Year: 1865

n
upon the success of which in our humble
opinion, rests in great degree, our nation
o. perpetuity, the rights of our State Gov
eminent, and our general prosperity and
happiness as people.


At no period since the formation of our
Government have questions of such grave


momentous and vital Importance present
ed themselves for solution as these with


which we now have to deal.


Though the great rebellion against the
Government of the United States has end
cd in the triumph Of the authority Of the
United States over all the country, yet we
cannot contempt ate its dire consequences
! without the severest pain. At the time of
the breaking out of the rebellion, n o State
| in the Union, or indeed upon earth, enjoy


ed higher degree ofprosperity than Loui-
siana. Governed by wholesome and just


laws, reaping annully abundant harvest
increasing in wealth and population, en-


joying the protection of the United States


Government, respected at home and
| abroad, her citizens were surely in con-


dition to enjoy the great blessings secured
by good Government, to wit: Life, liber-
ty, and the pursuit Of happiness. How


ever, ambitions met upon supposed or con-


templated wrongs, wrought upon their


pride created false apprehensions, and in
famed the public mind to such an extent


that it became pliabe to their schemes and
short sighted designs, which plunged us


into civil war and produced the sad res
ults we now experience.


Thousands of our fellow citizens have


been swept into untimely graves. In every
household there may be seen the sad ha-
biliments Of woe. Desolation has passed


over the once rich and thrifty plantations,


and now rank and noxious weeds supplant
the sugar cane and cotton stalk.
The system of labor heretofore establish


ed by law has been abolished by the inev-


liable force OF circumstances, and the class


of servants heretofore held as slaves are
no longer subject to the control of their
late masters. Our State Government has


been suspended and we have no represen-
tatives in the National Congress, whilst
| that body legislates for us. We find our
selves, therefore in worse than tcrritori-
al condition. We are subject to taxation
without representation.


We have a uew State Constitution made
by q Convention assembled in 1864, in


which the people of the State were not full
ly represented, together with an imperfect
Legislature elected hereunder.


This Constitution is amply sufficient,


however, for the purposes of reorganiza-
tioi under the General Government which
is now OF paramount Importance to any


other question. If the people will have


resumed the government Of the State and


hold an election, there is no doubt but that
our representatives in Congress will be ad-
mitted to their seats, and our State restored
to perfect equality with the other States in


the Union, the same asif rebellion had new
er occurred.
In the consideration and discussion OF
the many perplexing questions which now


arise, it is well for US to bear in mind. that


fanaticism and prejudice were prominent


among the causes of our groaJ political


misfortunes that when the passions are
aroused, the better qualities of the mind
lie dormant, and mon lose sight Of justice


and all the ennobling precepts of Christi


anity. 1t is therefore our duty to divest


ourselves Of every feeling of amino osity and
prejudice /; # unfortunately any such pas
sions exist against any party or class, and
emulate each other in noble efforts to re-
store order, tranquility and prosperity to
our common country.


There unfortunately exists not only in
the Northern States of the Republic, but in
our own State party advocating the most
pernicious doctrine of universal suffrage.
! with view of comforting upon the eman-
cipated negro the right Of suffrage. It is


painful to observe that this party is actua-


ted seemingly by the same fanatical spirit


and blind zeal which characterized the
original secessi ionists among ourselves and
| the rabid abolitionists at the North.
Prominent members of this party here and
| elsewhere have been persistently importu-


nlng President johnson to depart from his
just and patriotic course, and legal policy


regarding the reorganization Of the States


whose local governments have been sus-


pended by the rebellion, and to proclaim
that the negroes in those States are legally


qualified voters, and have the right to
participate in all forthcoming elections.


We are happy to say, however, that we


have an abiding faith in the patriotism,
integrity and ability of our chief Magis


trate whose policy we endorse and support,
and have no fears that he will swerve or
deviate therefrom.


Yet we entertain apprehensions that the
party fayorlpg negro suffrage will attempt
to influence Congress at its next session to
reject or refuse admission to our Senators
and Representatives, until we shall have
yielded to their unjust, illegal and suicidal
demands.


We have no idea that Congress will heed
such ridiculous petitions and protests as
may be presented on the subject, provided
the people of the Southern States show
bona tde disposition to resume their legal
relations and claim their legal rights under
the Constitution.


1t is difficult to believe that intelligent
thinking men having any love of country
in their hearts car for moment entertain
the propriety of investing the manumitted
slave with the right Of voting they surely
do not reflect upon the ultimate conse-
quences which would certainly ensue, if
their rash and pernicious doctrine were to
obtain. We hold that the Caucasian or
white race are the only people capable Of
self government as the history of the world
will show


We hold that the Government Of the
United States is a Government of laws,
and was established by white men to be
controlled and administered by white men,


for the benefit of all mankind who wish to
live under its benefcent laws.


That Congress has no right to pass upon
or control in any manner the right of suf-


irage IN the States of this Onion.


mat the attempted illegal subversion
OF the Government or secession of the


southern States, had no legal effect, and
did nos affect in any manner the legal