The Opelousas journal. [volume] (Opelousas, La.) 1868-1878, 1871-12-16

this department. 1t is in the hands
of an able head, with able assist
ants, all zealously devoted to intro
ducing into the agricultural produc,
fions of the nation useful products
adapted to any of the various climates
and soils of our vast territory, and
to giving all useful information as to
fhe method of cultivation, Elephants,
cereals and other products adapted
to particular localities; quietly but
surely the Agricultural Bureau Is
working a great national good, and
if duly supported, the more widely
it's influence will be extended, and
the less dependent we shall be upon
the products of fereign countries.
SALARIES OF BUREAU OFFICERS.
The subject of compensation to
the heads of bureaux and officials
holding positions Of responsibility,
and requiring ability and character
to fill properly. is one to which your
attention is invited. The officials
do not receive a compensation equal
to the respectable support of a fami.
", while their duties are such as to
involve millions of interest. In
private life, services demand com
pensation equal to the services rem
dered. A wise economy would die
tate the same rule in the govern
ment service.
ESTIMATES FOR THE SUPPORT OF
THE GOVERNMENT.
Ihave not given the estimates for
the support of the Government for
the ensuing year, nor the compare
tive statement between the expendi-
lures for the year just passed and
the one just preceding, because all
these figures are contained in the
accompanying reports, Or in those
presented directly to Congress.
These estimates have my approval.
A GLANCE AT THE RECENT WAR.
More than six years having
elapsed since the last hostile gun
was fired between the armies then
arrayed against each other, one for
the perpetuation, the other for the
destruction of the Union, it may
we'll be considered whether it is not
time that the disabilities imposed
by the Fourteenth amendment
should be removed. That amend
ment does not exclude the ballot,
but only imposes the disability to
hold offices upon certain classes.
When the purity of the ballot is
secure majorities are SUI to elect
officers rejecting the views of the
majority. I do not see the advan-
tage or propriety of excluding men
from Office merely because they
were before the rebellion of stand
ing and character sufficient to be
elected to posititions requiring to
take oaths to support the Constitu-
;tion and admitting to eligibility
those entertaining precisely the
same views, but of less standing
in their communities. 1t may be
said that the former violates an
oath, while the latter did not. The
latter did not have it in their power
to do SO. IT they had taken that
oath, it cannot be doubted they
would have broken it as did the for
mer class. If there are any great
criminals, distinguished above all
others for the part they took in OPP
position to the Government, they
might, in the Judgment Of Congress-,
be excluded from such amnesty.
This subject is submitted for your
careful consideration.
CONSIDERATION OF THE SOUTHERN
STATES.
The condition of the Southern
States is unhappily not such as all
true and patriotic citizens would
like to see. Social ostracism for
opinions sake, personal violence or
threats towards persons entertain
ing political views opposed to those
entertained by the majority of the
old citizens, prevents emigration
and the flow Of much-needed capital
into the States lately in rebellion.
1t will be a happy condition of the
country when the old citizens of
these States will take an interest
in public affairs, promulgate ideas
honestly entertained, vote for men
registering new views, and tolerate
the same freedom of expression and
ballot in those entertaining political
convictions.
DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA.
Under the provisions of the act of
Congress, approved February 81,
1871, q territorial government was
organized in the District of Column
bia. The results have thus far fully
realized the expectations of its adj
vocates. Under the direction of the
territorial offices, a system Of I'M
provements has been inaugurated
by means of which Washington is
rapidly becoming a city worthy of
the Nations capital. The citizens
of the District have voluntarily
taxed themselves to a large amount
for the purpose of contributing to
the advancement of the seat Of
Government. I recommend liberal
appropriations OH the part of Con-
gress, i'm order that the Government
may bear its just share of the ex-
pease of carrying out q judicious
system OF improvements.
FIRE IN CHICAGO.