The Daily telegraph., 1883-11-13
OGDEN'S LETTER.


Hon. Don Caffrey, Franklin. La.
M Dcar .Str-Your esteemed favor of
the 9th instant il before me, and l care
fully note what you say with regard To my
accepting Senator Marston's challenge,
to enter with him upon an open and public
discussion of the political situation as pre-
sented in the approaching gubernatoriai
contest. While am not unwilling to lis
cuss publicly the important questions now
pending before the public, and would not
hesitate from the stump 10 denounce the
rings and mouopolies, in tho lead ofwhich
stands unblushingly tho Louisiana State
Lottery, which "presses like foul incubus
on the corstitutiOn," and whose whitening
touch has cast a gloom over our entire
State, and whose unha hallowed gains are now,
l firmly believe, being used to stlfio the
voice OF the people, yet, with all Difference
to your expressed opinions L believe the
sues presented in The approaching con
test are so sharply drawn, and the political
platform of the gubernatoridl candidates
are so well known, that even public dis
cuSsion of them from the STUMP can add
but little weight to the position already
assumed by the several aspirantS. so lar
as l have been able, in my humble capaci-
ty, to make my views and sentiments
known, scarcely think there can be any
doubt as TO my position on the subject OF
rings, mOnopolieS and Howard's lottery.
L have already, before the State, presented
out my sentiments, even when so doing, at
times seemingly threatened, deeply to my
sorrow and regret, to weaken ties which
were and are now manifold dear to lue,
and which were hallowed by the sorrows
and blood and death Of loved companions.
There are times i'll the history OF men when
they are called upon to express freely ana
feariesSly the opinions which are to be the
guides OF their conduct. In thus unheSlta-
tingly expressing mine to yOu it is an evil
denco OF my sincere desire that tho citizens
OF this State should not be in doubt as to
my condemnation OF the Louisiana State
Lottery, which has eHtai!ed so much sor-
row and suffering upon our people. 1t is
not necessary upon .he stamp to meet
other candidates and point out the Donor
alization and ruin wrought by the Louisi-
ana State Lottery Company. Why is it
that the Lottery Company is so important
a factor in the political history Of our State?
| Why is it that the money obtained through
such channels should now be, as l am con-
vinced it Is, one of the principal obstacles
to the States return to honest economy and
good government? Is il not evident that
a healthy condition of affairs, with good
schools for the children Ofthe State, whose
wholesome obstruction for the young, show
ing them that wealth is not To be acquired
in Il minute or by the turning Ofa wheel
! with The removal, in other words of gam
bling system which is fast disgraclng our
lOulcS anu ldDllIlt Is IL IOL 6NlueHt, L
say, that in a return to honest industry by
, the overthI owing ofthe political influence
of this Lottery Company that we can have
hope of reviving some of our sister South
ern States in progress, influence and cul-
| tire?
1t is the hope ofevery good citizen of this
State that soon, in the place Of rings, mo-
nopolies and lotteries, which are fast alb
sorbing all the treasure of the State. there
! will spring up manufactures and honest
| industries. which will command the en-
ergies and the capital OF our citizens and
fill their HON with plenty and peace. l
gave my humble services to the overthrow
of Radicalism in this State, because knew
the system to be full of ruin to our people,
and / again surrender myself.o my friends
to be used in expelling from the Democrat
| ic ranks system of Dlitics inculcated by
Republicans, and which can only continue
us in misfortune and disgrace
With grateful thanks for the kind ex-
| pressions i'll your letter, and your warm
| advocacy of my cause, have the honor to
| remain, with sentiments of profound re-
| spect and esteem, my dear sir, your most
ohedient servant and friend,
FRED n. OGDEN