Year: 1876

The Democratic Conservativ Conven-
tion held last week at Baton Rouge was
In every respect striking contrast to
the Radical mob which assembled In
this city q few weeks ago. In the Baton
Rouge Convention, every section and
almost every parish and neighborhood
OF the State was represented by men Of
social standing. intelligence and integ-
rity. Its proceedings were orderly,
dignifled and earnest, and it has given
TO the party 1t represented a ticket which
is a guarantee OF reform, and which In
its character and popularity corresponds
with the national ticket nominated at
st. Louis. The platform, In a few brief
paragraphs, outlines the policy 1t is the
purpose of the Democratic party to
pursue, and embraces every matter
which can conduce to the paclfcation
and prosperity OF Louisiana.


An impression seems to have gone
about that the delegations from the
parish Of Orleans were composed chiefly
Of roughs and banners, and that they
would Disgrace the convention or con-
vert In into tumultuous mob. This
impression doubtlessly originated
In the abuse Of some Of those
who failed TO be elected. But,
be that rs 1t may, the impression
was unfounded. Many well known
and esteemed men were In the Conven-
tion, and II the boys" had q large rep
resentation there, thew are the ones who
are to do the largest part Of the voting
and the hardest part Of the work, and
they had perfect right to as large a
representation as they could fairly elect.
That they did not abuse their power, and
are not disposed TO do so, is proved by
the facts that, the Convention, OF which
they formed 80 large part. was dig
nified, earnest and laborious body that
it has given us platform upon which
every decent man in the State can
stand, and that it has nominated q
ticket of able and honest men, who will
arouse the enthusiasm, and rally the
support Of all sections and all classes OF
Louisiana.


As men, i1st now, with great practical
measures of State to advance. we must
bear In mind and act upon the patent
truth, that honesty and patriotism are
nonopolized by no class Of the commu-
nifty. Indeed, among the working men
spicuously displayed than among the
more blessed and pretentious classes OF
the commonwealth. '"The boys" may
sometimes make an improper trade
for minor Office or appoint
nent. and somoi of them will
some times attempt to control local
election by local fraud. These things
are bad, and should be thwarted as far
as possible by all good men. But it Is
not for other classes Of the community
to stand up in judgment and condemn
whole bodies of men for these things,
when it is well known fact that the
bad men among the rich, though they
may not manipulate ward meet
ing, or stuff a ballot-box to
elect some friend to a petty office,
will organize immense rings to swindle
the people out OF thousands Of dollars
or to control for their own profit. and
to the detriment of the public, the State
securities, and that they will run with
the Customhouse and State House
thieves when there Is "big money"
TO be made by 1t.


Let this war OF classes be stopped
right where 1t is, and let the honest men
OF all classes, rich and poor, unite now
in one noble effort to overthrow the
thieves In all classes.