An interesting fact is to be noted here. In the spring of 1868, while the Democracy was wholly unorganized and the negroes aggressive under the protection of the military government, the State went Republican, but was carried by a reinvigorated Democratic party in the Presidential election of November of the same year; but in 1870 it swung back to the party in power.[280] But there are two perfectly intelligible explanations which do not necessarily invalidate the vote for Seymour in 1868: the new election law and the Enforcement Act of May 31, 1870,[281] which imposed heavy penalties for infringement upon the right to vote.
FOOTNOTES:
[169] Under this apparently harmless clause of the constitution he controlled even the lowest local offices in the remotest parts—constable, justice of the peace, etc.
[170] Session Laws, 1868, No. 27.
[171] Ibid., No. 75.
[172] 21 Louisiana Ann., 483-485.
[173] New Orleans Commercial Bulletin, July 19, 1869.
[174] No pecuniary interest was at stake for the city, because the positions of aldermen had no salaries attached. 21 La. Ann., 744.
[175] New Orleans Commercial Bulletin, Dec. 29, 1869.
[176] New Orleans, Comm. Bull., Bee, Mar. 27, 1869.