gs
followed are facts that seem to be well established; and I am credibly
informed that these violent proceedings were a part of a premeditated
plan to have the house organized in this way, recognize what has been
called the McEnery senate, then to depose Governor Kellogg, and so
revolutionize the State government.

Whether it was wrong for the governor, at the request of the majority of
the members returned as elected to the house, to use such means as were
in his power to defeat these lawless and revolutionary proceedings is
perhaps a debatable question; but it is quite certain that there would
have been no trouble if those who now complain of illegal interference
had allowed the house to be organized in a lawful and regular manner.
When those who inaugurate disorder and anarchy disavow such proceedings,
it will be time enough to condemn those who by such means as they have
prevent the success of their lawless and desperate schemes.

Lieutenant-General Sheridan was requested by me to go to Louisiana
to observe and report the situation there, and, if in his opinion
necessary, to assume the command, which he did on the 4th instant, after
the legislative disturbances had occurred, at 9 o'clock p.m., a number
of hours after the disturbances. No party motives nor prejudices can
reasonably be imputed to him; but honestly convinced by what he has seen
and heard there, he has characterized the leaders of the White Leagues
in severe terms and suggested summary modes of procedure against them,
which, though they can not be adopted, would, if legal, soon put an
end to the troubles and disorders in that State. General Sheridan was
looking at facts, and possibly, not thinking of proceedings which would
be the only proper ones to pursue in time of peace, thought more of the
utterly lawless condition of society surrounding him at the time of his
dispatch and of what would prove a sure remedy. He never proposed to do
an illegal act nor expressed determination to proceed beyond what the
law in the future might authorize for the punishment of the atrocities
which have been committed, and the commission of which can not be
successfully denied. It is a deplorable fact that political crimes and
murders have been committed in Louisiana which have gone unpunished,
and which have been justified or apologized for, which must rest as a
reproach upon the State and country long after the present generation
has passed away.

I have no desire t