Semi-weekly Louisianian. [volume] (New Orleans, La.) 1871-1872, 1872-01-18
THE SENATE.

s~~<@Sy w OUeesA~ - 49, -
members, at last succeeded, on
Monday, by the arrival of Sen
ator Thomas, one of the. Democratic
Senators. This first opportunity
was seized to show to the people at
large that the pledges of reform by
the Republican party were made in
earnest, and that it was the sincere
desire of the Legislature to afford
the greatest relief from the onerous-
ness of obnoxious Legislation, con-
sistent with the safety and security
of the whole people.
Bills for the repeal Of four Laws
were introduced and passed by both
houses, and it was hoped this
earnest of reform would be sufici-
emily acceptable to the pubic-even
to those members who exclude the
clearest evidence otherwise-calm
popular apprehensions, and induce
the laying down Of arms, and re-
turn to the Capitol for the transac-
ton of the important business wait
ing for disposal.
Senator Thomas, in explaining
the cause of his absence and the
reasons for taking his seat, said:
l have little to say to you, Mr.. Pre-
sident, and to the members of the
Senate. If it were possible, L would
like to address myself directly to the
people of Louisiana, for whom these
remarks are intended. 1 have taken
upon myself great and solemn re-
sponsibiity in taking my seat and con-
shutting a quorum of the Senate to-
day, although it may appear to many
that, In doing so, was simply dis
charging the duty I owe to nv consti-
tuents. Delayed unavoidably at home
for many days after the meeting of the
Senate, have only recently made NV
appearance in this city. Ihave looked
upon the contest which has been
raging here for the. past fortnight.
with the view of Judging fairly and i'm.
partially OF the relative merits of the
contestants. Fortunately for the peo-
pie of this State and city, it has not
yet eliminated in bloodshed. nor do
believe it will do so, even though this
body had not convened as it has to.
day. 1t seems to me, as an outsider.
viewing this contest from an unpreiu.
diced standpoint, that it has resolved
itself into personal contest on the
part of those who desire to place them
selves in power against the regularly
constituted authorities of the State.
using as their argument the demand
OF the people of the State for reform.
l, as Democrat, was willing to TO-
ment these troubles, thinking that ont
OF them good might result, and / be-
lleve the time has now come when
these good results can be attained.
The meeting of the General Assembly
to-day, for the purpose of passing
these refOrmatOry measures, is an as
surance to the people that their de-
mands are at last meeting with an ade-
quate response. 1t is to you, Repub-
hcan members of the Senate, that the
credit for these results should be given.
We cannot expect to force ANYTHING
from the hands of the dominant party:
We have not the power to do SO; we
have not sufficient number of votes
to pass such laws as We may desire to
place upon the statute books It:s
for you to pass them and for us to give
our quiet assent to them. If YOU pass
these measures of reform, if you repeal
these obnoxious and monstrOus laws
which have been pressing like an in
cubus upon the people of the State, it
IS an assurance on your part that YOU
have some regard for their interests
and welfare. So far as this personal
contest Is concerned, care not for II
The good people of the city with whom
have had the pleasure to converse
nave assured me that they do not de,
'ire its continuance. Their commerce
md material prosperity have been Sc
iously affected by it, and will be
almost ruined if it continues mucb
Onger. L have come here and taken
ny seat for the sole purpose of COOP
'rating with you in passing measures [
If retrenchment and reform, measures
hat will tighten the burdens which NV
people bear, recognizing the truth Of
he axiom that "that government is ,
pest that is least felt by the people. :"
Let us assure the people that we are
determined to legislate for their bene- [
it, and their benefit only, and pros
9erity will soon overspread our State
ike the morning sun dawning upon
he mountains. Lay aside for once [
7our desire for place and power, and ,
elevate yourselves to the position of
Legislators, who have no in '
erests at heart but those of the people
hey represent. /,
Thus will it be seen that, giving ,
Mr.. Thomas full credit for honesty
Ind earnestness, we are not pre- ,
pared to consider his absence from
he Senate mark of his declension
rom the course induced by "the
good people of the city, who have