The Planters' banner. [volume] (Franklin, Attakapas Co., Lou.) 1849-1872, 1851-11-01
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From the New Orleans Crescent
THE AUDITOR OF STATE.

fore the people as candidates for Office
place their character and qualification:
in issue. It is the right of every indi
vidual, however humble. who is entitled
to the privileges and immunities of .
citizen, to discuss their claims to the
public favor and confidence 1t is true
that seme persons, in their zeal fol
party, trespass on private character and
the domestic relations of life; but a
fair and manly criticism upon the quail
fications of candidates, has a useful
and salutary influence. 1t enlightens
the public mind in regard to the char.
actsr of aspirants for Office, and pre-.
vents them from being imposed on by
faithless and incompetent men.
The Democratic Convention which
assembled in Baton Rouge, on the 14th
of July last, nominated Mr.. Thomas c.
Porter as their candidate for State Au-
ditor, and have presented him to the
people as the standard bearer of their
party, under whose banner they have
been victorious in many hard fought
battle. That Mr. Porter is a staunch
IS democrat of the straight-out Sect" ]
have no doubt, but that he is leader
or prominent member of that party,
/ have too much respect for the party
to acknowledge.
He was member of the Convention
which framed the constitution of this
State, and of the first Senate after IFS
adoption. have examined attentively
the Journals of both, and have been
unable to find any evidence of talent or
of those qualifications which are essen
tial TO the high and responsible office of
Auditor.
The only instance in which MIR. Por-
ter figured as a member of the Senate,
was as Chairman of the Committee to
which was referred the contested elec-
ton of Cook and Prescott, from the
parish of St. Landry, in which. after
very labored report, he decided that
The seat of Mr.. Prescott should be va
Gated and the election referred back to
the people. While Committee of the
House, at the head of which was dis
tingnished democrat, with the same
evidence before them, rejected the sit
ting members and declared that their
opponents were justly and legally enti-
tied 10 their seats.
This election produced much excite
mept al the time. 1t was considered
wanton attempt on the part of the COM
missi0uerss of election to corrupt the
pnriiy of the ballot-box, and to deprive
the people of the right of electing their
right which is se-
cured to them by the constitution, and
is considered the most valuable of our
free institutions.
1t met with severe rebuke on the
part of the Legislature and the people,
who, at the next election for Senator,
affirmed their former decision by a
large majority.
Mr.. Potter does not seem to have had
a great prediction for political life, as
he abandoned his prospects in the Sem
ate TO accept of the humble but more
lucrative post Of Tobacco Inspector in
New Orleans. #af a
The duties of Auditor are the most |
ardnous and responsible of all the State
officers. The Delta is mistaken in sup
posing that the duties are light, and of
d character which can easily be dis
charged by deputy. Many of them
have to be performed by the Auditor in
person. IS sli i5s
1t is his duty to prepare, digest and
report to the General Assembly at the
OF each session:
/. A full and detailed statement of
he condition of the revenue and the
amount Of expenditure for the last two
years.
Q. A full and detailed statement, of
he public debt.
3, Estimates of the revenue for the
two succeeding years.
4. To suggest such plans as he may
ieem Necessary for the support of the
public credit &c.
D ID also his duty to audit, adjust and
sstale the accounts of sherias, collectors,
acl, aud te give them, such information
. shsy may require in regard to the
1usieel Of their Office. Questions of
aovslty and difficulty frequently arise,
wing to our loose system of legisla-
ion, the decision of which requires an
nsimaae knowledge of the laws, par.
Iicuiasiy those relating TO the public
eseuae.
Thessadufies have been performed by
edge Bordelon to the entire satisfac-
len Of both bFaRches of the Legisla-
ass, who, by joint committee Of the
senats and House appointed to examine
aud accounts Of the Auditors
IfEices sepurted that he had discharged
WITH fidelity and eonfo7mably TO law
he vaEseus duties assigned 10 him.
Thisssstimonial, as flattering as it is
ash 0ught 10 have some weight in the
aeCtien, and with those who are not
"a astray BY party prejudice will exert
u impossant influence.
s In Offices Of high public trust and
it is very important that the ,
aCumbeut should possess honesty, cap
CITY end industry, rather than mere ,
ubseevsnoy t6party. It is much to be /
agretSed thai ii some instances these /
uslitisshaFe BEEN entirely disregard {
a, and that appointments to Office have !
cen governed exclusively by refer j
noe TO- the political opinions of the /
aadidats. In the language Of Mr..
=. Al IL