[70] against any interference of the United States with the organization or proceedings of the House; but notwithstanding this protest, the officer in command marched a company of soldiers upon the floor of the House, and by force removed thirteen members, who had been legally and constitutionally seated as such, and who, at time of such forcible removal, were participating in the proceedings of the House. In addition to this the military declared their purpose to further interfere with force in the business and organization of this assembly, upon which some fifty-two members and the Speaker withdrew, declining to participate any longer in the business of the House under the dictation of the military.Such being the facts, Louis A. Wiltz, as Speaker, respectfully appeals to the President to be informed “ by what authority and under what law the United States army interrupted and broke up a sessions of the House of Representatives of the State of Louisiana?” Should it appear, Wiltz goes on to say, that this invasion has been made without law and authority, he urgently requests that the Federal troops may be ordered to restore the House to its
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