New Orleans Republican. [volume] (New Orleans, La) 1867-1878, 1870-08-06
ouR STATE CONVENTION.

DUB STATE CONVECTION. -
From what We at present know, the
Republican State Convention that meets
in this city, next Monday, is the most in
telligent body of men that have ever repre-
sented the Republican party in conven-
ton. s Fr ..
The work they have to perform is plain
and straightforward. First of all is the
enunciation and reassertion OF the great
principles which constitute the platform
of the National Republican party, with
such additions as the condition OF affairs
in Louisiana render necessary.
The most important addition needed to
the Republican platform is the adoption
of resolution pledging the party to Sc
cure the passage of homestead exemp-
ton law of not less than one thousand
dollars. That this has not been done be-
fore, is a very great pity. 1t must not,
however, be postponed beyond the coming
session. At this time there is nothing OF
so much consequence, in the way OF legis-
lation, as the passage of such a law. All
the Northern and Western States have
had homestead exemption laws for great
many years; some of them more than
twenty. Very few of them are tor less
than one thousand dollars, while some are
for more; California, for instance, ex-
empts five thousand dollars, and Illinois
fifteen hundred dollars.
The homestead exemption laws OF the
Western States have done more to promote
their rapid increase in wealth and popula-
ton than all the rest of the laws on their
statute books OF what use is one hundred
and sixty acres of land given to every
actual settler, if his horse and COW or
farming implements can be taken from
him for the payment of a small debt? The
poor laboring man who enters piece OF
land, and is struggling to place himself
and family beyond the reach of want, is
at the mercy of his political enemy, unless
he has the protection of a homestead ex-
emption law.
We have said so much on this subject,
for the purpose of impressing upon the
gentlemen forming the State convention,
the importance Of the subject. We tell
them the people are looking to them for
the furtherance of this great work, that
ought to have been accomplished long
ago. They are expecting it, and we hope
they may not be deceived. Further delay
or excuses will not do. the matter has
been talked of and canvassed in the ward
clubs, and the people have but one
opinion on the subject. We must have
homestead exemption law of not less
than one thousand dollars.
Next comes the nomination of State
officers and members of Congress. We
desire that the convention approach this
serious duty with all the GOODNESS and
calmness possible; not hastily nor blindly.
With an entire freedom from passion or
prejudice, with but one object in view
that of selecting the very best men in the
party as cauQ1QateS IOr Olce. uleu well
known for their integrity of character
and steadfastness to the principles of the
Republican party. If this is done, and
and we make no doubt the gentlemen
composing the convention will do their
very best, the Republican party in No
vember can Garry its banner in triumph
and success.
The only other duty that devolves upon
the convention is the providing for new
State Executive Committee in the place of
the present one That also should COM
prise the most active, intelligent and zeal
Gus men in the Republican ranks. Let
every man feel and understand that har-
mony and unity are the great elements Of
success. If there are any petty or per-
sonal differences, they must be sunk in
the interest of the Republican party. If
there are any pretending to be Republi-
cans who do not recognize or understand
these great truths, they had better retire
and join the Democracy.