Semi-weekly Louisianian. [volume] (New Orleans, La.) 1871-1872, 1872-01-25
CRIMINAL LAW m NEW ORLEANS.

CRIMINAL LAW N NEW ORLEANS.
The secure enjoyment of life, liberty
reputation and property. and the peac.
and good order of society, depend upor
the just, prompt and efficient administra
ton of the criminal law for the prevention
and punishment Of crimes and o6enses.
There is universal complaint of the fail.
ure of justice in this department of the
law in the city of New Orleans. Iwould
respectfully call tho attention of the Leg
islature to this subject, in order that il
may provide the remedy necessary to cor
rect the evil.
The population Of New Orleans, in its
present extensive boundaries, including a
very large floating population for the diff
fersnt States of the Union and from foreign
countries. is probably not less than three
hundred thousand persons.
1t is obvious that one criminal court is
insufficient for the prompt tlal and dis.
posal Of all the crimes and offenses COM
mitted in such . community. Previous
to the war, the then Attorney General
suggested to the Legislature and expo
diency of creating two courts for the trial
and disposal Of crimes oasnses; one to
have jurisdiction in all cases of misde-
meanor, end another in all cases of felony,
or crimes punishable by death OF imprison-
ment in the Pmitentiary at hard labor.
Tho suggestion was unhappily not then
scted upon. That which was then expe-
dent is now absolutely necessary for the
safety and well-being of society. The city
Of New Orleans, notwithstanding adverse
has advanced considerably
in general prosperity and in the number
of inhabitants. With the increase of popu-
lation crimes have multiplied.
There are now six Recorders in the city.
each Recorder to send upon an
average one case every day to the Criminal
Court "a reasonable supposition if they
discharge their duty, the number of cases
10 be disposed of every month would be,
exclusive of Sundays Ia. It is manifest
that such number of cases, and some of
them cases of the gravest character, cannot
be properly tried or disposed of by one
court. would therefor recommend the
creation of An additional Criminal Court
rs above suggested; the adoption of this
recommendation will not entail increase
Of expense, as the number of civil courts
in the city of New Orleans is more than
sufficient for the business of the commu-
nifty, and the adjustment of one OF those
courts, which recommend, will save the
cost incurred by the establishment of an
additional criminal court.
GENERAL TOPICS.
The legitimate results of the reconstruc-
ion policy of Congress in this State may
now be regarded as so far completed as
% justify a final verdict upon it Through
his policy the government of the State
vas placed in the hands of its whole peo-
pie. The effect of this was q good one. 1t
vas to enable every man to have an equal
'oice of his own government, to the end
hat all classes and races of people should
lave chance to defend and maintain
heir civil and polical rights.
The excitements and disagreements in
'ident to this revolution in public affairs
lave naturally hitherto monopolized the
of the Legislature and OF State
md municipal governments, to the ne
'lect, perhaps, of other public affairs.
This period of excitement, however, has
'assed. The questions that arose during
are now settled an era of peace and |
'ood feeling has begun, at least in
'ur State. All the people acquiesce in |
he changes wrought by the reconstruc-
ion measure. The civil authority of the |
tate has ample power to enforce the law
nd preserve order within its limits. The
emper and disposition of the people of |
ii classes and political opinion are to
ustain the authorities in the discharge of |
heir duties There is no need in Louis |
ma of any extraneous power or military
Or to assist the State authorities in main-
aiming order and enforcing law.
Ihave had no difficulty in securing the
all support of the people of this State in
be enforcement of all laws. have no
in saying that they are as loyal |
0 the Union and as law-abiding as the
eople of any State, North or South.
The great depression in our industries,
upon the prostration follow
ng the war, still unfavorably affects the
ifferent interest of the State. The two
reat needs of our State are immigration
nd active capital. Louisiana is still an |
territory for railroads. Soon
er unequalled openings for railroad en- |
arprise must attract that kind of enter
rise, and with advancing railroads will |
ome migration and capital. When these
ONE. her still undeveloped resources,
9th mineral and agricultural, will as
onish even her own people.
In the meanwhile, earnestly hope the |
Ieneral Assembly will cooperate with
he in securing all the retrenchment pos
ble in the expenditure of the State, that
ne burdens of taxation may be lghtened
nd our Yoonlo aos iefod fo r;do ouo- H.