The New Orleans Daily Democrat

THE COUNTRY PRESS.

Views of the Republican and Neutral Papers of Louisiana on the Situation.

[Opelousas Journal, Ind.]

Louisiana now has bright prospects of political peace and a rigid enforcement of the laws—for all parties have the utmost confidence in Gov. Nicholls' determination to carry out the principles he has so often asserted, and his actions thus far have been in fulfillment of his words.

[State Register, Rep.]

We believe Gov. Nicholls is a patriot, who will make the good of the State his greatest ambition. He will see that life and property is respected and that the laws are honestly and fairly executed. The people, of all parties and colors, can ask no more, neither will they be satisfied with any less. The result of this struggle has placed Louisiana in a proper position to develop the wealth of her forests and fields, and to take her proper rank among the great States of the nation.

[Baton Rouge Grand Era, Rep.]

Governor Nicholls has promised to be the Governor of the whole people, to protect the negro in his educational, civil and political rights, and to extend the protection of the law without regard to race or color. We cannot, therefore, do aught which will in any way interfere in this programme. We fervently hope that he will be able to carry out his assurances of peace and protection, and that he will be assisted by the adherents of his party throughout the State.

[West Baton Rouge Sugar Planter, Rep.]

That the result has been obtained without violence is a source of general congratulation. It is not our purpose to discuss the causes which led to this change, nor the right or wrong in the claims of the contending parties. F. T. Nicholls is Governor of the State of Louisiana, and is so recognized by the highest authority in the land, as well as by the people of the State, and therefore for the time being the matter must be acknowledged, it is now the duty of every citizen, whatever his color or previous condition, to give that government his cordial support, regardless of the past, and the political differences which divided them. It is only by harmonious concert of action for the public good that the public good can be realized and maintained. There has been strife enough in the past eight or ten years between the people, growing out of the results of the war, and it is time that peace and contentment reigned once more among all classes and all occupations.

[Terrebonne Republican, Rep.]

That the political question is settled will be a relief to all. That Gov. Nicholls is now the Governor all must admit and respect accordingly. To Republicans (at least those who were—there ain't many now), we would say, cheerfully accept the situation, and have an abiding faith that it is for the best. Have no fears, because the pledges given by Gov. Nicholls cover a broader area than all the platforms of political parties. They were made by a true soldier, who never yet proved recreant, and take our word for it, those pledges will be kept in their very broadest sense—and kept by him who has the power and nerve to enforce them.

[Lake Providence True Republican, Rep.]

How Mr. Hayes can treat the election return that placed him at the head of the nation with such contempt, we cannot understand; yet if by doing this time should show that an actual benefit has been done to the people of the country, we are willing that it shall be so, but if it is demonstrated that the President turns out to be another Andrew Johnson or Tyler, it would have been far better to have had Mr. Tilden as President. Give us an open enemy every time to a traitor. But we will not at this early stage of the proceedings express our opinion of Mr. Hayes. We hope all will be for the best, but we do feel very much disappointed so far.

[Attakapas Register, Ind.]

It is a solace to the benighted political souls of Louisiana that one government will hereafter administer to her pressing necessities. The taxpayers, no longer threatened with duplicate payments, the office-holders in contemplation of a certainty, and the office-seekers who know where to make application, rejoice at the solution of the great difficulty. The hopes of parties must hereafter rest on the good sense of the majority of people, who may at all times be depended upon to remedy all grievances. This is as it should be. President Hayes has fulfilled his pledges in fair faith, and earned the gratitude of all patriots. With malice toward none and charity toward all, President Hayes and Gov. Nicholls may jointly concert for the peace and prosperity of Louisiana. So mote it be.

We have no doubt that Gov. Nicholls will keep his pledges to the letter. This being done, none will be sufferers from the change except Mr. Packard—over whose sad disappointment we sorrow as much as he does himself—and some of those who held office under him. In fact we are inclined to think that all others may be benefitted, as it will tend to establish a better feeling between the parties, and the colored citizens will find friends where they before found enemies. And there is little doubt that it will establish an era of peace that will be followed by prosperity. Let none contemplate pursuing such a course toward Gov. Nicholls as the White League did toward Gov. Kellogg. If he governs well—if we see him studying and laboring for the good of the State, dealing out impartial justice to the whole people, striving to crush out all egregious and improper distinctions, forbidding oppression and violence, and strictly enforcing the laws without grudge or favor to any, then, instead of striving to obstruct or hinder him, let us give him all the aid and support in our power.