commerce. belong to no mo
nopely, except the exclusive privileg'
which exercise of conducting tn
State Government according TO %.
i judgement, while am solely respon
sible under the laws for its benefits Q
4 it's wrenas. L belong to no lottery, ex
! cept that which has the great priz
q which you have tendered me from th
q hearts 0f~tIae people.