The Opelousas courier., 1873-09-27
n
The State House Que .tion.

One of the most important matters
which will come up before the next
Legislature is the question of the re-
moval of the seat of government back
to Baton Rouge, where it properly be-
longs; and we hope that our repre-
sentatives in that body will throw the
weight of their influence in favor of
the scheme. 1t is a most undoubted
measure of reform, and should COM
mand the support of the honest men of
all parties, were there nc other reasons
in favor of its adoption than the great
relief it would afford our tax-ridden
people--a relief which, it is admitted
on all hands, would Immediately follow.
The Gazette Comet, of Baton Rouge,
contains the following data and accom-
panying reflections on the subject:
The Louisiana State Capitol was
commenced on the Goth of October,
I647 completed and the keys deliv-
cred to the Governor of the State,
April l7th, 1852. -.
The appropriations made from time to
time amounted to- -----.----.-----S S246, 900
For Fence. 10000
For Grounds and Shrubbery. 10000
IA, ..:s ,g.f s@> 306, 900
Additional appropriations were after
wards made for Walls and Pave
ments and for changes in Skyhghts,
Hnrl9 " nfr IN Il
Total Cost. ..... $3.50, ,00a
To repair and place the building III
It's original condition Will cost, say
about Stue,uoo
The building was designed by Jas.
H. Dakin. assisted by JAS. McVay.
Almost the entire work was carried
out to ompletion by the very best me-
chaRics to be found, and the material
of every kind and description used was
of superior quality, which was carefully
selected; ; consequently. there were no
loop-holes left open for any jobbing or
stealing contracts, as every part of the
work was executed i'm the most sub
stantial, economical and efficient man
.ner. The truthfulness of this assertion
may be verified to-day. by an examina-
ton of the compact and perfect condi
tion of the walls, which are now stand
ing as monument to the past glory of
our noble Pelican State.
Any one who has examined the walls
and towers of the castellated and mas
siye building overlooking the broad
bosom of the Mississippi can verify
these remarks. Two hundred thousand
dollars will suffice TO place it in its
pristine beauty and greatness. Yet it
has been but few months since that a
scheme was on foot, headed by one of
the rings iu New Orleans, to furnish
site for a State House in that city to
cost over million dollars, with the ad-
ditional little sum of ove,, f,ro million
dollars for its erection. This small diff
ference Of 500, 900 and So, 600, 900 is an
item of some moment to the taz-rldden
people Of the State.
Again, investigate the question of the
rent yearly paid for Mechanics Insti-
tute. II costs yearly $4,000, and this
expense comes from the taxpayers,
without any cessation or probable rem
edv. Would it not be far better TO APP
propriate the sum at once to refitung
the building in Baton Rougea Mechan-
les Institute is wholly unfit for the leg
islative halls and the offices. 1t is con-
tracted in room, damp, unhealthy, en-
tireIy Inadequate for the purposes for
which it is used and constant expense
to the State. The Baton Rouge hnlld-
ing was formerly spacious, substantial.
and is undoubtedly in a most healthy
locality. It's restoration would stop the
annual tax on the building.
Further. It is well known that the
Legislature in New Orleans has been
subjected to the influences of the most
villainous and corrupt plundering rings
that ever cursed any State, and itWouid
eondnce to the welfare of the State and
add to the honor of the Legislature to
remove from such pestiferous infiu-
Eences.
" s, 80 .. -