St. Landry democrat., 1890-08-23
The Convention at Franklin, La.

We were not present at the conven-
ton held at Franklin. La, on Saturday,
the 18th inst, but have been Informed
it was the largest ever seen in that
town. II it is to be regarded as an in
dex to the public interest generally felt
in all that portion of our State, which
is in need Of more efficient leyees, there
is but little reason to doubt as to what
that sentiment is.
The speeches were worthy of the ora
tors in every respect.
The first who addressed the meeting
was Hon. X. A. Cross. He made mas
terly effort, remarkable for it's elegant
diction, chasteness Of style, and cogency
of argument. 1t took well. and ELECTED
APPLAUSE from time to time, and to the
end. Inasmuch as his remarks were
taken down we trust it may be given to
the public, and that tho press of Louis
lana will reproduce it.
The second orator was Hon. &. l.. Du-
pre-, of Opelousas, our own distinguished
representative. He had been specially
invited to be there. Special attention
was shown him and we thank the brave
people of franklin for that mark OF
respect. Mr.. Dupre is one of the proud
est sons of St. Landry. He strives to
be informed, is informed, and we'll in
formed at that Nature made him fear
less in following his convictions. We
are told he made characteristic speech
at Franklin, and one which had a tell
ing effect upon the assembly. He gave
reasons for the faith in him and did it
sans peur ct sans reproche. He confronted
a few of those who take pains in throw
ing dirt on every one they cannot de-
lude. He spoke of the financial condi-
tion of the State, and fastened his state
ments on the minds of his audience by
proof found 10 the Treasurer's and Au-
ditor's reports last made. The reckless
assertions of such as pretend to instruct
the pnblic by holding her finances up,
as being in satisfactory condition,
were met 10y positive proof that it is all
twaddle. In tile course of the opening
the figures will be exhibited,
and all those who desire TO mislead and
blind the people will be triumphantly
exposed. Those who think favorably
Of Morris's proposition have been quiet,
while the antis have been railing and
ranting and denouncing them. If this
mode of campaigning be not abandoned
he lex taliOnis will be resorted TO, and
'ome of the loud -mouthed accusers may
ind there are blows to take as we'll as
20 give. We, of st. Landry, are justly
proud of our Dupre, for We know him |
% be hOnest-the peer of any man in |
Ill that goes to make up the gentleman.
We have already spoken in terms of
OF the course pursued 10
;he General Assembly by our senators
md representatives, and have nothing
% recant. We wish to say in all kind
,ess to the ants that we deprecate in
modes of augmentation.
dorris' proposition should stand Or fall
IN it's oun merits or demerits. There is
lot, nor, indeed, can there be, any wis
lom in attempts to beslime any one for
he view he may take of it. American
sun has its root in the freedom Of opin-
on on all subjects connected with or
oncerning public measures. This is
rinciple expressly laid down in the
onsttution, and they who may dare
tempt, by any method of campaign
ng, to set it to nought will discover a
Efficiency of brave men to successfully
indicate it.
Franklin has begun the work, and we
xpect other places to follow the exam
le. We despise cringing representa-
We. and commend one who, honest in
is life and convictions, is ever ready,
ke Dupre, to defend both. Il
I'll. G. Castellanos was the third speak
r. We are told he made lengthy and .
cry able speech. This he is able to do
all times. He is we'll informed and !
peaks to the point. His matter is al
ays we'll digested, and his expression
.propos. He never minces matters, but
peaks out boldly whatever he has to
~. t
The evening was we'll advanced when
on. II. C. Castellanos closed his re-
arks, but not so far into the shades of {
ght as precluded st, Mary's represen- {
.tives, Hampton and Sigur, from max
e short but pertinent and well directed Il
,eeches. They had acted as represent .
z their constituents en- masse. They
I'd voted to submit the Morris propo- a
ton to vote of the people, and with b
em they were satisfied to leave it. a
Congressional Usurpation.