New Orleans Republican. [volume] (New Orleans, La) 1867-1878, 1868-11-09
NEW ORLEANS REPUBLICAN, MONDAY, NOVEMBER 9 1853

which every man, whatever his opinions or
political predictions. could stand.
In conclusion, be moved the adoption of
the articles of organization.
The motion being put, they passed
unanimously.
Mr.. Freret then introduced Mr.. Steven
son, the President, who briefly addressed
the meeting. Mr.. Stevenson expressed his
surprise at being elected to preside over
the association, as he had Joined it without
expectation or aspiration, was not an office
seeker, and did not know of an Office within
the gift of the people he would accept.
He believed the organization should have
been formed fifty years before. 1t was
simply matter Of dollars and cents. 1t
had for its object the prevention of robbery
in high and low places, and was designed
to secure, if possible, good government.
without breaking any law, they proposed
to call law to their assistance. The men,
Der owning $1,000,000 in real estate, and
the widow possessed only of shanty,
would stand exactly on the same footing.
There were no party issues in any
way brought TO bear. They pro-
posed to establish a bureau of in
formation, where all abuses might
be reported, and this alone, be thought,
would amply repay the small amount
each were asked to contribute. He was
opposed to have anything like fat Office
connected with the association. 1t would
be necessary to have a certain amount of
work done, and this should be paid for
Eminent legal talent, when it was required,
should be secured, but for himself he de-
clined to receive any compensation what
ever.
A move had already been made to test
the legality OF the one per cent tax, and
learned counsel were of the opinion that it
would be declared unconstitutional.
George W. Race, being loudly called for,
chief object for complaint was the number
and variety of leak in the public Golfers.
1t seemed little matter what party was in
power, the grievance was still COM
planned of. Were this once stopped, were
confidence restored, the present debt would
prove mere bagatelle. To watch those
in power, and prevent their peculations,
was one of the objects Of the association.
Alexander Walker followed in a speech
Of some length, in which he said:
What was now so happily commenced
had long been in the minds OF all observing
citizens, as the most effective mode OF
reaching the evils which so greatly de-
pressed the energies of our people and i'm
peded the progress and growth of our city.
This was the assumption by the citizens
and taxpayers of their due and proper
share OF the duties and responsibilities in
the conduct of the Government
1t was the fault of themselves, of the good
citizens and tax payers, that affairs had
gone on so badly, and had got to so sad a
strait OF misgovernment, corruption and
discredit. They had nobody to blame but
themselves. The censure and denunciation
leveled at those who had been foisted into
authority by the consent or the gross neg
lect of the good citizens rebounded upon
themselves. The present organization had
an aspect OF earnest and practical purpose,
which was very different and far more en-.
couraging than all previous efforts in the
same direction.
Both on account OF its zeal and its reso-
lutte character and organization, and the
solid and practical qualities of those who
have undertaken to manage and direct it.
the present movement gave promise of a
brilliant success. 1t should command the
cordial and enthusiastic support and CO.
operation of all who desired that New Or
leans should fulfill the splendid and bril-
liant part which nature had assigned it in
the great drama OF modern civilization and
commerce.
The meeting then adjourned.