New Orleans Republican. [volume] (New Orleans, La) 1867-1878, 1872-01-11

| am correct when say tnat Tue cause VI
reform depends upon unity OF action, not
dicious reform measures the fault
will be with those who, by departing
from us have made such course impossi-
Bile Should we, as independent bodies,
pass reform measures while we pursue our
present course. The question of which is
the legal body may be forced into the
courts, and long course of litigation pre-
vent the people OF this State from reaplng
the fruits of our efforts.
AS coordinate branch of the govern
ment, we have no right to bring on this
floor questions respecting the position OF
the Governor, but as he has, III his message,
made direct recommendations on the sub
iect, we must treat him with the same can
dor that we have melted out to absent MEM
bers, viz: judge of him by his public state
ments When he recommends retrench-
ment and reform, it is fair to presume
that he is honest in his recon-
mendations, and that he does not presume
10 dictate to the General Assembly how far
they shall 90. or not go, in this direction.
From these facts, conclude that there
is no valid excuse for the revolutionary
course now being pursued by some members
who have absented themselves from this
floor If reform is what is needed land all
parties are pledged to reforml, what ex-
cusc, satisfactory to an intelligent com
munty, can these gentlemen give for their
eOurse'
If such considerations az these will not
move those gentlemen to return, it is fair
to presume that some deeper and less hon
orable motive must actuate them. there
fore urge the passage OF this resolution; and
if these gentlemen do not regard it, on them
be the responsibility if reform measures are
not passed. They profess to desire reform;
we know that we demand reform. The
Governor recommends reform. The cltl-
zens of this whole State ask for reform;
yea, the people walk the streets in the very
hours of midnight crying for reform, and
if all these are not satisfied, say again the
fault will be entirely with the Gem Saloon
faction.
But. sir, whether these gentlemen come
back or not, we will pass such meas
ures as we think best for the in
terests of the people of the State
of Louisiana What We want, however,
is strength for the present, and guarantees
that our efforts shall not be made fruitiess
bv angry litigation in the future. But let
us suppose that this cry for reform is only
the cover for deeper designs. viz: The over
throw of the State government. Is this the
end for which we came together Did our
constituents send us here for this
revolutionary work l trow not. If
the people desire change OF
government, they have that matter in
their own hands, and next fall will have the
question fairly and peaceably before them
for solution, and for my part l am willing
to leave the matter in their hands. l re-
peat that no legislative body has any right
to break up government, nor to engage in
fight over Governor Warmoth, Mr. Car
ter, or Mr. Carr We have government.
and by every consideration Of honor and
safety we must stand by that government
until the people, in constitutional manner,
shall change it.
This is the position taken by the parent
government, and all who, from distance,
are permitted to view our present strug-
giles, will agree with me that our safety
can only be found in the support OF the
regular constitutional authority.
Let us be guilty of no hasty action; let
the object that attracts our attention be
that of exhausting every means necessary
to a cooperation of all our members, and
when these have failed, then let us proceed
with our business as though these gentle
men did not exist
Passion may prevail for the hour. but
am satisfied that the sober second thought
will convince all our citizens that We are in
the right.
The motion was carried.
MIR. DavidsOn-I rise to a personal ex-
PLANTATION. l see it stated in the National
Republican, in a sarcastic manner, calling
me the odd war horse of the Democracy"
1.-The leader of the Democratic party" Now,
sir, l want to make a few remarks in refer
to this thing. Now, sir, l want it distinctly
understood that have never been the lead
horse of any party. l do not claim to be
the leader of anything. l am the humblest
of the humble. l have never had the desire
to be the leader of the Democratic party or
any other party. l simply wish to be the
representative of my constituents, to repre-
sent them in a manner that will meet their
esteem, in manner that think will be to
the interest OF my parish, and intend to do
that. not as the ''Old war hOrse,' not as the
leader of the Democratic party" but as an
honest, upright Representative should.
Some persons have said have no influ-
ence. l do not desire to have any inf uence
with the Democratic party. All the intiu
ence l want is that of my people, and
have enough to be sent here to represent
them, and | have received their applause
| want to represent my constituency in
such a manner that it will avail some good.
| want to do my duty, and to do it judi
ciously is my aim. l want to do what is
right, and do not care q cent what any one
says. My head is level l have been sharp
enough to keep from under the influence
of such men as George w. Carter, and l
have done everything l could to do my
duty. voted against the adoption of the
Journal of Thursday. and it was not adopt
ed l think | did my duty. NY people
have known me since 1880, and they have
full confidence in my integrity and honesty.
They believe | will represent them properly;
that will do everything can for their iu
terest, and | will do that. But, sir. want
it distinctly understood that am not the
laaH nfa arty or | in
favor of the Customhouse clique or any
other clique: but simply representative
of the people. But to do my Huty and
represent my constituency the best | can.
A communication was received from the
State Superintendent of Public Education,
asking time to make his report.
mum Der of objections were offered, but
none sustained
A member-We can not entertain any re-
port until the Senate has announced that it
is in session.
Mr.. Stamps rise to a question of in
formation. Is this the official document
from the State Officer9 l believe that the
session of the Senate must be announced
before this House can take any action.
On rlotion. the resolution was laid on the
table, subject to call.
Mr.. WOrrall-I would ask consent of the
House to introduce resolution, and will
preface my resolution with statement. AS
you all know, have always spoken in
lenient manner about those members who
persist in carrying out their revolutionary
desires. and, sir, l have always insisted
that they should be heard. But, sir, have
just been informed that these members
would attack us on the street and, if posi-
bic, take US to their House. Now, advise
the members present to remain in perpetual
session. 1t is better to stay here, where we
are well protected by the Governor. We are
safe nere. These revolutionary members may
take into their heads to come while we are
absent, and attempt to take the hall and the