CHAPTER XXVI. MONROE RE-ELECTED MAYOR OF NEW ORLEANS. The reconstructed of New Orleans preferred men to govern the city dyed a few shades deeper in the blood of the friends of the United States Government than those already holding the municipal offices. Looking back upon the days of thuggery with evident pleasure, the returned rebels nominated John T. Monroe for Mayor, and Lucien Adams for one of the Recorders of the city. The following was a reason given by one of the returned Confederates for the nomination of Monroe: "He is a staunch member of the National Democratic party, an earnest supporter of the reconstruction policy of President Johnson, and an advocate of peace, harmony and good will." The following is from the pen of an ex-confederate officer who was upon the ticket of municipal officers to be elected in New Orleans on the Monday to which he refers: 66 We must stand by Andrew Johnson in his contest with radicalism, already fierce, and destined to become fiercer and more ferocious. We ought to preserve the organization of the National Democratic party in all its completeness and integrity. We cannot afford to lose the present occasion of demonstrating to the President that in his fight with radicalism he has all our sympathies. "It cannot be objected that in a merely municipal election this is a matter of minor importance, and that our Federal relations have nothing to do with it. "The chief commercial city of the South will have an opportunity next Monday of deciding by what majority she allies herself with the only party that can save the country from ruin.” The Democratic nominees for the city offices were elected on the 12th of March, 1866. The New Orleans Press and the friends of the Administration were jubilant over the election. Rozier, Rozelius, Fellows, and others who were in sympathy with President Johnson's reconstructed," considered it a joyful victory over the radical Republican party. Loyal men were overwhelmed with reproaches and threats by the dominant party if they dared resist the encroachments of thuggery by word or act. The state of affairs caused a general indignation in the hearts of the loyal masses, who trembled with fear as they saw the workings of "My Policy," but were powerless to defend justice against the encroachments of the organizations by which they were surrounded. The unanimous voice of the truly loyal in New Orleans was "deliver us from our enemies and the corrupt men in official positions." Even the mild and gentle Canby, who was always disinclined to interfere with civil law, sustained by Executive authority, was startled from his repose upon the announcement of the election of Monroe. The following orders were issued by the commanding General: HEADQUARTERS DEPARTMENT OF LOUISIANA, Special Orders, No. 63. [Extract.] 2. It appearing that John T. Monroe, who received, respectively, at the late municipal election a majority of the votes for the office of Mayor, may come within the class of exceptions mentioned in the President's proclamation of amnesty, not having received a special pardon, will be suspended from the exercise of any of the functions of his office until his case can be investigated and the pleasure of the President be made known. By order of Major-General E. R. S. Canby. WICKHAM HOFFMAN, Assistant Adjutant-General. Official. NATHANIEL BUrbank, 1st Lieut., Acting Asst.-Adjt.-Gen. HEADQUARTERS, DEPARTMENT OF LOUISIANA. Special Orders, No. 63.] [Extract.] 3. J. Add. Rozier, Esq., is appointed Mayor of the city of New Orleans, pro tempore, and will act in that capacity until the municipal government of the city is organized, as provided for by the fifteenth section of the city charter, in the case of the sickness or temporary absence of the Mayor. By order of Maj.-Gen. E. R. S. Canby. Official: NATHANIEL BURBANK, WICKHAM HOFFMAN, Assistant Adjutant-General. 1st Lieut., Act. Asst. Adj.-Gen. Can it be supposed by a reflecting mind that, had Arnold applied to Washington for pardon, he would have been reinstated as General of the United States forces? or that, had Monroe sought pardon from Lincoln, he would have been reinstated Mayor of New Orleans? Andrew Johnson's favorite policy drew to his sovereign feet the chief traitors of the land, who went through with the farce of sueing for pardon, for the known purpose of strengthening despotism. Such suppliants were raised to the highest positions in the State and municipal governments of the rebellious States. Mark the contrast between the treatment of Doctor Dostie, the patriot of New Orleans, and that of Monroe, the traitor of New Orleans, at the hands of the Executive! To Washington went Monroe, to get permission from the President to control the metropolis of the South, according to his old thuggery principles, in defiance of loyalty, justice, law and order. Upon his return to New Orleans, after an interview with the President, the following notice appeared in the New Orleans papers: 66 Mayor John T. Monroe arrived home last evening. While in Washington, Mayor Monroe had several interviews with President Johnson, and obtained from him a special pardon, affixed to which is the President's own signature, which in most cases is only stamped upon pardons issued by the Chief Executive. "Mayor Monroe, who was received very kindly by Mr. Johnson, upon asking for his pardon remarked to the President that he had supposed he was already pardoned under the proclamation of President Lincoln. Mr. Johnson replied that to all intents and purposes he was included in that proclamation, but that for the sake of satisfying all parties, and to place the Mayor beyond the probability of any future annoyance, he thought it best to grant him a special pardon. "At half-past eleven o'clock Mayor Monroe repaired to the City Hall, and once more assumed the duties of Chief Executive of the city." By the supporters of the President the flattering reception of Monroe at the Executive Mansion was hailed as a propitious omen for their plans. The Mayor, fully established in office, proceeded to act in harmony with the plan of reconstruction, All policemen known to be tinctured with loyal blood were discharged, to give place to applicants conspicuous in murdering Union men in 1860 and during the rebellion. Secret organizations were formed, composed of officers of the confederate army, whose avowed object was to protect the rights of their companions, but whose secret purpose was demonstrated to be the destruction of the loyal element of Louisiana. As early as May 27th Hays' Brigade was organized to prepare for future work. Similar organizations, prepared for future emergencies all proclaiming their rule of action to be in unison with the principles of their former master, Jefferson Davis, and their ruler, Andrew Johnson. The rumors of conspiracy, armed organizations, and secret societies aroused many of the timid and watchful to the danger of the situation; whispers of revenge uttered by the avowed enemies of "Yankees," "innovators," "negro worshippers," and the freedmen fell upon the ears of the alarmed loyalists of New Orleans. To whom should they appeal? Not to the Chief Executive. His decrees had gone forth "to sustain the civil authorities." The civil authorities were the conspirators. To the military alone the defenceless looked for protection. In the midst of danger the courageous Dostie knew |