Black Legislators in Louisiana during Reconstruction

VII. Factionalism Under Governor Kellogg

CHAPTER VII Factionalism Under Governor Kellogg The division in the state Republican party reflected a similar division in the national Republican organization. The state factions accordingly affiliated with one or the other of the national factions. In 1872 the national Republicans nominated Grant for President and Henry Wilson for vice-president. The Liberal Republicans selected as their standard-bearer Horace Greeley and for vice-president, B. Gratz Brown. Governor Warmoth decided to support the Liberal group because Grant had not upheld him in the state struggle. Originally, Lieutenant Governor Pinchback intended to support the Liberal RepUblicans but only if Charles Sumner received the nomination. But with Greeley's nomination, Pinchback broke with Warmoth and united with the Customhouse faction in supporting Grant. During the spring and summer of 1872 three distinct parties emerged in Louisiana: the Customhouse, or Radical Republicans ; the Reformers; and the Democrats.1 Each group held one I. The Reform party grew out of a committee of fifty~one citizens of New Orleans who met in December, 1871, to promote reform in the city administration. Lonn, Reconstruction, 140. Senator Burch was a member but later resigned when the party attempted to deceive black voters in the 1872 election. Another reform effort was promoted by the hereditary free black element in New Orleans who supported the wealthy philanthropist Aristide Mary for governor; the movement failed, however. Desdunes, Our People and Our HistDlY, 140-41; Lcwis, "The Political Mind of the Negro," 198-99; New Orleans Republican, March 20, April 12, 13, May 10, June 7, 9, 1872, January 15, 16, 1873, October 6, 1874. Factionalism Under Governor Kellogg I39 or more conventions and set up the usual committees. The Customhouse party was the first to hold a convention, meeting in New Orleans from April 30 until May I, for the purpose of selecting delegates to the Republican convention. Resolutions denouncing Warmoth were introduced, but at this point Pinchback appeared and urged harmony. Milder resolutions were then adopted, and the meeting adjourned before delegates were chosen . Four weeks later the Warmoth Republicans who leaned toward the national Liberals met in the statehouse. The convention voted to wait on the outcome of the Liberal Republican national convention before endorsing candidates. Since many of the delegates were officeholders under Warmoth, official approval of the governor was voted overwhelmingly; Pinchback also won the praise of the convention. After endorsing the Republican platform of 1868, the convention adjourned to meet again on June 19 in Baton Rouge. Meanwhile, on June 3, the Democratic and Reform parties convened in New Orleans and managed to effect a fusion. John McEnery became the gubernatorial candidate ofthe combined factions that later united with the Liberals. On June 19the two wings ofthe Republican party met at Baton Rouge, hoping to effect a coalition. The hope was stillborn, however, and the factions adjourned to meet again in New Orleans on August 9. Conference committees from each group were appointed to confer with the other side. The Pinchback wing ofthe party found it impossible to approve the state Liberal platform and pledged itself to support Grant and Wilson. It first forwarded a ticket headed by Pinchback, with A. B. Harris in the second spot. However, negotiations continued with the Packard wing, and concessions were obtained. By August 27 a coalition of the two wings was a reality. The RepUblicans also came to agreement on a ticket: William P. Kellogg for governor (Customhouse ); C. C. Antoine for lieutenant governor (Customhouse ); Pierre G. Deslonde for secretary of state (Pinch- 140 Black Legislators in Louisiana back); Charles Clinton for auditor (Customhouse); W. G. Brown for superintendent ofeducation (Pinchback); and P. B. S. Pinchback for congressman-at-large.2 The election was held in early November in accordance with the registration and election laws of 1870 It was described as quiet; but the outcome was disputed and resulted in a period of dual government for the state. Fraud and systematic denial for the rights of black voters were undoubtedly practiced bringing vigorous protests from blacks.3 The results were not final until ratified by a returning board that canvassed and counted the votes. The board consisted of five members, but two of them were found to be ineligible, and therefore the governor replaced them with two of his supporters. One of the members, Senator John Lynch, refused to agree to the new appointments and named two men of his own. These maneuvers...