country. The main question [eligibility to vote] is one that does not admit of any compromise, for in its material aspect it simply is: Whether the earnings of the white race are to be at the mercy of an ignorant and facile horde of pauper barbarians [African Americans].” Ryan’s speech before the White League On November 19, 1874, Ryan spoke to White League and the people of New Orleans. In this speech, Ryan responded to his critics, “They [Ryan’s critics] think it very strange that I, as a priest, should have anything to say upon matters which more or less pertain to the political order of society. I, as a priest in my duties, do not lose my rights of citizenship. ... if there ever comes up a question in the world as between race and race, and the interests of one race against the instincts of another, common human interests tells me, and religion does not prohibit me, I stand by the white race. ... I am responsible to my church for every word I say in regard to the moral order – but my responsibility to her goes no further.” Ryan also addressed the divine commendation of white supremacy: “... if history be a manifestation of Divine Providence, it is the divine mission of the white race to march in the van of civilization to lead the entire world ... it was the pale white brow that gave to the world its philosophy, out of which the world deduces its own intellectual life. [Audience cheers]” Moreover, Ryan justified the contemporaneous recourse to violence by the White League and others: “Men by reasoning came to the conclusion of what was right and just and legitimate, and that under all laws there always existed and always will exist, the right of resistance against that which is wrong. So they not only petition but argue. But, sometimes, my friends, arguments will not reach their conclusions; sometimes arguments fall upon the ears of those who are opposed to those who argue. Sometimes, and perhaps most oftentimes, petitions may be written, but they avail nothing. What must a man do then? The bullet must reason, the rifle must reason, [the audience cheers] the cannon must reason [more cheers]. ... when tyranny can no longer be endured, rests the legitimate right to overthrow it. ... So the 14th of September was more than a