New Orleans Republican., 1871-12-31
pEMoeRATIc REsPoYsIB1I1TY.

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On the eve of an important Legislative
struggle, on the issue Of which may de
pend the ascendancy of parties and tht
success Of the great reform measures t.
which the State government is pledged, il
is well to survey the situation, in order
that the public may determine its future
judgment with full understanding Of the
causes attendant upon and precedent to
the result. Especially is this necessary
now, because faction Of the Republican
party openly boasts that it carries the en-
tire representation OF the Democratic party
in its pocket. Let us glance over the past
connection between the Customhouse
clique, led in the House of Representa-
tives ty Speaker Carter, and the Dem
ocratic members, and fix the responsibility
for the enormous losses to the State which
resulted from that coalition.
First-The Democrats elected George
W. Carter Speaker. He could not obtain
majority of the Republican votes, and
was carried into power by Democratic in
duence, every representative of that party,
with but single exception, voting for
him.
Second-This was the result of regu-
lar bargain and sale. Carter to be made
Speaker pledged to bestow powers and
honors under control of that Office upon
the foes of Republicanism, and the fact
that nearly all the important committees
were placed in Democratic hands shows
that they held him fast to his promises.
Third-Hundreds of thousands of dol
lars We're fraudently expended by the
House, and the Democrats controlling
the committees must have been cogni-
zant Of it. Not only were they cognizant
of these gigantic peculations, but the
signature Of Speaker Carter and the
books Of his chairman Of the Committee
on Contingent Expenses attest that they
were the principal spoliators- witness
the immense sums drawn by Messrs.
Schumacher, Pond, Stevens and others.
for services they made no pretense Of rem
1ering, particulars of which are on file
n the Eighth District Court Thus the
question of responsibility for the gross
outrages perpetrated last session is clearly
lefned and settled. Speaker Carter,
elected by Democrats, pern1itted-nay,
i led and abetted-it. and his Democratic |
lilies seized the lions share Of the spoils.
Fourth-The merchant who detects an
mploye Systematically robbing him, does
lot retain him in place and continue his
confidence simply because he promises
o do better in future. On the contrary,
'e properly feels it duty to the COM
nunity to expose the villain who has be-
rayed his trust, and turn him over to the
Nv officers for richly merited punish
lent. The Democrats claim to be the
representatives. Of the wealth, culture,
loral uprightness and general worth Of
be people Of Louisiana. They stand.
aerefore, in relation to the speakership,
4 this position: Being responsible for
arter's elevation to that position, if they
ote against reorganization Of the House
ley not only record themselves as ap-
rowing past wanton and criminal expeni-
Tres, but willing to risk, if not desirous
seeing another wholesale plander OF
lie people.
That Mr.. Carter will be deposed as pre-
ding officer of the House, we have not
oubt. The only possibility Of defeating
will be through his securing unanimous
emocratic support. But really we do
1t think many Of that party who care
r their regulations at home will dare
oulder such burden That the con- ..
ituencies before whom they must short
appear for Endorsement OF reputation.
ii be thoroughly informed Of the par a.,
,ulars of their course, all may rest as
red; and that the people, in their present
termined temper for reform, will hold
EN- strictly accountable for the disastrous
which may hinge upon their
ton, is no less certain. The political !,
ture Of many of them will turn upon the :,
ton Tomorrow