New Orleans Republican. [volume] (New Orleans, La) 1867-1878, 1868-01-05

reasonable work for themselves ac-
cording to their faculties; and
| Whereas, Consequently the largest
and most useful class of the people of
Louisiana are suffering from this state
of affairs; therefore be it
Resolved, That the uncultivated
lands shall in future be subject to
taxation double that of the cultivated
lands.
Resolved, That it shall be the duty
of the next legislature convened in this
state, after the adoption of this con-
stitution, to pass such laws as may be
deemed proper, requiring the asses
sors in their respective districts to
assess such uncultivated lands, so as
to conform to the views of this ordi-
nance.
Referred to the committee on gem
eral provisions.
By Mr.. Charles Smith, of Orleans:
WHEREAS, The state of Louisiana is
one of the largest, if not the largest
stakeholder, and next to the city of
New Orleans, in the Great Western
and 0peIousas railroad; and
Whereas, Its financial affairs an
pear to be approaching disastrous
crisis; therefore be it
Resolved, That a committee of FIVE
be appointed to examine the books
and papers and records of said rail-
road, and report to this convention its
financial condition and the status Of
the persons under whose control it at
present remains.
Lies over.
REPORTS oP STANDING COMMITTEES.
Committee on Enrollment-Prog-
ress.
Committee on the Executive-Prog-
ress.
REPORT or THE SPECIAL COMMITTEE.
Mr.. Belden, on behalf of the special
committee appointed to wait upon
General Hancock, submitted the fol-
lowing report, which was received and
the committee discharged:
To the President and Gentlemen Of the Convention;
The undersigned, special committee
appointed to confer with General w.
s. Hancock, commander of the fifth
military district, upon the subject of
payment of the commissioners of the
late election for delegates to this con-
vention, beg leave to report that thew
have had an agreeable and very salts
factory interview with the command
ing general upon the subject of their
mission, who gave his opinion that the
matter belonged exclusively to his
jurisdiction under the reconstruction
laws of congress, as commander of
this district. The general suggested
to US, in connection with the subject,
that it had not yet been decided
whether the said commissioners were
entitled to compensation or not, but
that he would at once correspond with
his predecessor, Major General Sheri-
dan, through Colonel Gentry, late
secretary of civil affairs, and learn
his intentions as TO whether they were
to receive compensation or not, and
that the question would be determined
by the character of his reply. If his
decision should be in the affirmative,
they would be at once paid from the
reconstruction fund under his control.
UNFINISHED BUSINESS.
By Mr.. Smith, of Orleans:
WHEREAS, There has been no COM
mittee appointe5 to investigate the
city charter of New Orleans; and
Whereas, The legislature of 1867
by its enactments passed laws depriv-
ing loyal citizens of rights clearly en-
joyed under the constitution Of the
United States; therefore, belt
Resolved, That committee of nine
be appointed by the chair, to be known
as a committee on city charter, whose
duty it shall be to examine said char
ter and report to the convention the
changes deemed necessary to secure
the equal rights of all citizens of said
city, without regard to race, color, or
previous condition.
Mr.. Smith moved to adopt.
| Mr.. Bertonneau moved to lay on the
table. Adopted.
By Mr.. Burrel, of St. John the
Baptist:
| WHEREAS, That Sunday, the first
day Of the week, is set apart by
Christian nations as day of rest and
worship to Almighty God therefore,
be it
Resolved, That the legislature Of
this state shall pass such suitable laws
as will forbid all secular labor on the
sabbath day as well as to prevent the
indulgence of such practices as tend
to deprave the morals of the commu-
nifty; that pugilistio encounters, gam
bling, horse racing, and other immoral
practices be strictly prohibited.
Resolved, That the parish and mu-
nicipal authorities of this state held
by legislative enactments be strictly
responsible under severe penalties for
the enforcement of these laws.
Mr.. Burrel moved to adopt.
Mr.. Cooley, of Pointe Coupee,
moved to lay on the table. Adopted.
By Mr.. Bonseigneur, of Orleans:
Resolved, That it shall be the duty
of the first legislature convened in
this state, after the adoption of this
constitution, to ascertain the total in
debtedness of the state, and to issue
bonds therefor having not more than
forty (4O) years to run, and bearing
interest at the rate of six (61 per cent
per annum, payable in United States
ut.