The morning news. [volume] (Savannah, Ga.) 1887-1900, 1895-03-14
ALL QUIET ALONG THE LEVEE.
THE MILITARY IN THE ARMORIES
READY FOR ANY EMERGENCY.

Address of the Council of COM
merciaI Bodies.
New Orleans, La, March 13-The levee
to-day presented somewhat of a holiday
appearance. There were few men at work
and everything was quiet, and one would
not be reminded of the turbulent events
of the past few days were it not for the
large number of police who have paraded
the river front.
These were seen in all sorts Of occupa-
tions Some whiting sticks Of wood with
their knives, others reading the newspa-
pers and several were taking a quiet doze
in a quiet corner. Apparently they were
tired of levee duty, and long for the time
when they will be able to return to their
old districts. although where they are
now, nothing more is required of them
than to show their brass buttons and blue
suits.
A striking feature on the levee to-day
was the almost entire absence of negroes,
and except for those who are members
of the Screwmens' Union, not one could
be seen. 1t was said in jesting way by
several screwmen that "a niger would
not work on this wharf to-day for $40
a day." and it would seem such an opinion
was not erroneous. and not a single negro
appeared this morning at any Of the yes
sells to begin work.
The militia companies were not placed
on duty on the levee this morning, as
was at first proposed. They are all on
duty. however, at their respective
armories, ready to respond to any call at
moments notice. Every one is anxious to
know how the trouble will terminate
Many would have the militia called out so
that work on the levee may be resumed
with negroes, while just as many wish
matters to continue as now till the white
screwmen are given the work
The governor Is not disposed to dis
cuss the policy that would be followed
by the state government in quieting the
violent mobs which have so thoroughly
terrorized the colored laborer on the levee.
He does not think this the proper time
for him to talk on the subject, although
he said that it was always a pleasure
for him to give representatives of the
press all the news that he could.
Relative TO the rumor that got ex-
tant that federal interference would be
called for by the governor to assist in
AHiNtl4tb LuG DtluEtfGuL law breakers, ne
stated most emphatically that he had
never for a moment considered such a
proposition, and that under no circum-
stances would he call upon the national
guard, as the state was sufficient and able
10 protect the property and lives of it's citi-
zens.
The governor could not be gotten to say
anything in a detailed way of the situa-
ton, except that peace and the normal
conditions of business interests would be
restored at any cost or hazard.
Gov. Foster issued a proclamation about
q o'clock this afternoon. 1t commands
all disorderly and riotous bodies to dis
perse, enjoins all law-abiding citizens to
abstain from frequenting places where
disturbances of the peace are likely to oc-
cur, and from all acts calculated to ex-
cite the public mind. He declares that
as the chief executive, charged with the
DUTY OF enforcing the law, he will see
to it that through the proper officers of
the law the participants in the recent
riots are brought to justice and pun
lshed to the full extent of the law, and
II II takes the whole power of the COM
monwealth, civil and military, he will
maintain the peace and uphold the law
and disperse and suppress riotous and
disorderly assemblages and protect all
persons in the full enjoyment of their
constitutional and legal rights, their lives,
liberty and property.
AT meeting of the council of the COM
mercial bodies last night the following
address was adopted:
To the people of New Orleans-The acts
OF lawless violence that have been wit
messed on the levee front during the past
Iorty-eight hours, coming on the heels of
events covering many months which
nave seriously injured the fair name
OF this city throughout the world
call for an expression on the
part of the merchants Of New Or
leans. We have patiently stood interfer-
ence from organized labor which has cost
US and the city and state many hundred
thousands of dollars with our business |
drifting from us, because of want of conf
uehee elsewhere, born of the labor troubles
ana of Interruptions We have quietly
stood by, hoping against hope that we
could by moral suasion and fair offers, !
bring about peaceful and amicable solu-
uon Every effort in this direction has
Ialled, and we find that, mistaking our for
bearance for fear, an armed mob has taken
possession of our wharves and landings,
determined to uphold a minority, who in
slst that the merchants of New Orleans
snail intrust the conduct of their business
10 them. 1t is not a question of wages or
compensation, but simply and solely one
OF whether the merchants of New Or
leans shall conduct their own business in
lhelr own way, or whether they shall be
dictated to by handful of employees. We
say handful, as the men who insist on
dominating our business methods are
1000 of about $4,000 male adults of this city
--OO0 who have and do insist, that the
means of subsistence of 5000 and their
families, shall be stopped unless they are
allowed to dictate. 1t is useless to enter
INTO details. The facts are too we'll known
70 every man, woman and child to need
Recital. The time has come when forbear-
dhce has ceased to be a virtue. We can
not longer treat with men who. with arms
IN their hands, are shooting down inof-
lensive private citizens because they will
not think and act with them. For these
reasons we say to these people. that cost
what it may. we are determined that the
commerce of this city must and shall be
protected, that every man who desires
70 perform honest labor must and shall
De permitted to do so, regardless of race |
color or previous condition. No man shall
pe lnterfered with in the pursuance of his
Vaily aVocation and that we insist on the
Ilsht of every employer to hire whom he
may choose and have his work performed
III such manner as he may direct. We do
tloJ deny the right of workingmen to COM
nlLe Tor mutual protection. or to stop work !