Indiana State Sentinel, Volume 24, Number 23, Indianapolis, Marion County, 12 January 1875 — Page 6

THE INDIANA STATE SENTINEL TUESDAY JANUARY 12. 1875,

LOUISIANA.

CONSUMMATION OF THE WRONG THE LEGISLATURE BROKEN UPl BY UNITED STATES TROOPS. Several Members Dragged from their Seats by Armed Soldiers. PROTESTS ENTERED BY THE EXPELLED. The Speaker Leaves the House at 4 the Head of a Majority of the Members. , A SECOND PRIDE'S PURGE. ADMISSION Or'FlVB REJECTED L EG IS L ATO 118 ' . . . -. w . i - T- - . ' r W. ft C- T " T BAYONETS THE FIVE MEMBERS PUT OUT I ' WITHDRAWAL OP THE CONSERVATIVES, j New Orleans, Jan. 4. At 1 o'clock! .crder was partially restored and a J motion was then onerea 10 go into per- " manent organization. This raised a commotion among the republicans, tut when a further motion was mads to seat tho members from the contested parishes and referred to a committee, the excitement, ac companied with shouts and exclamations of all kinds, was fearful to hear.' Mr. Murrell protested against -Mr. Wiltz as chairman, and stigmatized tho course pursued in placing him there as revolutionary. Amotion was then pat to admit the memlie-rs from lour contested parishes, reserving the matter of the contest for the legislature, and It was carried amid the wildest excitement and gfsticulatiaus upon the radical sido. To s uch a point did the excitement reach that the serKCant-at-arms was called upon to eeat the members and . preserve order. The newly declared mem'wenn from tho contested parishes in question, viz.: Bienville, Winn. - DeSoto and Grant, were then duly sworn in by the speaker. A motion was then made to adjourn, which failed. The yeas and nays were then called lor. The speaker explained that the yeas and nays were not in order till such time as a permanent organization had been effected, acd it had not arrived at that point. The motion was then put and carried with great shouting and excitement, to go into permanent organization. L. A. Wiltz and ex-Oov. Hahn were accordingly put in nomination. Betöre the clerk proceeded to call the roil Mr. Mathews moved from his teat that Mr. Lowell be elected permanent speaker. Th raised a utorni in the House, but a motion to elect a permanent speaker viva voce being cut of order the speaker so announced and quietca the house down. After considerable muscular exertion the roll call commenced, amid yells from the radical side. When proceeded with about half way Ex-Gov. Hahn requested permission from tho speaker to address the house, which request was at once accorded. He said that he had been elected a raemkr of tho legislature from Ids parish, that he was a republican, but In all matters ot reform auda good government he was willing to eo w ith any party having these ends in viow. llo had been put in nomination for the speakership by his party without seeking it. The position, or any ether position in tho gilt of . the legislature could bring him ro additional honor aud he would gladly relinquish HIS CLAIM Txl any time if he thought it for ILo public good. "Our business, our commerce," he said, "ar3 all languishing. Our plantations are told for taxes. The country i3 swarming with office-holders who ought to bo swept away. All theso things must bo reformed." He regretted to soo so much cl a party spirit displayed in this bouse. Ho had toped to see a houso which would be united on the matter of legislative reform. He protested against this organization, and asked tho democrats to jo.u with him and others in their efforts to bring about an honest and economical government. They had many reforms to nxke. He bad no hesitation in pronouncing tho election law a fraud and a wrong, and be wanted to see it and all other - och laws repealed, but he declined to particirv e in this body, organized as it was, and he therefore entered his protest against It. Tho call was thon proceeded witu, and upon its conclusion the following result was announced: Wiltz 55, Hahn 5, blank 1. - A quorum having voted, and Wiltz having received a majority he was accordingly doclared elected. Judge Houston then administered the oath of office, and, as usaal in such cases, the speaker called for the oldest member, Mr. Lowell, to administer a similar oath, but he, havirg left tho house during the roll call wih a number of the other republicans, that duty was performed by the next oldest member. The ppeaker then addressed the house, while radicals still continued to gradually withdraw. Ho said: In accepting the responsible position you conler upon me, I sincerely thank you. It is a position I did not seek. It is a responsibility I would like to tee another more able than I occupy, but I will dischargq my duties to tho best of my abilities, and the linger of scorn shall not . bo pointer! at me for dishonorable ae:s when I retire. Mr. Kay addressed tho ppeaker on a privilege, and asked leave to retire from tho House, ".and entered a protect against Us organization. The speaker then charged the ser-geant-at-arms to allow no member to go cut. Mr. P. J. Trenzant was then put in nomination for clerk and elected. The swearing in of -the members then commenced, and the radicals endeavored to move out ot the House, but the sergeant-at-arms sought to prevent them. Several scuffies ensued when, on the motion of George lmprez, Gen. Trobriand was sent for, who Oleared tho lobby of police and spectators at the speaker's request. Gen. Do Trobriand, who had been absent for about a quarter oi an hour, appeared again at the House accompanied by two officers ot his staff. A file of ABOUT TWENTY SOLDIERS ;had been marched into the corridor leading to the hall, and at the head of the large stair -case. The state police were also drawn up in force. Gen. De Frobriand at once stepped up to Speaker Wiltz and asked that Mr. Vigors, the former clerk ot the House, should . iead a letter he held In his hand. Mr. Trenzvant, the clerk elect, objected, when the i general stating that re wa- unablo to judgo who was clerk, asked permission to have the letters of Gov. Kellogg read by bia adjutant, which was grauted. That oflicer then read the two letters, one of wbicli stated to the general that an illegal body was sitting in the House of Representatives, and that Mr. Vigers, the clerk, would furnish bim with a list of those members who had been duly elected and as such returned by the returning board. The other letter contained ft request to Gen. De Trobriand to eject those members who had not been returned as elected by the board. Speaker Wiltz protected, and told the gc-naral that this was a legally orKanizcd

body, to which Gen. Treplie 1 that he, as a soldier, and only second in command, had to obey the order o! hi superior. Gen. Emory, who had ordered him to obey the instructions of Gov. Kelloeg. Speaker Wiltz Raid:" I desire to state to you again that this house -is duly elected, and has organized itself by electing me as their speaker, Capt, Floyd as sergeant-at-arms.and Mr. Trenzvantas clerk. After the organization we have seated live gentlemen whose cases have been referred to us by the returning board. Will . you eject thesl men? Gen. De Trobriand said:

"Mr. Speaker, I am an officer and must obey orders. I came here alone. I thought that my presence wonld be sufficient to have those orders obeyed." Speaker Wiltz replied: "I am thankful to you, general, for that. Whilo I recognize in you a gentleman and a soldier, and while we submit to the United States government, it is my duty, as the ppeaker ot the House of Representatives of the ' state of Louisiana, to ask you not to use force until the five men refuse to leave the room." Gen. De Trobriand "I do not like to make a show; I do not know the members. I should prefer for you to point them out. I will ask them to leave, or will you have me fill the room with soldiers." Speaker Wiltz "I can not permit thse members whom we have just recognized as being elected to j ue put out. my uuijr 13 iu &erp THE DIGNITY OF THE STATE of Louisiana as well as yours is to keep up that of the United States army. "Mr. Dupre at this time offered tho report of the committee on elections, which declared Jeffreys, Luckett and Stafford of Rapides, Vaughn, Horan and Lamb of Caddo, Schwing of Iberia, Oquinn of Avoryelles, to be elected. Gen. De Trobriand, who had returned, again advanced toward the speaker, who said: Gentlemen, be quiet and be men." The general thon pointlnz to 1. Vigers. ex-clerk of the house, said that he had been represented to him by Gov. Kellogg as the clerk of the house and had a list of the names of the representatives returned as elected by the returning board. Speaker lltz "l protest against Mr. igers as hav ing anything to do with this body. He is no longer clerk of the house his successor having been legally elected. De Trobriand "This protest will be of n3 avail." Speaker v lltz protested against me imerierence or me military, and re quested the members to join in a protest with mm, in response to this call all the conservative members stood up and solemnly protested. Alter another protest ol Viger'a successor, Gen. De Trobriand or dered Vigers to call the roll. Speaker Wiltz ordered the conservative members not to answer when their names were called. None answered. Gen. Lowell, late speaker of the house, then wanted to know whht these proceedings amounted to. The republican members had durirg this controversy entered in a body and either taken their seats or stood near the platform. Speaker Wiltz, after Mr. Lowell had ind.uled in a long talk of having been duly elected, and was willing to do his duty, etc., stated to him what had taken place during his absence and thatot his radical colleagues. Mr. Vigers having finished calling tho roll, Mr. Dew es said that 54 names had been anew ered to, two democrats answering by mistake. He moved that the House proceed to business. Mr. Murrel, colored radical, seconded the motion. Mr. Vigers wauled to get bis seat, and Wiltz told him that he could not, and that there wero not men enough to put bim in it. At this time there entered the room a file of about fifteen soldiers fully equiped, who formed in lire outside the bar. Gen. Da Trobriand introduced then Mr. Hugh J. Campbell, who was giving1 his assistance in pointing out the members which he should eject. Previous to this the report of the committee on credentials was adopted, which seated several members who had not been returned by the retumicg board, notwithstanding the objections raised by the republican members. Mr. Wiltz protested against Mr. Campbell's introduction, when Gen. De Trobriand received information that Gen. Kmory wa3 at the door and would like to see him. He went cut and almost Immediately returned, Mr. Campboll asked the general to have the roll called by Vigers, to ascertain the members who were roturned as elected by the board. Gen. Do Trobriand announced that ho had nothing to do with thcKe returned as elected, but merely was ordered to eject those not declared by the returning board. Campbell then asked Senator Anderson if ho knew thoso members. Anderson only knew J. O'Qilinu, of Avoyelles, aod Campbell. He led the general up to Mr. O'Quinn to whom (Jen. De Trobriand made known his business. Mr. O'Quinn loudly protested and bad his protest recorded. In answer to the general, who asked if he should lead him out, Mr. O'Quinn appealed to tho speaker, who, said that FORCE MUST EE USED, and ordered ono of his aids to call a couple of soldiers and under a solemn protest Mr. O'Quinn was put outside tho bar, but allowed to remain there. Mr. O'Cuinn having pointed out his colleague, Vaughn, of Rapids, Mr. Vaughn was addressed by Gen DoTrodriand in the same way. He protested, and his protest was recorded. Ho said: vtq the name of my constituents, the people of Louisiana, and as a freeboro man of tho United States, 1 protest against this outrage. They propose to take meout by the point of tho bay onet." Wiltz said, "Let it be done." Mr. Vaughn wasthen put cut. Thero were some hisses from the upper galleries, but the ppeaker at once obtained quiet. Campbell then pointed out Stafford and Jeffries, of Rapide, C. C Dunn, from Caddo, and G. E. Kelly from Winn, all of whom enterod a solemn protest against the outrage and were put out. 1 his closed tho ejection, as there were no means to ascertain if any more wero present. Gen. Do Trobriand at this time was requested to order Mr. Vigers to read tho roll once more. A few radicals, among whom were Bray and Merrill, became very noisy, but were at once quieted by .speaker Wiltz. Mutrell, apologiziug, disclaimed any disco rtesy to tho speaker. Mr. Vigers could not get into tho seat to comply with the request to call the bouse again together for reorganization, not recognizing the election of Wiltz as speaker. Wiltz a d: "In the name of tho peoplo and the name of Louisiana, I protest against Mr. Vigers. He can not and will not be recognized by me as the clerk of this house. In protecting I fulfill a solemn duty to my people, myself, and my colleagues." Vigers proceeded to ' read when Speaker Wiltz ordered the sergeant-at-arms to remove him from the stand. Sergeant-at-arms Floyd put his hand on Vigers who relused, and called on Geu.De Trobriand to protect him. Campbell then said that Vltrora rnnst he nrntected. that this was no organized house. Mr. Wiltzi oio speaser. whereupon speaker wuiz ordered him to be removed. Gen. De Trobriand then ordered two soldiers to advunce to put Vigers in the clerk's seat, whereupon Speaker Wiltz rose and paid: "A3 the legal speaker of the House of Reprt sedatives ot the state ot Louisiana, I have protested against the invasion of our hall by the soldiers of tho United States with drawn bavonets and loadod muskets'. We have our brother members violently seized by lorco of arms and torn from us iu spite of their solemn protest. We have seen a force of soldiers march up the aisles of ths hall of representatives of Louisiana. We have protested against this in the name of a onco free people, in the name ol the once free state of Louisiana, in the name of the Union. I enter mv solemn protest. The

chair of the only speaker of the House of

Louisiana is SURROUNDED BY UNITED STATES TROOPS. The officers of the house are prisoners in their hands. So I solemnly swear that Louisiana has ceased to be a sovereign state.that it baa no longer a republican government, and 1 call on. the representatives of the state to retire with me before this show of arms. The democratic representatives, beaded by Speaker Wiltz, then marched out of the hall aud the state house, both of which were closed as soon as the last democratic representative went out. They went to No. 71 St. Louis street, followed by a large crowd, who cheered them on their way. Speaker Wiltz was loudly called out. He addressed the crowd in the following words: "We have attempted and succeeded in organizing the House of Representatives. I am elected speaker, and after a permanent organization, notwithstanding the Interference" of the police, we have kept np our proceedings until a few minutes ago; until the United States troops forcibly expelled about eight or ten of cur duly seated members. We then retired and leu, and come to our people to tell them what has beendoDe." Other speakers, Marr, Ellis, and etc., followed, counseling order, and asked the crowd to retire. Speaker Wiltz called the members together, and adjourned them until half past 7 o'clock, to allow the members some rest and refreshment THE RUMP LEGISLATURE. THK HOUSE ELECTS ANOTHER SPEAKER AND ADMITS REPUBLICAN MEMBERS DISPOSITION OF TROOPS THE CITY QUIET. After the conservatives withdrew Vigers proceeeded to call the roll, when fifty-three members answered to their names. Fiftyfour were necessary lor a quorum, and Vigers declared that there were fifty-four present. Ex-Gov. Michael Ilahnwas elected speaker. ,Mr. Lowell took the floor and protested against the presence of United States troops in the ball of the House, and moved that they be required to leave. They left. On motion, two republican members from the contested parish of DeSoto and one from Grant parish were admitted. The governor's message was received, read and referred. After further action the House adjourned till noon to-morrow. The Senate was called to order by Lieut -Gov. Antoine, 13 holding over members being present, Tho newly elected republican members were seated. Nothing of interest transpired. The democratic members were not present. United States troops sre on duty about 1,800 strong, including infantry.artillery and cavalry under the immediate command of " Gen. De Trobriand. At midnight they had all gene to their quarters, except one or two companies of infantry.now occupying the state house. The congressional committee are still in session examining witnesses as to the organization of the legislature to-day. Mayor Wiltz and others testified. Their testimony does not difler materially from the account given in the Associated Press dispatches to-night. Several military orders have been issued to-day, ono sending troops to Vicksburg. The conservative caucus to-night resolved to organize the legislature to-morrow. The place of meeting is not Ttt decided unon. No personal vi olence was used to-day, the citizens every where remaining very quiet in the streets, except an occasional outburst of upplause about the state house when favorable news to the conservatives was brought out SHERIDAN TO THE FORE. HS ASSUMES COMMAND LIMITS OF THE DEpartment of the missouri. Heauqc'r's Military Division ok Missouri, New Orleans, La., Jan. 4, Ib'o. General Order No. 1: Under instructions from the president ot the United, States, communicated through the adjatait general of the army, the undersigned hereby assumes control of tho department of tho gulf, consisting of the states of Louisiana, Arkansas aud Mississippi, and the gnlf posts as far eastward and embracing the posts in Mobile Bay, which w ill hereafter constitute one of the departments ol the military division of the Missouri. .Signed P. II. Sheridan, Lieut. Gen. U. S, Army. Headq'r's Military Division of Missouri, New Orleans, La., Jan. 1, 1S75. To the Hon. W. W. Belknap, Secretary of War, Washington. It is with deep regret that I hayo to announce to you tho existence in this stato of a spirit of defiance to all lawful authority and an Insecurity of life which is hardly realized by tho general government or the country at large. The lives of citizens have become so jeoparddzed that unless something Is done to give protectiou to the people all security usually afforded by law will be overridden. Defiance to the laws and tho murder of individuals seems to be looked upon by the community here from a stand point which gives impunity to all who choose to Indulge in either, and tho civil government appears poweriess to punish or even arrest it. I have to-night assumed control over tho department of the gulf. (Signed) P.H.Sheridan, Jjieut. uen. CONG RESSION AL I N VE3TIG ATION. LARGE AMOUNT OF EVIDENCE LITTLE IN TIMIDATION KNOWN TIIK BLACK LEAfll'E MONDAY'S STATE IIOUSR OUTRAGE. The following is an epitomo given before the congressional committee last evening. Gen. Hazard, a cotton merchant, was in tho federal army. Had resided here, this is the third winter. Finds no difference between the treatment recoived by whites or blacks on account ot politics. Neither saw or heard of intimidation, at the last election. The personal reputation, he considers, ot officials In Louisiana is such that they would not bo received in either Northern or English families. The reputation ot republicans has been such that a republican newcomer is liable to feel the effects of tho prejudiced feeling which exists against the wrong-doers of that party. J. O. Dixon, jr., a lawyer of this city, stated ono democratic negro was assaulted on account of his politics. He requested the arrest of several republican negroes who had assaulted democratic negroes, which requests were refused. He says that the police were ei'.her unable or unwilling to act. He is one of tho organizers of the Crescent City White League. The said league does not propose to deny to tbo negro any of their rights or privileges on account of race.or color. The W'hite League wbs not out for interference at the state house that day. .The general opinion at present arrong tho White League is that a resort to arms now would be folly. C. Hunt, Methodist minister, testified that he was at Alexandria during the election. He noticed many colored peoplo who voted the conservative ticket. He saw no attempt to control votes. People were at liberty to vote as they pleased. He heard rumored threats of the discharge cf colored men who voted the republican ticket, but they were not verified. The colored peoplo voted the conservative ticket because they were dissatisfied with tho local officials. M. M. Simpson, of New Orleans, vice president of the bank, said that ten years more of such rule would reduce the state to beggary. He savs that one year's conservative rule would raise the state completely. Dr. C.

Trezevart testified that several negroes declared that they had been forced to vote the republican ticket. V. W. King, lawyer, bad resided here since 1SÖ5. He knew of a secret organization known as the Black League. He heard of negroes who intended voting the conservative ticket. He said that the J lack League kfcd a regular military drill. He did not see them with guns. He had seen as many as fifty at a time at a meeting. Capt. Charles Fenner, of Orleans, wa satisfied that the people

haye no more confidenceinKellogg's than in Warmotk's government. He was confident that the conservative people would agree to send Kellogg to the Senate if a good state government could b secured thereby. No fair decision could be expected from the present Judiciary. Mr. Dumassey, of Iberia, knew of no intimidation whatever. Ho was United States supervisor. He knew of a colore 1 democrat who was murdered for making a democratic speech. He never heard of the burning of a church in that neighborhood. The White League and people's party were synonymous. He never adopted a resolu tion not to employ men voting the republican ticket. He never heard of any persons being dischaged for voting the conservative ticket. The motion presented to the White League to discharge parties voting the. republican ticket was not adopted. S. R. Gale discharged none on acconnt ot voting. So far as he knows, there were no cases of parties being prevented from exercising their prerogative at the polls. Resolutions were introduced in regard to discharging all who did not vote the conservative ticket, but it was Dot adopted. Wm. F. Swavne was a lawyer ot Iberia. There was no intimidation as far S3 ho knew of. All officers were republican. One colored man was murdered for making a democratic speech. The White League was orgaLized lor the purpose of PROTECTING COLORED MEN voting the conservative ticket. He knew of no other person who was discharged for voting the republican ticket. There wasa w hue Lieaguo resolution passed by one club which, if it had parsed all the clubs, all who voted the republican ticket would have been discharged. It did cot pass all and there wero none discharged on account ol their voting, .x-uov. iiaun lesiiuea mat he was a member of the legislature now in session. He did not think that Gen. Da Trobriand euterea tne iiou.--e until a resolution was passed appointing a committee of three to ask the presence of Gen. Da Trobriand, who restored order in the lobby", according to the request of Mr. Wiltz. His impression was that the clerk, Mr. Vigers, didn't call the roil attcr w iltz left, therefore he was unable to say who was, or how many were present. After they left the rest reorganized, acd a nomination tor speaker was made, be being a nomiuea, was declared elected. After ho was declared speaker Mr. Lowell called his attention to tho presence of soldiers. They evidently took tho hint that their presence could be dispensed with, and left. He was in tho House at the beginning. Did not know bow many members were present at the first organization or at tho time tho election of a speaker took place. It was finally agree 1 that the counsel for each party Bliould bo allowed four days in which to file briefs with the committee. J. R. Beckwith testified as to the acts of intimidation against republicans since July, 187-1. Heeould notpartlcularizebecau.se the complaints hivo been so numerous In the northern part of tho state the Coushatta atiair and other acts of violence produced a feeling of insecurity. Tbo negroes throughout tho s ato felt that they hve not their proper rights and privileges, and the protection oi tho law. They would join together pgainst any race if they thought thfy could obtain protection. In cases of arrests made in parishes on charges of intimidation and murder, where tho accused wero biought here in several instances, he was convinced that the arrests had been made in error. The witness dec iued to answer as to tho personal character of Gov. Kellogg. Judg"! Alexander Walker testified that the condition of the colored laboring classes was very much improved. Better feeling existed between ttetn and the while )Kople politically. They showed a desire to have a little to do with politics as possible. In a business po?nt of view, he considered the condition of tho state as pitiable beyond all prece-dent. M. J. Cjnnlngham, of Natchitoches, testified that ho used harah langusgo toward Twitchell, but it wa at the opening ef the campaign and lor peronak reasons arising from offensive remarks addressed to bim by Twitched. Twitchell asserted that ho had been intimidated by Cunuicgham. J. L. Bidcn, of Iberia, testified that iu that and adjo'nang parishes for several months past it has been Impossible for a person expressing republican proclivities to live iu tranquillity. Threats of violence by the whites agairrct the blacks who voted the iepublican ticket had the effect of creating considerable excitement in the parish. Personally he knew of several instances when tho homes olnogroe have been burned and men killed just because they wore republicans. The perpetrators have been arrested. KELLOQQ'S STATEMENT. About 2 o'clock the committee repaired to the state house and took tho testimony of Gov. Kellogg with regard to tho orders upon which the military had act6d on Monday. He stated that on Saturday he received an official report from the acting chk-f of police that an attempt would be made on Monday forcibly to install persons whom the official returns did not show to Lava been elected. He transmitted this letter to Gen. Kmory. with a request that such disposition bo made of the United States forces as would prevent a collision ami bloodshed. Ou the following day Gen. II. J. Campbell, who bad been assigned under Gen. Lorgstrett to the command of tho stato forces protecting the state house approaches, was sent, with a personal letter of authorization, to confer with Gen. Emory on this subject. He returned with tbo information that orders had been issued to have the United States troops In the vicinity of the state house, so a to projervo tee peace in cuso of a disturbance on the, day cf tue convening of the legislature. Between 11 and 1 o'clock a number of members rushed excitedly into the executive office and stated that Mr. Wiltz and others had violently seized possession of tho hall of representatives, that Mr, Wiltz had thrust from the platform tho old clerk of the bouee, who by law was required to call the roll of its members, as certified by the secretary of state. Before he had finished calliug tho roil the clerk himself entered with the original roll in his posses sion and confirmed this statement. Subsequently a statement signed by lilty-two of the members, being a majority of the legal members on the roll call, was presented to bim "stating that' tho other lorty-nine members and a number of othe r persons had taken forcible possession of the hall and had refused them the right to vote on the question oT organization, aud calling upon him for protection. Upoa this, he wrote to Gen. Emory and, . subsequently being informed that a large and excited crowd was closing around ihe state house, he requested the officer in charge of the United States troops to move his forces in front of the main entrance ot the state house, which was done. Afterward he learned from the police, whom ho had directed to take steps in accordance with the request made to him by the fiftytwo members, that the hall of representa tives had been closed by persons claiming tobe sergeants-at-arms and the doors would have to be forced 11 they were to obtain ad

mittance. He then felt it his duty as the

conservator ot the peace to ask Gen. De Trobriand. in cbarze of the troops, to clear the hall of all persona not emitted to be present, lie subsequently learned from Gen. De Trobriand that he had previously been called upon by Mr. Wiltz to clear the lobby, and that a committee ol democratic members had been sent to him to make that request. In reply to Mr. Potter, Gov. Kellogg said that he did not think under the present circumstances that the government could maintain itself without the support oi United States forces, and probably he had been in the same position since the 14th ot September last. He added, as his explanation, that the great bulk of the supporters of his government were in the country engaged in peaceful industrial pursuits, and that a large element opposed to his administration resided in the city at the seat ol government, and many of them bad no industrial avocations. THE GOVERNOR'S MESSAGE. KELLCOG'S VIEWS THE STATE FINANCES LAVISH PRAISE OF HIS OWN ADMINISTRATIONTHE NEW ORLEANS DEBT OUTRAGES. The following are the more important portions of Gov. Kellogg's message to the legislature: "Since the adjournment of your predecessors, disastrous crevases in tho levees have destroyed the crops in several sections of the state, and produced much suffering among the people, which, however, has been greatly mitigated by the benevolence of tho citizens of other states, notably ol Massachusetts, and by the bounty which the general government has bestowed upon us with an unsparing hand. Political disturbances of a grave and wido spread character have also seriously impaired tho prosperity of the state and. retardod its interests. Both these causes have diminished tho revenues and prevented the close collection of taxes. Yet in the year that has just ended the receipts have been nearly equal to the expenses, the rate of state' and city taxation has been largely reduced, and for the first time for many years not one dollar has been added to the public debt, which, on the contrary, has been sensibly reduced. Calling to mind the unparalleled difficulties the sta'.e government has had to oncounter since the first day of its inauguration, I may do pardoned lor referring with pride to these financial results, obtained under such adverse circumstances. The public dbt, and tho taxation on the total bonded and floating debt of tho state, when the present administration came into office, was. exclusive or the amount duo the fiscal agent, $150,000; a nee paid, wa3 f23,CW3,407 90. (Auditor's report, December öl, 1S72.) It was increased the first year of this adminis tration by the issue of bonds . au monzed uy acts passed by the previous legislature, viz: Bomls issued to the New Orleans, Mobile ic Texas railroad on a section of 12 miles of completed railroad (act No. 31 of 1S72, ?125,000; bonds issued to the North Louisiana & Texas Rail road Company ct No. 10S of 18Cl, $576,000, 971,000; total, ?24,G31,407 V0. The issue of the last named bonds wa rendered obligatorv upon me by a decision ot the Supreme Court of the state. The bonded and floating debt has been decreased URdcr the present administration as follows: Re duction in the bonded debt Dv the redemp' tion of past due bonds, fG'J.OuO; bv the ex change of 8,422 20 new bonds for 1,403,700 bond at oi) cents on tho dollar, Söfil.lSO; re dnction of the floating debt by the redemption of the old out standing warrants, being by payments from back taxes. $!00.0O0; by exchange under tho lundicg bill, ?1S2,724 90; old warrants for ?109,'34 96; of consolidated bends, vTSO.syQüS; total reduction of the debt under the present administration, $1,303,509 VS. The rate of taxation on the city of New Orleans in 1S72, when the present gov ernment camo into office, was: State, in eluding schools, 21 mills; city, 00 mills; total, oi;i mills, 'jhe rate or TAXATION FOR THE PRESENT YEAR. as reduced by the mc-asures passed by the last legislature is: State, including schools, mills WA; city,mil!s 25, total 39 j i, making a reduction of taxation, city and state, effected under this administration, of twelve mills, as the rate of parish taxation is by law limited to the rate ot state taxation and tho rate of stato taxation is now limited by a constitutional amendment to 14Ja mill.?, including schools, it follows th&t in no parish cf the scute, out bid o of the parish of Orleans, can a heavier tax than 29 mills be levied in any one year. In previous j ears the state and parish taxes in some parishes ot the stato reached as higa as 70 mills. The act passad by the last leg islature providing for the funding of the state debt, and the constitutional amendments connected therewith, which have bince been ratified hy the people, form a most important feature in the financial history of the stato. Wbert the present state government came into office the public debt contracted by previous democratic and republican legislatures was confessedly out of all proportion to the resources ot the state, and the Incoming administration had to taco the alternative of repudiation, or compromise with the creditors of the state. Believing that the indiscriminate repudiation ot the state debt, whether justly or not justly incurred, would be dishonorable to us and disastrous to the state, we sought at first to test through tho court the validity of such bouda as were popularly believed to have been issued without adequate consideration, and then to effect such an adj jstment of the remaining valid bonds as would bs as lair as possible to our creditors, and afford that relief which was absolutely necessary to the tax payers ot the .stato. It will not be forgotten how carefully each step which led to the p.issasoof tho funding bill was considered, how the advice of the Chamber of Commerce and the leading business men was asked and obtained, and finslly how the state, anxious to pay its just creditors to the utmost limits of its capacity, fixed the rate of funding at a point ten per cent, higher than te I'ir.it which experk-ncn.i iluanciia, who hud tXHuiiiir-d into cur rcsnnic?, deemed tho sf.iV? :'' to pay. In waiter ion with tle fuii'l!-.; bill I reeoii'iucndif lo t;.r; lt-ginlHturo ü- .ufODtion vl ejus'. Uutiouiil ftii'jriidi:tc;iiV iiuiltiug THIS MATH TM" ET to 1 15,O0C,U0, limiting thu rata of taxutiu for stato purposes to 12 mills, exclcsive of the schools, confining the rovenue3 of each year to tho expenses of that yoar, and prohibiting the issue of ' treasury warrants in excess of the revenue. Tnese amendmnts were adopted by the legislature, and were submitted to the people at the recent election. It is a source of sincere gratification to meto know that, thongb In the blind prejudice of partisan warfare the scope and purpose of these amendments were grossly misrepresented and stroDg efforts were made to defeat them, the people formally Bpproved the financial ' policy of my administration and ratified each of the amendments submitted to them by a voto much larger than tbat cast for either of the party t'ckotg placed in the field. I believe that the effect ot these amendments on the financial future ot the state can not bo otherwise than most beneficial, as the source from which the greater part ot our burdens, of our stats debt has sprung, namely, the issuo cf warrants year by year in excess of the revenue is thereby forever cut off. The debt and taxatlonare so limited and defined,

that when peace is once more restored to us capital can find Investment bore without

iear oi oppressive taxation, and even our creditors. I think. will v.nfr.n. find in the creator .uriti. -r their new obligations and the 'greater certaioty ot the promised payment of their interest, principal and interest alike being secured under the nolemn irninnt of the constitution of the state, many comicuakius jor iDo apparent Joss on the far-e value ot their bonds. Previous tn th rt?fication of the funding law by the people a uuiuurt oi iue cn-uiiors oi the state availed themselves ot its provisions, and, now that the binding force of the law is placed beyond a question, I presume most of the other creditors will come forward to fund their bonds. A difficult and responsible duty will thus be thrown upon the funding board. As at present consti-, tuted that board consists of the governor, lieutenant governor, secretary of state, treasurer, auditor, speaker and fiscal agent. Its operations thus far have been for the most part guarded and conservative, and marked by a disposition rather to discourage than encourage any Urge amount ot luuding until the status of the law should be finally settled. Now that the number of bonds presented for funding is likely to be increased I think a change in i-uui position oi the board is desirable. It seems to me right lor many reasons that . THE FUNDING BOARD should not be composed of state officers, and I seggest that in a matter which effects so largely the interests of tho business community the annually elected presidents of tho Chamber of Commerce, the cotton exchange and the merchant's exchange of New Orleans, ex-officio, together with two citizens of known standing, to be selected by them might very properly be constituted the beard. I cariieotly commend this subject to your early consideration as one of great importance to the credit of the state. I further recommend that the funding of the debtand the obligations oi the state be regulated by law, iu such a manner as will enable the officers ot the state and all tax payers and creditors of the state to resist the funding of any illegal evidences of the debt by adducing evidence to establish their invalid character. Next in urgency to the condition of the rate tinanoos the embarrassed and crippled position of the city of New Orleans demands your attention. The debt of tho city, built up during a series of years of mal-a J ministration of city affairs, aided by unwise legislative enactments, is now so great that the annual tax required to keep up the interest pavments has become an almost insufferable burden upon the property ol a large class of worthy and law abiding citizens, who endeavor to pay their taxes when due, and permits other citizens, generally of greater means, and lest respect for law, to relusethe payment of any tax at all. The expenses ol the city for a considerable period have annually exceeded its revenue, and the volume of its floating and bonded debt has thus increased year by yearr with accelerating rapidity. "With a view of checking this alarming tendency, I submitted to the last legislative and constitutional amendment,, approved by the Chamber of Commerce and the then City Council, prohibiting a further increaso of the city debt in any Jorm or under any pretext, and providing, under severe penalties, that after the 1st of January, 1ST5, no warrant or certificate of debt should be issued by any officer of too city except against cash tctually in ihe treasury. This amendment was passed by the legislature; and though opposed at the late election on the same unreasoning principles as the ether salutatory measures of this ml ministration, was ratified by the people and now a part of the constitution of the state." He recommends A LARGE NUMLER CF" MEASURES and add: "I can not too pt-ii&teiitly urgo upon you, gentlemen of the legislature, the great importance of at once carrying into c ffoct the reioruis and reductions of public expenditure which I havo indicated, and others, wii!h will doubtless suggest themselves to you. Having scaledi down our state debt to a point which will enable us by economy, thrilt and good mangement to meet our interest promptly and greatly to appreciate our bonds, we owe it to our creditors and to ourselves so to administer our aflairs as to secure to the holders of our bonds the proinihed enhancement of tho Btate credit, and to our tax payers and the poople generally that relief from oppressive burdens which will increase the prosperity ot the state and bring emigration and capital once more within our borders. I assure you that any well considered measures you maj' pass having in view the further reduction ot the state and city expenditures and the further reduction of taxation will promptly receive the executive approval." In conclusion Gov. Kellogg says: You can not be unaware that throughout a large portion of the Btate a eondftion of anarchy and violence has more or less prevailed for some time pss that laws have been disregarded, blood been shed, and the constituted authorities have been displaced by force. In the interest of our whole people, let me bog of you to take immediate measures to becure" the enforcement ot tbat obedience to law without which no civilized coramunitiee can prosper. No amount ol miägovcrnment, no oppreskive taxation, no usurpation of office, if such the re be, can satisiactoiily explain to the peopla of other communities the facts that there is less security for human lire in Louisiana than in almost any other state ot the union, that grave crimes are committed and go unpunished ol justice, the criminals often having the sympathy of the community, tbat assassination for political sentiments is practiced and applauded, and that in tho whole of the northr west of Louisiana there is scarcely a town where a peaceable, industrious citizen from another state cau openly proclaim himself a republican and be permitted to pursue bis avocatiou without annoyance or molestation, bo long as this lawlessness is known to prevail our railroads remain unfinished and capital will seek other places of investment. THE GREAT SEED of Louisiana Is peace. The rates of taxation complained of areinfinitively less injurious to the credit cf tho state than the sanguinary riots which have marked otix history during the past years. And let me add, gentlemen,, by way of solemn warning, that when, as we recently have seen in this city, the very children, taught y the example of their elders, are permitted to resort to violence to enforce their peculiar opinions, we are sowing wind to reap the whirlwind. The armed political organizations that have recently been formed throughout the state are for the moment united by a comtacn interest. The time will come w hen they will no longer have a unity of purpose and then the lesson they have been taught, tbat force can rightfully override law, may unhappily lead toother scene3 ct violence and bloodshed, but with a change of combatants. Permit me to say in conclusion, that no one can more earnestly desire some final settlement ot the difficulties that for two years have disturbed the state.thanl do myself. But I have responsibilities that I can not avoid. I am sustained by the courts and recognized by the president as the executive ot the state, and until I aai legally reliewd I am bound to discharge the duties of tho office to the best ot my ability.

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