Year: 1867

NEw ORLEANS. Jan. %, 1857.


Governor J. Madison Wells delivered his annual
sage the Legislature Of this State to-day In reference
to political matters, the Governor says:-


The past year has been charged with great events,
General elections have been held in ali the States not
engaged in the rebellion for members to compose the
Fortieth Congress Of the United States The questions
and decided In that contest OF the gravest
and most important character. On full and deliberate
consideration the people have in OF
have gone further and declared their purpose that
these States shall not be restored 70 their former
particpation in the government until suitable
present disloyalty and future rebellion Ono Of these
guarantees adopted by the present Congress the last
constitution or the 6nissd sstss have received,
through the Secretary Of Stac, certified copy of sad
sd e soa or ua ss e
accordingly In view Of the diverse opinions we'll known
exist between the meuben Of the General Assembly
sruction Of the State shall not take up your time by
entering into extended discuasoa 0f the features
to be made up how you shall vote II, and nothing
that I could say would have any weight with You,
for or against That ! may not be misander-
nporant measure, desire to say that consider
the amendment a. just and proper adjusting and
settling II doee the rights Of citizenship 70 all per-
sons without reference 70 color recognizes the
validity Of the public debt; repudates the payment
RESURRECTION or rebellion ssanst the United States or
any for the loss emancipation Of any slave
imposes disranchisement from holding Office under tho
Un6 States and State 70 certain class OF
ucrsons who have engaged in insurrscton rebellion
against o. the United States These pro.
visions meet my full approval but am not willing
cept the amendment hnalty for the admission and
storaion OF the late robc States Iconsder be within
OF these States additional guarantees that they SHALL
by constitutional enactments recognize and establish
equal political rights in the privilege Of the ballot TO all
men believe such to be the fixed will and Intention
OF Congress- and do not consider your ratification OF
tho amendment would exercise any influence in chang
ing or altering that determination Tho idea and hope
OF rsadmssion State any other terms regard
illusory and the the honest, we'll meaning
OF the people realize the and make up their minds
submit and act accordingly will they assist adjust
ing setting political relations with the federal
government on peaceful and permanent basis


The riots in New Orleans though confined
certain locality 10 an event which may bs said TO
concern the people Of the whole State, well the
United States and for pass II In silence In
this document would probably be attributed TO motives
OF fear in view OF the fact that attempt has been
made to hold responsible for their origin In giving
my sanction to the meeting Of the convention. SO far
nv Official acts and private conduct In that matter
concerned do not fear to any the
General Assembly may think proper 70 institute have
and shall continue TO denounce the killing and outrages
committed on that occasion unprovoked massacre
Of Loyal citizens. headed BY the pollce and assisted by


mob crafty Their hatred Of every man Who remained
70 the government during the rebellion, Or abas
doned its cause.


mo repors Of she State Treasurer and Auditor will
place you possession In deai OF the workings Of the
Treasury for the past end condition the Close
The Treasurer shows tho following exhibit Of receipts