"Yrs., &c.,
"Ch. O'Conor."
A. LOOMIS TO TILDEN
"Little Falls, Jany. 6, 1875.
"Dear Sir,—The usurpation by the military arms of the United States of the entire government of the late State of Louisiana has been consummated by the forcible expulsion of members of the Legislature from their seats by United States soldiers.
"This occurrence demands, in my judgment, an expression of public opinion in relation to it more efficient than editorial denunciations, however emphatic. The press exerts a wonderful influence, but there are exigencies in which its efforts to arrest abuses may be greatly strengthened by public opinion expressed in more authentic form.
"In Louisiana the executive branch has for some time past been kept in place only by soldiers under the orders of the Commander-in-Chief of the United States armies. The judges hold their offices by favor of the same Presidential commander. Now he has taken possession of the only remaining branch of the State government, the Legislature, by direct military force. The usurpation is complete. The State government is extinct. One State in the Union has ceased to be. The atrocious despatch of General Sheridan, commander at New Orleans, to the Secretary of War, illustrates the arbitrary spirit and thirst for unlimited martial power that inspires the orders under which he holds the State in subjection, and exhibits in true colors himself a willing and dangerous instrument of ambitious aspirations.
"Under this crisis I beg respectfully to suggest for your consideration whether some official demonstration ought not to be made by the government of this State—an expression of strong reprehension and warning—in the hope that it may aid in recalling to their proper duties those who are now lending their official influence to the overthrow of our republican institutions. A special message by you to the Legislature and a prompt and energetic protest by the Assembly, and I should hope by the Senate also, may be a timely measure of far-reaching benefit. It seems to me that something of this nature is demanded by the exigency, and would be an act worthy of the chief magistrate of the State of New York.
"Very Respectfully,
"Yours, &c.,
"A. Loomis."
PECKHAM TO TILDEN
"Personal.
"18 Wall Street, New York, Jan. 2, 1875.