THE DEMONSTRATION IN THE PARISH OF JEFFERSON
CITIZENS GATHER
TEARS OF THE PEOPLE FALL
GREAT SPEECH OF CHRISTIAN ROSELIUS
REMARKS OF COLONEL FIELD
THE COURT HOUSE

The Court House of the city, a large and imposing structure, was draped in black, hung with festoons and funeral wreaths. Such devices were also displayed from the galleries and the fronts of private residences. The people seemed to feel the present calamity, and let slip no opportunity by which they could display their emotions. The great events which afflict whole countries are more easily seen among the people of suburban towns than within the crowded streets of a city. the effect that the murderous death of the President of the United States produced was, within the scope of the suburban city of Carrollton, more plainly to be seen in the demeanor of the people, as they crowded up the broad avenue leading to the Court House, than among the people of our city, widespread as this calamitous occurrence may have made itself felt among all. The city people thronged within the Court House, filling the seats and benches, and among them were matron and maid, families in all their strength, whose presence in mournful garb attested the object of the meeting, and divested it of all other character else than a demonstration of the affliction which had befallen the people.

THE ASSEMBLY WITHIN.

There were citizens here from all parts of the parish of Jefferson, who had resorted hither from all vicinities. The old and young had been drawn hither by the news of the coming demonstration. Among those present, among about five hundred people, were noticed the following persons gathered around the inner railing of the Court-room:

Robt. Morris, Jas. Mushaway, F. Lagrove, P. E. Davis, George Weiss, John Mayer, Joseph Fleury, Y. J. Lecorgue, Jacob Miller, W. H. Nelson, L. C. Perret, N. F. Hire, George Herrle, Louis Gordon, J. Benninger, J. Vidou, Peter A. Pons, Saml. Pursell, Nich. Schneider, E. F> Smith, Clem. Brown, Stephen Kerner, C. W. Brand, W. M. Prescott, W. F. Meek, H. Tebbe, Wm. Gheinke, T. S. Crawford, Jno. E. Schaffer, Jacob Joachim, David Pursell, Fred Schroeder, Aug. Babin, Capt. Wedge, Provost Marshal, Peter Soulier, E. Whitmore, Chas. Engleman.

As the crowd poured into the building and filled the lobbies and the entrances, the occasion became more solemn as the passing bell in mournful dole added its cadence to the general feeling of heaviness and disaster.

THE ORGANIZATION

Judge A. Cazabat stating that the present meeting was held in compliance with notices to that effect, also stated that it was a meeting of the citizens of the parish of Jefferson, who would give expression to their feelings in reference to the present affliction of the nation. He said the proceedings would open with prayer, and then listened to the prayer of Rev. Father Lemegee.

After which, Hon. Wm. Mithoff was selected the President, John P. Michel, of the City of Jefferson, and F. C. Zeller, of the city of Carrollton, Vice Presidents, and John S. Burke, Secretary. The address of President Mitthoff expressed his horror at the crime of assassination and the feelings of the stricken nation at this horrid crime. It was scarcely possible to believe that in this nineteenth century, in this country, such a horrible crime could have been committed. His remarks were appreciated by the meeting…

THE RESOLUTIONS.

At the close of the speech of Mr. Roselius, during which the tears of the people fell freely, the following were given forth as the sentiments of the meeting, and read by Mr. Hamilton on behalf of the committee that drafted them:

WHEREAS, The mournful and dread tidings of the base and cowardly assassination of Abraham Lincoln, the incorruptible and beloved Chief Magistrate of this Republic, together with a like unmanly attack upon William H. Seward, the able Secretary of State, has filled our hearts and minds with horror and gloom, and naturally calls for a deep and sincere expression of our feelings of sorrow; therefore be it

Resolved, That we, the citizens of the parish of Jefferson, State of Louisiana, will attend in a body the called meeting of our fellow citizens of New Orleans, on Saturday, 22d inst., there to participate in the public demonstration of grief attendant upon the nation’s loss of one of the best friends of liberty and greatest benefactors of mankind, as a mark of our respect for the memory of the immortal President, who, after having been the successful redeemer of his country, has so suddenly sunk into a martyr’s grave.

Be it further resolved, That we will wear the usual badge of mourning for the term of thirty days, and also recommend that all public buildings and private residences be draped in mourning.

Be it further resolved, That we have full faith and confidence in the patriotism, integrity and ability of Andrew Johnson, of Tennessee, and hope from his past life and public services that he will prove a worthy successor of the great and good man for whom the country now mourns, that he will be actuated by the same policy, and inspired with the same spirit of peace and reconciliation.