The Louisiana Democrat. [volume] (Alexandria, La.) 1845-1918, 1883-11-28
There is Danger Ahead.

The headlong, inconsiderate fury
with which the opponents of the State
administration are conducting thei1
canvass, while it awakens attonish-
ment, gives rise to apprehension that
the Democratic party itself, and
through it, Democratic principles, may
receive serious injury. No one Of the
candidates named is worth disrup-
ton of tho party, or the overthrow Of
it's power in Louisiana. No one has
yet been proposed for the gubernato-
rial Office who is not worth too much
to BIO made the means Or pretext for
that overthrow and disruption. But
the partisan violence acknowledgements
the administration evidently lacks no.
thing Of the disorganizing, dangerous
tendency of its course. 1t is time that
this tendency should be noted by the
thoughtful part Of our people-those
who have more regard for the stand
ing of State credit, che protection of
our property interests and the stability
of general prosperity, than for the fate
of politicians. Every day the VIC
lence Of tho abuse of the opponents Of
Governor McEnery increases. Its ex-
travagance is limitless. 1t is accom-
panied by limitations, having the
character Of threats pointing to the
abandonment of party allegiance. in
case the convention Of the 18th prox-
imo should renominate the present in
cumbent. The purpose to rule or ruin
is evident.
! It is not to be supposed that any
considerable part of the intelligen,
Democratic voters would submit to be
led astray by this malvolent spirit;
but it must not be forgotten for a day
that we have foe always near us,
strong enough to be formidable and
wary enough to induce us to be eau.
tious. Any considerable detection in
the Democratic ranks would give the
Republicans their opportunity, and
there is no doubt that it would be
speedily embraced and boldly i'm.
proved. With two Democratic candi-
dates in the field, tho Republicans
could seize the reins of State govern
ment, unless one of the Democratic
factions should be practically very in
considerable. The Republicans in
Louisiana would hold more than bal
ance of power in case of a serious split
in the Democratic ranks. They could
elect their own nominee or either of the
others. If there should be two Demo
cratic candidates for Governor, and
each should secure following respec.
table in point of numbers, an alliance
with the Republicans would be the
only feasible method to secure an cleo.
ton. In any possible combination OF
circumstances, given divided Demoo.
racy, and Republican ascendancy in
Louisiana is assured.
| Confident that the extreme personal
partisanship Of many of our political
friends is tending in this direction, We
must utter our warning in decisive
tones. The candidacy Of individuals
is proper matter for discussion. The
public careers Of all public men arc
open for fair criticism. Aspirants fol-
popular favor must stand searching in.
quiry, and their friends are justified ii
supporting their claims in every manly
way. But when pvrtisanship loses
sight Of party fealty, and the common
good is endangered by an excess of de.
(votion to one candidate, or of hatred
to another, it is the duty of the patri-
otto party press to discourage and re-
press the incipient rebellion.
The States will be found the SUP
porter Of the nominee Of the Conven-
ton Of December 18th. It has hith.
erto refused to take part in the advo.
cacy of the claims Of any of the aspi.
rants for the gubernatorial nomination.
1t has recognized the worth and fit
ness of several Of the candidates pro.
posed-men whose ability and whose
fidelity to principle are recognized
But the States has defended the pres
ent governor as an honest, able, faith
full and successful pnblic officer, the
record of whose services to the State is
most honorable. Continued observa-
ton and investigation have convinced
us that Governor McEnery has been
most unjustitiably made the object of
persistent attack, to hinder his renom-
nation. Notwithstanding this convic-
ton, the course Of the States in the f,-
ture is settled, and it has the right,
under these circumstances, as it is its
duty, to warn, with no uncertain &C.
cent, the Democracy of Louisiana that
the opponents Of the present Governor
arc following a course that may result
in the disintegratiou of the Democratic
party, and the re-installation of Re-
publican rule, that may give the cleo
toral vote OF the State to the Republi-
can = candidate for the Presidency.-[N.
O. States.