Year: 1873

From the Jefferson Democrat, May 10.


The complaint against the present Legis-
lature originates in part from the want of a
full knowledge of the difficulties it has had
to encounter for it is the only body assem-
bled in this State since 1866 which, to any
extent, truly represents the people. The
difficulties it has had to encounter are not
those of its own making, nor are they
wholly to be overcome in a single session.
The entire redemption of the State is not
possible until Governor is elected in full
harmony with the people.


At an informal consultation held at Aus
tin about the first of December last, when
the electors met to cast the vote of this
State for President and Vice President,
the situation was fully considered
In this consultation were some of the very
best men and brightest minds in the State,
and in considering the policy to be adopted
by the coming Legislature, they concluded
that the end to be aimed at was to induce
that body to so act as to prevent any ex-
cuse for Federal interference in the affairs
of our State government 1t was then
known that Grant was reelected, and it
was foreseen that Louisiana was about to
be involved in troubles that would probably
seriously effect her prosperity. The Radi-
Gals were anxious to provoke the Democracy
to the adoption of extreme measures in or
der that an excuse might be had to invoke
Federal interposition to repress what they
would call disloyalty. These gentlemen
thought that the true interest of the State,
and of the Democratic party was
to avert such calamity. They did
not think it was the policy of the
Democratic Legislature to undertake the
accomplishment of what, under the circum-
stances, was impossible. They believed
that no excuse should be furnished for the
Radicals to charge that it was revolution
ary in its character They said that the
impeachment of the Governor was impos-
sible, and as his time would soon expire
anyhow, it would be best not to undertake
it. The policy advised was the gradual
repeal of all those obnoxious laws that gave
him despohc powers under the forms of
law. Hence the repeal of the militia law
and at all events so much of it as author
lied him to suspend the civil law, to pro-
claim martial law and to arrest citizens and
try them by court martial the repeal of
the police law, and, in short, to strip him
of all those powers that made him form
idable When this should be done, to
pass law to vote rs of old at precincts,
and fair registration by which would lead
peaceably and without any Violent conyul-
sion TO restoration of the State govern
ment.


Now, this policy has been demonstrated
by our intelligent Thirteenth Legislature.
The result, as foreseen by those who dis
cussed the question in December, is now
known to the people. The Legislature has
been, slowly, it is true, but surely and sue
cessfnlly working to this consummatioR.
The counsels of. the violent and extremists
have been disregarded, and, we believe,
with good results to the whole State A
great end was TO be achieved--the people
were to bc made free from the terrors Of aTbi-
tra1y and military rule-the State was to be
permanently redeemed from Radicalism-
and taxes we're to be reduced to the lowest
rates sufficient to support the government.
Under the circumstances, we believe this
was true craftsmanship, and in the achieve
ment Of this worthy end We are proud to
know that our delegation. and especially onl
immediate representative, has lent a helping
hand and one that has beeu efficient. The
progress may not have been fast enough
for the impatient, but in the end all wiz
admit It's wisdom.