Year: 1876


twenty seventh instant, for the purpose of
nominating candidates for Governor, Lieu
tenant Governor, Secretary Of State, At
torney General, Auditor, Superintendent OF
Education, and also eight candidates tor
Electors for President and Vice President.


1t will also be the duty of the convention
to select State Central Executive Com
mittee to act for the party until the next
State COW ention.


the call for this convention provides for
the romin al on of candidates for Congress
frem the first, second, third and sixth dis
tricts.


The importance of this convention to the
interests of the State and to the Republican
party Is apparent II this party is to con-
trol tie political afflrs of the State then,
it is vastly important to the State that
correct prir rcip!es SHOULD be promulgated,
and the best man selected to carry them
out, and to the Republican party for the
reason that it will only merit success by
such ccurse.


The members of this convention are pre-
sumed to represent the true and real senti-
ment of the Republican party in the sev.
eral parishes end election districts from
which they are accredited, which make up,
in the aggregate, the true and real senti-
ments Of the party in the State. We most
sincerely hope the results of their delibera.
tions will show the true and real sentiments
of the party in this State to be to seek to
promote the true interests OF the people.
In the natural order of proceeding the
convention ought first to announce in Gle ar
and unambguous terms the principles and
policy Of the party and the great leading
objects Of State interest to be sought for
and urged during the term of the next ad-
ministration. The people Of the State,
of all parties, have right to be in
formed on these points; but more particu-
larly is it important that the Reputl can
party should clearly define its position on
oil points of political or public interest, as
the Republican is the party of progress in
this country. Each year or each admin
istration, in accordance to the pro-
gress of the age takes the advance
steps necessary to keep pace with advanc-
| ing civilization and human progress. The
history of this party since it's access ion to
the control of the atfiirs of this govern
ment in 1860 to the present time is most
wonderful. No party in this, or perhaps in
| any other country, has accomplished SO
| much in the advance of civilization and
| h,,p IN
| progress is still onward.


When the people Of the State, irrespective
Of parties, are fully advised of the policy,
objects and aims of the Republican party,
they will then be able to judge whether the
course recommended is for the best inter
ests Of the State, and we hold that no party
merits support unless It's true and real OBJ
! jects are for the good of the State. No
party can long receive the support of free
| people which does not aim to attain their
| greatest good.


The next thin g in order, after promulgat-
| ing thsir principles, ought to be the selec-
| ton of candidates that offer the highest
guarantees that these principles will be
| carried out; this is the most delicate and
patriotic duty this convention is called on
to perform. A failure in the proper perfor-
nance of this duty will show that this con-
vention does not represent the true senti-
ments of the Republican party, and will
| result in the defeat of our candidates and
the disgrace and humiliation of the party.


There can be no reasonable doubt enter
tanned by any we'll informed person but
that the Republican party in this State
has large maj )rity. and with candidates
satisfactory to the party and Justly entitle d
to the public confidence. and free and fair
election, that its candidates will be elected
by unequivocal and large majorities.


Il would be deceiving ourselves not to
admit that the administration of the State
under the lead of Republicans since recon
struction, has been in mary respects un
satisfactory to the Republican party in this
State, the reasons for which We will moi
here undertake to explain.


This convention will be the place and
time for the party to correct the errors il
has committed, and the errors can be cor
rected in the nominations we make and il
no other way.


Every delegate in this convention, if ht
is actuated by the patriotism that ought tc
fill his breast, ought to march up 10 thu
altar of his country and lay down any Per
sonal preference he may have for any maj
as a candidate and determine that he woul(
cast his support for the man who from hi


good character and correct political ante
cedents could be best relied on to carry Ou
the principles of the party as announced il
the platform.


What are the essential requisites vi
ought to require OF our candidates. W.


would say: |. A thorough and we'll triet


Republican, one who has not at any tim


deserted or attempted to betray the party
9. He should bs man of high order Q


capacity and noted for his firmness and ad


minlstrative capacity. 3. He should b


honest and to stimulate him to do his Who'll


duty, he should have an interest in goot


government, by reason of residence, famil


and estate. With candidate for Governo


and other State officers possessing thes


qualifications, the party could and woul'


20 forth in the present canvass with reason
able certainty Of success.


1t will be deceiving ourselves if We sur


pose that candidates not possessing thes
qualifications will be generally supporte
bv the Republican party. The time ha
passed when candidate who procures hi


nomination by intrigue, fraud or briber
| .r;u ha nenerailr snnnnrted hy tha Ranul