The Opelousas journal. [volume] (Opelousas, La.) 1868-1878, 1869-07-10
La:
Meeting of the Taxpayers.

We published, last week, the proceed
,ngs Of n meeting Of the Taxpayers, held at
the Court House, on the 2sth ult.. for the
ostcnsible purpose Of examining into the
Financial affairs" Of the parish. This
notwithstanding that all present were
taxpayers and approved of the real objects
Of the meeting, and were representative
men,-was composed of %thirty-two persons,
all told. Considering that this was but the
continuation of a series Of meetings previ.
ously held, we were surprised at finding so
attcnuated a gathering. It was but natn-
raj to suppose chat an inquisilion which
had been, selEconsttuted, for the purpose
Of upheaving from the dust and rubbish OF
the parochiar archives, the transportation
Of the revenues, the mal-administration Of
the officers, and the general corruption of
tho Police Jury, would have fortified itself
with the strength Of numbers, and the
names of men contributing largely to the
support Of the public treasury. Such how.
ever was not the case. 1t may be, howev.
er, that the Injecting" was a body of del
egated powers, and represented a very
numerous constituency. But Of this moth
ing can be accurately asserted, as the DEL
egates made no exhibition Of their creden-
tials.
The report Of the proceedings of the
Injecting" consists of a communication
from Mr.. Felix A. King, and the correspon-
dence between him and several parish off,
Gers. We haze been at a loss, whether to
consider Mr., Kings report as a serious thing,
or as a Joke. The ayerments of the report
arc c~ontradicted by the evidence. The
statements made are negatived by the cor
rcspondence. While he asserts that obsta.
Giles have been "interposed by the deposi
"taries Ct the records of the Police Jury to
"their inspection and examination" be
proves that these records have always been,
and continue to be open to the examination
of esery interested party. But the grava
men Of the complaint seems to be that these
books cannot be examined and inspected,
except upon the formulating condition "
that they must not be taken out of the
offices Of their legal custodians. Now, this
part of the report must be a jest; for every
one, who does not view the matter in a
Pickwickian sense, knows that while the
archives of public Office are open to gene
raj inspection, policy, usage and safety,
require that they shall not be removed from
the possession of the proper officers. Even
courts of justice cannot enforce the produc-
ton Of books apd papers Independently Of
the officer who has them in charge but be
is required to appear in person and bring
them. This rule is universal and from
its notoriety, and a desire not to stultify
tho report, We must conclude that tie "hu.
initiating conditions" spoken of by the re.
porter. were intended to be interpreted in a
purely PickWlcklan sense.
The next regular or adjourned Injecting"
sriii take place on the Gath Of July inst. ;
and while We may not be able to publish
until that time, the interesting report and
accompanying correspondence, we will en-.
deavor to keep the subject before the public.
AS no changes can be effected in the person-
mel of the Police Jury, until the next popu-
lar election, there is no necessity for great
haste, and there may be "luck in leisure"
Meanwhile the Parish breathes freely; its
finances are .prudently administered; its
real taxpayers are cheerfully contributing
10 support the public burdens ; and its war
rants, commanding ninety cents on the dol.
Tar, constantly attest its high credit and the
confidence of our citizens in the safeguards
ofthe Treasury. ..r '@.. .. ..