The Donaldsonville chief. [volume] (Donaldsonville, La.) 1871-current, 1874-01-10

on, the militia and police forces COM
plimented for bravery and efficiency,
and needed amendments to the Grim
inal laws pointed out, whereby some
certainty of the conviction of evil
doors may be assured.
The necessity of some legislation for
the relief of New Orleans is indicated
and reduction of the fees of sheriffs,
clerks of Courts, DISTRICT Attorneys
and other officers suggested. An abo-
lition of one of the existing District
Courts and the creation of an addition
al Criminal Court is recommended.
The agricultural resources of the
State are commented upon at length.
The growing disposition of the col
ored people to acquire land of their
own is regarded as favorable indi-
cation. There are FIVE million acres
of public land yet for sale in our State
offering tempting field to the emf
grant. 1t is suggested that the pres
ent price of this land {115 cents per
acre) is too low and, might with ad-
vantage be increased to SO cents.
The public school system is extolled
and measures recommended which
shall increase the present inadequate
fund devoted to educational purposes.
The Agricultural College donation
from Congress must beapplied at once,
or it will revert to the United States.
This may with propriety be given to
the Louisiana State University, which
is in impoverished circumstances and
deserves aid and encouragement.
Under the head of " general TOPICS"
the following recommendation and
suggestions are made: The expen-
ditures of the State Government
should be confined within one million
of dollars. Elections should be held
on the same day as in the other States.
A modification of the veto power of
the Governor, allowing him to veto
Objectionable portions of any bill and
approve the residue should be made.
An investigation of the affairs of the
N. L. g. L. r. R., relative to the is
suance of State bonds, is in order. The
assessment of property and collection
of taxes is attended with much need
less expenditure. The State-House
act passed in 1871 ought to be repeal
ed. Oppressive monopolies exist in
our midst and should be overthrow.
As soon as practicable all license tax
es ought to be RENTED. A careful
investigation into the State Asylums
is needed, as some of them are in q
pitiable condition. The registration
and election laws need amendment,
and the compensation of supervisors,
clerks and commissioners should be
made charge Upon the parishes in
stead OF the general treasury. The
status of the existing State Govern |
ment is beyond question, and mem
bers of the General Assembly who
longer affiliate with an illegal and rev.
body are false to the in
terests of their constituents. The civil |
rights of all men are fully guaranteed I
by existing laws and it only remains
for the courts to enforce them.
The message was printed in full by
the New Orleans dailies, and we rec
each one of our readers to
procure a copy and give it a careful
pernsal, as it will afford a clear in
sight into the general condition of our
State, and the work necessary to be
lone to redeem her financially. Gov
srnor Kellogg has shown himself ia
niliar with every thing pertaining to
lis own and the other departments of
he government, and his wise and
ust recommendations for legislative
Iction bear the impress of true states
nanship and a commendable regard
or the public welfare.
THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY,