The herald. [volume] (New Orleans, La.) 1905-1953, 1912-08-15
JAMES O'CONNOR'S SPEECH
At THE ELMIRA PLEASURE
GROUNDS LAST NIGHT.
DON CAFFERY'S LOGIC
SEVERELY CRITICISED


perience has taught me that an appeal
to passion and prejudice is not neces-
sary where one has a good case. On
the contrary, it has the opposite effect
to that for which it was intended. Long
after political campaigns are ended
there remain wounds which may pos
sibly never be healed as the result of
bitter personal feeling. Rancor and
hatred take the place of former good
feeling and friendship. Families be-
come estranged and tears of shame
furrow the cheeks of our loved ones at
the recollection of some cruel and ma
lignant attack that adds nothing TO the
information of our people nor to the
good name of our city among the mu-
inequalities of the world with which
we have business relations.
SANDER is not argument. Abuse is
not reason. Villification is not logic.
VituperatiOn and personal denuncia-
ton of the people from whatever is
sues may be involved in campaign to
the character of lack of character in
those citizens who assume a promi-
nent part in the fight.
AS a matter of fact do not see the
necessity of a campaign to determine
who should be selected as the demo
cratic nominees in the parochial pri-
mary to be held on September 8, and
was indisposed to take the stump
where there was nothing to discuss but
the individual merits or dement's Of
the various candidates for Office.
The recent gubernatorial fight was
conducted from a standpoint that not
only left heart-burning resentments,
but belittled our state in the eyes of
patriotic Americans.
AS a general proposition / have no
i'll feeling against outlanders, that is,
men from the country parishes, from
adjoining and remote states, coming
here and gobbling up and monopoliz-
| ing all of the Offices until it Is carried
to such an extent as to practically be-
come carpet-baggery. But when men
who have hardly acquired taste for
our coffee are not only placed in high
positions; when outlanders who, if not
wearing the robes of Office are seek
ing the honors and emoluments Of Of
fee in an excess of oratorical zeal and
an exuberance of theatrical spectacu-
larity, make statements that injure
the good name and commercial stand,
ing and future of the city of my birth,
it is but fit and proper to controvert
such Incorporate outbursts. When, in
addition to that, the outlanders seek
to destroy the spirit of our constitu.
ton and the laws of Louisiana which,
inferentially, guarantee to every white
man the right to register and vote, il
becomes a solemn duty to mount the
rostrum and give battle to the invad
ers.
/ did myself the honor to go to Elks
place to hear these hitherto brilliant
and polished controversialists, the al
ways interesting and entertaining
speaker and splendid political orator
Don Gallery, address a crowd that
seemed to be made up largely of Reg
ular Democrats. 1 was not disappoint
ed in one respect. Mr.. Caffery has all
of the graces and tricks and gestures
Of the successful public speaker. But
as a logician he is an absolute failure
So uncOnvincing was his address that
Notwithstanding his magnetic person
ality, his militant appearance and de
meanor, and the wonderful tone of g
rich and sonorous voice, the crowd lis
tened and remained unmoved Hi.
statement that the imports of the city
had increased many million dollar.
from 1905 to 1911 gladdened the heart!
Of his audience and suggested the NUT,
inquiry: then where is your kick? Hi.
further statement that the regular ad
ministration, or Ring, as he character
lied it, had nothing to do with tn,
splendid increase added nothing t,
what has already been said on the sub
ject Of the law of trade by many othe
4political economists and equally a
well by Mr.. Gallery. His denunciatiol
Of the Rating Commission was just blu
inconsistent with his high praise O
the Board of Trade, which was ais
just. Because the Rating Commission
legislation was originated and prose
' cuted to successful legislative finisl
r by the New Orleans Board of Trade.
His charge that the ring, while no
/, to be credited with the increase Il
{ our imports was responsible for tn
4 decline in grain exports, was illumir
5 ating, though perplexing to the COZ
sentative citizens who have always b.
. lieved that exports largely depende
:; upon freight rates, railroads and ocear
! that a seaport suffered from or er
! joyed. Exports of grain, like othe