ADDRESS
FROM THE
Hmomtic tomtit Committee
OF THE
PARISH OF ORLEANS,
TO THEIR
FELLOW DEMOCRATS.
NEW OKLEANS :
TRUE DELTA JOB OFFICE, ST. CHARLES STREET.
1859.
Library of
Emory University
841294
JAN 18 1952
ADDRESS
FROM THE
gmflratir feattitc Conviuittet
OF THE
PARISH OF ORLEANS,
TO THEIR
FELLOW DEMOCEATS.
NEW ORLEANS:
TRUE DEUTA JOB OFFICE, ST. CHARLES STREET.
1859.
TO THE DEMOCRACY
OF THE PARISH OF ORLEANS:
In submitting for your consideration and approval, the Preamble, Reso
lutions and Proceedings of the Mass Meeting of the Democracy of Orleans
held at Odd Fellows' Hall, on the evening of the 4th April, instant, we
the Democratic Executive Committee for this Parish, acting on the record
of that meeting, esteem it to be a bounden duty to explain the reasons foi
our conduct, the objects we aim to accomplish and the motives that ani¬
mate us, so that the enemies of the people, the allies of every species of
political corruption, the traffickers in office, may not be able—as we under¬
stand they are industriously endeavoring to do—to misrepresent our inten¬
tions, or blind the Democracy to the perils that beset them, Should a course
contrary to that, so obviously suggested by the present state of our local
politics, be adopted. For years past, to the mortification and disgust of
every decent member of society, elections in this Parish have been con¬
ducted upon principles and for objects no honest and independent man
could approve, and agencies have been invoked to compel results favorable
to the wishes and desires of mere political schemers, and alike abhorrent
and disgraceful.
For two or three years past, during the period of what is called the
" Reign of Terror" in this parish, the Democratic organization was allowed
by those who had usurped it to disappear from the political arena; and
4
until the present time, when the prospect of again obtaining possession of
office and control of public affairs is opened to them, nothing was heard of
them or their existence. They are now, however, suddenly conjured into
service, and the people, of whose political affairs they have so long been
oblivious, are now expected to lend themselves and their influence to their
individual advancement. A ticket for State officers has already been com¬
posed by those arrogant and presumptuous protruders to superiority, and
steps have been taken by them to make the primary elections, here, a mere
affair of federal office-holders, for the ratification of the bargains already
made at the capital, at the Convention to be held in may next. Against
such unwarrantable Anti-Democratic and unprecedented proceedings, the
Democracy of this Parish, in mass meeting, assembled at Odd Fellows'
Hall, most solemnly protested; and they again appeal to their brethren of
the same ancient community to come together and vindicate their practices
and principles, alike from the dictation and control of unprincipled dema¬
gogues, as from the aspersions and assaults of open and avowed, and there¬
fore, more honorable political opponents.
The Democracy of the Parish of Orleans are competent to manage their
own political affairs, without the interference of self-constituted bodies or
the dictation of speculative jobbers in politics; and we call upon them as
they revere principles and love republican government, not to stand aloof
while the miscreants of Gallatin street, or other infamous localities, are
being organized to secure political preeminence here to those most willing
to bid highest for their abominable assistance.
We appeal to no one in this connection, in favor of any man, or set of
men for political promotion; we are neither wedded to, or inclined to sup¬
port, for State officers any particular person or persons; all that we ask, all
that we demand, is to have the Democracy fairly represented in their State
Convention, and men of their free choice, and none others, presented for
their suffrages.
By order of the Democratic Executive Committee of the Parish of Orleans.
S. CHOPPIN, President,
JOHN ALSTON, Secretary.
PROCEEDINGS
OF THE
DEMOCRATIC MASS MEETING,
» 7
HELD AT ODD FELLOWS' HALL,
ON MONDAY EVENING, APRIL 4th, 1859.
PROCEEDINGS.
Col. Maunsel White—a veteran of the war of 1814-15, and one, too,
who has so long taken the liveliest interest in the prosperity and well-being
of the State and its great capital—was called to the Chair. All present
evinced their satisfaction at the selection of the right man for the right
place.
Near the President, and conspicuous among the crowd of gentlemen on
the stand, was the Hon. Pierre Soulee, who, subsequently, as will be seen,
being called upon to address the meeting, was received with a degree of
enthusiasm which was but a fitting compliment to the patriotism and gal¬
lant bearing of that eloquent and distinguished gentleman.
About half-past seven o'clock, Dr. Choppin came forward and said he
had been requested to organize the meeting by nominating as President,
Col. Maunsel White.
Upon Col. White coming forward, an enthusiastic burst of cheering rang
through the Hall, which was again and again repeated.
Dr. Choppin, when silence prevailed read the names of the following
gentlemen who had been appointed Vice Presidents of the meeting.
VICE PRESIDENTS.
Ceo. A. Fosdick,
W. C. Betterton,
C. Jumonville,
. Sturges Sprague,
S. F. Slatter,
Dr. M. Schuppert,
Alfred Phillips,
E. H. Dix,
Denis Cronan,
P. Deverges,
Charles Maes,
Luke Dillon,
Frederick Derrive,
Franklin H. Clack,
H. Vanderlinden,
J. B. G. Arnoult,
Patrick Irwin,
Newton Richards,
P. Lanaux,
W. R. Crane,
O. H. Poynot,
Thos. J. Beck,
W. P. Duncan,
Dr. E. de St. Romes.
Geo. Lugenbuhl,
D. Augustin,
J. R. Smith,
Jas. McGawley,
John Eaton,
J. K. Caughlin,
Thos. Green,
J. E. Faure's, Jr.,
Theo. 0. Stark,
Jules J. Arnoult,
B. S. Tappan,
J. F. Coffey,
A. Schrieber,
Thos. Warren,
Thos. Evans,
V H. Ivy,
Louis Bellow,
W. Grayson Mann,
Edward Scanlan,
John Haas,
Dr. James Gardette,
Martin Gordon, Jr.,
Wm. Creevy,
S. St. Cyr,
E. W. Huntington,
John Armstrong,
A. Adnet,
Dr. E. Ames,
J. F. Rub,
Philip Guesnon, Sr.,
Dr. D. W. Brickell,
John Lahay,
Hugh Kennedy,
John Farrell,
C. Baumbach,
James Brewer,
J. C. O'Neil,
T. D. Harper,
Denis Donovan,
R. J. Ker,
P. Soule6,
J. S. Whitaker,
J. W. Mader,
Thos. Dunn,
S. L. James,
W. L. Cushing,
J. N. Brickell,
E. H. Boelitz,
Dr. H. Ranee,
Henry Judson,
Judge C. B. Beverly,
A. Grandpre,
J. J. Lugenbuhl,
W. H. Higgins,
John Purcell,
M. B. O'Neal,
J. K. Duncan,
A. W. Jourdan,
Dr. t). Beard,
T. P. White,
S. Choppin, M. D.,
John F. Coffey,
J. D. B. DeBow.
8
M. Iialm,
W. P. Harper,
SECRETARIES.
' S. P. Farge,
Nelvil Soule,
Ernest Davis,
A. Brocard.
Col. White then stepped forward and said : Fellow-citizens and demo¬
crats of the city of New Orleans and State of Louisiana—I return all who
are present my sincere thanks for the honor I receive in being called on to
preside at so respectable a meeting. I understand the object of this as¬
sembly, is to regenerate and reform Democracy in Louisiana, to elect to
office men who are worthy to hold office, and not those who seek their own
emolument. I trust therefore that every honest and noble-hearted Demo¬
crat will come forward and do his duty.
On motion of Mr. Clack to appoint a committee to prepare resolutions to
present to the meeting, the following gentlemen were named; Messrs.
Franklin H. Clack, James Brewer, Wm. Creevy, A. Deverges, P. Lanaux,
Doctors James Gardette and E. Ames.
Pending the absence of the Committee, Pierre Soul6, Esq., came forward
in response to enthusiastic calls for him from all parts of the Hall. When
the applause with which he was received ceased, he said:
Fellow Citizens : You should not, and I hope you will not expect a
speech from me, on this occasion. It were without an object, and therefore
out of place.
We have assembled, not for the purpose of discussing any topic of
National or State policy ; but in order to organize ourselves on the prin¬
ciple that the Democrats of New Orleans are fully competent to take care
of their interests, and are in need of no authority which does not emenate
from themselves, to direct their course, and impart dignity and virtue to
their proceedings.
We mean to disentangle ourselves from the thraldom in which we have
been kept for years by an unprincipaled gang of political speculators and
blacklegs ; and we are here to vindicate our rights, and exercise the inalien¬
able prerogative of self-government.
That the time has come for us to assume that position, is made manifest
by the disgust with which the more patient and enduring in our midst
have witnessed the scandalous and revolting corruption and foul dealing
introduced in our party proceedings, under the direction and management
of the few miscreants who claim absolute control over it.
And well might they have anticipated that so disgraceful a rule as
that to which we had so long and so forbearingly submitted, would, soon
or late, be repudiated and scouted by every Democrat who retained the
9
smallest particle of self-respect and independence; but that the success
with which it had heretofore been enforced had deluded its authors and
upholders into the hope that it were to be perpetuated under the abject
and crouching servility to which a machiavelian discipline had trained
their adherents.
Nor was it unnatural that they should indulge the dazzling expectation,
as long as there were here, as well as in the State at large and throughout
the nation, distinct and adverse parties, in hostile array against each other,
irreconcilable in their views and policy, and always ready to engage in
-deadly conflict. Division in the ranks had, then, been fatal to the cause,
and lost us the battle. We had to gather up all our strength, and to stand
by our banners, however unworthily borne, in spite of the humiliating
inflictions to which our fidelity would often be subjected.
And because we suffered a contemptible and grovelling oligarchy to
spring up from our troubles in days of hard trial; because we let them
grasp the spoils after the battle; because they are incrusted on all sorts of
Federal and State spoils, they imagine then they have grown too big and
powerful to be resisted, and are so insolent in their official bearing and des¬
potism, that they will not allow the least manifestations of a will of a
sentiment, of an opinion that be not modelled on their own will, sentiments
and opinions. And woe to the Democrat who does not submissively bend
his neck under their heel! he is at once unmercifully ostracised, cast away
and forever blotted out of their list of favors.
There be those among them, who have, all their life fattened on party
preferment and patronage, who blush not to hue and cry against office
seekers. There be those who having stained their hands, nay deeped their
arms to the elbows, in the most disgraceful transactions, perverting public
trusts into engines of spoilation and robbery, dare still speak of honesty and
virtue; and those who, having transformed legislatures and party conven¬
tions into open marts where robust and daring votes might be put up at
auction and sold to the highest bidder, or into gaming-houses, where timid
and bashful public servants might stealthily be enticed to gamble away their
conscience at a faro table, will talk of patriotism, and aspire to have their
names inscribed among those of a Washington, an Adams, a Jefferson, a
Munroe, a Jackson!
Ay, ay, it was time that their turpitude and infatuation were laid bare
before the people, and that they should themselves be branded with the
stigmas of public reprobation.
We shall have accomplished a meritorious and faithful task, if our action
at this meeting is made significant of our abhorrence of dictation from what¬
ever quarter it may come.
10
"We shall have performed a mighty office, if we disconnect ourselves,
and with us, the well meaning, the good and the honest of our party, from
the turbulent, factious and despotic coalition of those whose only object is
to glut themselves with power and wealth, and who would make party
discipline and organization subservient to their nefarious designs.
We shall have instilled new life and vigor into our ranks if we can but
work the conviction in the public mind that we recognize no supremacy
but that of the people, no platform but such as shall accord with the Cal-
hounian doctring of State sovereignty.
In Louisiana, as I conceive, we have to fight but against a single enemy;
official interference and corruption. Partyisms are entombed in the history
of the past. The American party, the Whig party, exist no more, as
national or even State parties, though we may, at times, still see their
shadows flit around our municipal halls and election precincts. Their
scattered fragments are in process of assimilation with the two fractions
into which the Democratic party is divided.
We seek the alliance of none. But whilst our opponents, the federalists
of the Democracy, strive to allure into their embrace, and openly curry
favor with the most fanatic and unrelenting among those that were most
ardent in their hostility to us, we cannot but open our arms to such as
desire, under the promptings of the loftiest impulses, to join our standard
and are willing to stand by our side, and combat with us in the cause of
popular rights and popular independence.
To the work, then, to the work! and let our motto be : State rights.
The rights of the States, as united by the Constitution; a union of
sovereigns, in a confederacy of equals !
Mr. Soule's address was cheered warmly throughout, and when he retired,
calls were made for Grey and Clack. The latter, of the Committee ap¬
pointed to prepare the resolutions, and which had returned, came forward
and said he would most willingly concur in the call for the Hon. Henry
Grey, after presenting the resolutions that had been prepared for the meet¬
ing. And in doing so, he would assure them the resolutions they would
hear were not the mere flimsy declarations they were in the habit of listen¬
ing to at public political meetings. They were the firm conviction of men
determined to stand by the principles enunciated, and fight the battle to
the bitter end. Mr. Clack then read the following preamble and resolu¬
tions, which were concurred in by the meeting, heartily and unanimously,
when the President offered them for adoption:
The Democracy of the Parish of Orleans, in Mass Meeting assembled,
deem the occasion suitable to make known to their fellow-citizens of their
11
own and other political organizations, the motives that animate them and
the objects they are determined to accomplish, by the exercise of their in¬
alienable constitutional rights, at the approaching primary election in this
J Parish, and at the election for State and Parish officers, to be held in Nov-
• ember next. Believing that the harmony, safety and perpetuity of repub¬
lican institutions, can only be secured to their country, by the exercise of
^ the full sovereignty and independence of the individual States, they will
steadily adhere to, and unshrinkingly maintain, the doctrine of State Rights,
without which they hold this Union is but a rope of sand, and the rights
of its inhabitants a delusion.
The assertion and maintenance of the rights of the people of every sec¬
tion of the Republic, to regulate their domestic affairs and shape their own
institutions, independently of the interference and dictation of- other States
or the Federal Government, they declare to be an attribute of their so¬
vereignty they can neither alienate nor disregard, and one which under no
circumstance is it allowable to them to resign or consign to oblivion.
They therefore pledge themselves, as State Rights Democrats, to its pre¬
servation.
A Believing that the foreign policy of the Federal Government is contrary
pertain to this matter, whose past conduct gives not warrant that in every
respect his future acts will conform to the just expectations of the people^
and the dignity and greatness of their country.
Regarding the employment of money, the promise of office, or other im¬
proper influences of a like nature, as equally with the invocation of fraud,
force, intimidation, of violence to determine political results, as in the last
degree treasonable, wicked and abominable, they solemnly pledge them¬
selves to use at all times and under all circumstances, their utmost exer¬
tions to defeat all parties and the election of all persons, relying on or em¬
ploying such agencies to insure their political success.
Believing that Government was instituted for the benefit of the whole
people and not of a fraction of them, the Democracy of the Parish of
Orleans hold in abhorrence the institution of any distinctions between
citizens before the laws, and regard as traitors to liberty every person and
party, which, when in power, recognizes such distinctions or seeks to create
and perpetuate them.
Regarding the people as the source of all power, from whom alone is
derived authority to govern, they will disregard all clique and individual
combinations to forstall their determinations, and will * in every legitimate
12
manner oppose the election of men to public office, who rely for nomin¬
ation on corrupt compacts, or other mode than the free, frank and honest
expression of the popular will.
Holding in peculiar detestation the employment of Federal patronage
and Federal power to influence or control political results in the several
States of the Union, for the benefit of individuals or of factions; they pro¬
claim undying opposition alike to such influence and the evil disposed,
venal and bad men by whom it is originated, defended, or upheld.
Regarding Senators and Representatives of the people in Congress and
the State Assembly, as the vicarious depositaries of limited trusts alone, as
delegates of restricted powers, but responsibility unlimited to the electing
power, the Democracy of New Orleans would stamp with eternal reproba¬
tion such delegates as abuse their trust by legislating for their own advance¬
ment, or the promotion of their pecuniary interests, or who prostitute their
positions for mercenary or sordid objects, or political preferment.
Proclaiming these views as settled and mature convictions of the mem¬
bers of this Mass Meeting of the Democracy of the. City of New Orleans,
and pledging themselves individually and collectively to their maintainance,
they do solemnly resolve,
1st That no power, not directly emanating from the people and
sanctioned by them, can rightfully exist in a Republican Government.
2d. That no convention, the members of which are not chosen in a fair,
1 just and proper manner, is deserving of, or ought to receive recognition or
be entitled to respect.
3d. That the attempt to forestall the action of delegates of the people,
freely and fairly chosen to represent them in the Democratic State Conven¬
tion, to meet at Baton Rouge on the fourth Wednesday of May, by agree¬
ing upon a ticket, dictated and composed by traffickers in politics, is
repudiated and condemned by this meeting.
4th. That the people of every portion of the State, irrespective of their
party designations and geographical limits, are entitled to equal and im¬
partial justice, and any representation, State or Federal, violative of their
just rights, merits condemnation.
5th. That the attempt to play the dictator in a republican community
cannot be tolerated ; nor shall the Democracy of the city of New Orleans
ever submit to be made the mere registers of the foregone conclusions of
cliques, clans or individuals.
6th. That the employment of miscreants to determine the political
complexion of our elections, whether such miscreants be hired by men
calling themselves Democrats, or by men calling themselves Whigs, or
13
Americans, meets with their unqualified condemnation, and they invite the
cooperation of all their fellow-citizens to secure its extirpation.
7 th. That this meeting neither expresses nor entertains preferences for
individuals, and is ready and willing to vote for, and zealously to support
any man, or set of men, who receive their nominations from a Convention,
the members of which are fairly chosen and which fairly represents the
popular will.
The Hon. Mr. Grey was again called, but the President being informed
that the gentleman was unwell, announced the fact to the meeting.
John Alston, Esq., than proposed the following resolution:
Resolved, That a committee of twenty-four be appointed by the President
of this meeting to be styled "The Democratic Executive Committee for
the Parish of Orleans." That the duties of said committee shall consist
in giving notice for the holding of primary meetings in the different pre¬
cincts for the election of delegates to the various Parish, district and State
conventions, and in directing the organization of the party within the
Parish. That the term of service of said committee shall continue until
after the Parish, Congressional and State elections in November next.
In accordance with the foregoing resolution, the names of the following
gentlemen, appointed on the Committee, were read to the meeting by
M. Hahn, Esq. and accepted:
DEMOCRATIC PARISH EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE.
JAMES BREWER,
Calls were then made for Mr. De Bow, who was sitting in the body of
the hall. He wished to avoid the responsibility, but he finally had 'to
show himself, and said he regretted being unprepared to address the meet¬
ing, but he should say he sanctioned with all his heart the purpose for
which they had assembled, and was proud to express his approbation of it.
MARTIN GORDON, JR.,
DENIS DONOVAN,
Dr. E. AMES,
M. HAHN,
JOHN ALSTON,
A. ADNET,
T. D. HARPER,
S. P. FARGE,
PHILIP GUESNON, SR.,
HENRY JUDSON,
P. CLANCY,
J. F. RUB,
S. F. SLATTER,
DOCTOR S. CHOPPIN,
N. SOULE,
DENIS CRONAN,
P. DEVERGES,
R. J. KER,
C. B. BEVERLEY,
O. H. POYNOT,
GEO. LUGENBUHL,
J. B. G. ARNOULT.
14
Loud calls being made for Franklin H. Clack, that gentleman came for¬
ward and said:
I did not intend trespassing on this meeting. The laborious reading of
the preamble and resolutions physically prevent me from making any
effort. But before retiring from your kind call, allow me to make one remark.
It is a subject of congratulation, nay a matter for wonder, that there have
been found in the city of New Orleans, not five, or ten, or fifteen factionists,
but a meeting numerous in attendance, irreproachable in character—that
there have been found so many .i men called together without the prime
mover's hand being shown in the matter. There has been an incubus on
the Democratic party in Louisiana. Whether I name that incubus, it is
as well known to you as to me. Whether a craven fear prevented the
Democracy from acting, or whether they refused to act anticipating that no
good would come of it, the question naturally suggests itself what has oc¬
casioned this state of affairs ?
It is well known that in that party there yrere as true hearts, as good
Democrats, as good republicans as in any other State of the Union.—
What has taken place for the last eight or ten years ? In this city alone,
principle, has been sacrificed by those who only aimed at personal advance¬
ment. During the late troubles—and I refer to them pointedly,—where
were the constituted leaders ? where were they when leaders were needed ?
where were the Democratic State Central Committee, who assumed exclu¬
sive. jurisdiction, when they needed a party organization to protect the
voters from violence, Where were they during the elections when they
needed a party organization to keep up party esprit ? They told us there
was no use in contesting—that they would be beaten. Was that the
language for the leaders of a great party ? They should fight even if they
were beaten—by continual fighting could that discipline be obtained that
would ensure victory. I have already trespassed on you too long, but I
will say,—this is but the beginning of the end. Mark my word, that the
gentlemen of the Democratic party who have so long striven for what they
now behold, though they may be defeated now, the time will come when
victory will perch on their standard. Corruption and villainy cannot
always prevail. It would be doubting the working of an Allwise Providence
to believe that success always follows the footsteps of crime. To those
persevering in the maintenance and assertion of right, victory comes
sweetest.
For eight years we have labored to place the Democratic party on a
proper basis, and now we see, at least, the glimmering of success,. Whether
success be now obtained or not, let those who barter principle for personal
15
aggrandizement beware- The people have assembled and they will be
heard—their wish must prevail. Did we call you here to engage you in
any factious or sectional issue ? Did we not invite the whole Democracy ?
If in the meeting there was a majority of those who differed from us we
would have retired—but they never met us before the people—they never
dared do it. And, if the reports be correct, the most underhand means
have been used to obtain signatures to the call that appeared in a city
paper. A person told me he had been induced to sign it because it was as¬
serted we were endeavoring to split the Democratic party—to raise up a
new party by a combination with the Know Nothings. I told the person
to give it the lie wherever he heard it, and to charge it to me. As Mr.
Sould has said, we want no combinations. We stand on the Democratic
platform of popular rights and popular soverignty, and we shall push off
no one who desire to stand with us—in the words of Patrick Henry: " If
that be treason, make the most of it."
The following preamble and resolution offered by Matthew Martin, Esq.,
was read and adopted;
Whereas, It is deemed safe and expedient by this meeting to discourage,
and, in advance, disapprove the expression of Democratic sentiment through
the medium of proxies,, in any convention of the Democratic party to be
held hereafter in the State of Louisiana; therefore be it
Resolved, That it is respectfully recommended to our Democratic fellow-
citizens, in their primary meetings, to select a full delegation of good,
reliable and true men, to represent them in State, Parish and Ward con¬
ventions, who will honestly reflect their sentiments, and to withhold in all
cases the granting of proxies.
On motion of Mr. Hahn, the meeting then adjourned.