New Orleans Republican. [volume] (New Orleans, La) 1867-1878, 1875-04-23

| session. he gave notice that ne WOUlu Do
found in opposition to every measure not
included in the call Of the Governor. The
House had been in session seven or eight
days and but two days we're left. No bill
should be considered until the reform meas
ures of the Governor had been acted on by
preference. Take up these bills and pass
them, and then use the remaining time if
there be any, for other bills, but pass meas
ures for the good of the State first. He, as
well as others. opposed an extension OF the
session. but it would not do to crowd bills
| on the Senate, expecting it TO pass them all
on the last day.
| A great deal OF business was quietly and
rapidly proceeded with for several hours,
| no speeches being made, and several resOlu
tions and bill passed.
During this time the lobby was crowded
| but not the slightest disorder manifested.
This was due entirely TO Sergeant-at-Arms
| Flood and his assistants, who not only pre-
| served order among the spectators but also
| among the members, and kept the floor en-
:irely clear OF intruders with hardly dis
play of authority. This was favorably
| commented on by many members, even
| when coming in contact with the officers in
| their enforcement of the rules.
In conducting the passage of the bill to
| permit the city to dispose OF the Water
| works, Mr.. Wilt insisted that if the bill
| did not pass, with other measures Of relief
the city government could not continue
| another year.
The school bill, limiting the distribution
city schools, was reported by Mr.. Jetfres,
with recommendation of passage.
Mr.. Heating said in this case he would
appeal to the generosity of New Orleans,
and hoped the bill would not pass. He re.
presented a parish (Caddol which would be
due to parishes which are poor but have
children to be educated. There the schools
will have to be suspended if this bill
passes. 1t was for this reason he had not
sigued the majority report He would
favor any bill to relieve New Orleans, but
she was richer than the other parishes, and
in the matter Of schools could afford 10 be
generous to them.
Mr.. Wilt said that doing justice to
other parishes required that justice should
be done to New Orleans, and her schools
would be suspended if something were not
done.
The bill. with others discussed during
the day, was postponed.
Mr.. McCullum presented bill Cor the
relief of the overtlowed parishes by ex-
empton from taxation.
Mr.. Murrell favored tho bill. and declared
these regions must have some relief. The
only amendment was one to include lessees
as we'll as owners, for the people there can
not pay their taxes.
Mr.. Stewart said his parish was below
that of Mr.. Murrell, and as water flowed
down stream, it took all the water that
flowed off of it. The bill was one of the
most important before the Legislature. and
had been only hastily read Hardly
member not on the committee knew it's
character. He desired to pass the bill.
Tensas parish made but half crop last
year, and could make no more this but
there were no tax resisters there. In
this connection ne protested against the
time being taken up by bills of minor im.
portance. and not connected with the OBJ
jects of the extra session.
Mr.. Sartain made few remarks on the
bill in its constitutional aspects.
Mr.. Hahn said he had not expected to say
anything The provision of the constitution
rauuirinr an eou.I ond ,,n;for,, srsto,, of
taxation had caused him grave doubts
whether the bill could stand. If you decide
these lands are not to be taxed. in effect
you say they are of no value at all. 1t was
q serious question, but after the able and
profound exposition of this constitutional
question by the distinguished chairman of
the Committee on Federal Relation all
doubt is at an end. Such an elimination of
this nice point Of constitutional law must
bring conviction home to every mind, even
that of the honorable member from St.
John, and he declared his objections dis
solved and would vote for the bill
The resolution to direct the Attorney
General to proceed against the Levee Com
pany caused some discussion.
Mr.. Devices desired to know if the com
mittee had summoned any of the officers of
the company, and, being told no, moved to
recommit the resolution.
Mr. Lowell said if the company had for
feited its charter the Attorney General
would only be too eager to pursue it into |
the courts. 1t was his duty. But if there |
was one thing sacred in law it was fran
chise granted by the Legislature. The |
rights and privileges can only be divested |
in two ways under the Civil Code, Az. |
Before the charter is repealed compensation
must be provided for. There are no
charges in this resolution, no grounds for
action alleged. If there were violations |
the Attorney General, who had attacked
avery wrongful act of legislation he could
since he came into Office would be
tound standing up for the interests
If the State. 1t was unfair and unjust to
condemn the company without citation
" an investigation. 1t was his conviction
hat it was the State that had violated the (
contract, as it owed 81 100000 on it, and
lot the company. He undertook to say the
company had done every yard of work laid
'ut.
Mr.. Blllieu said that as Mr.. Lowell had
laimed the courts would do justice to a
ublic officer, they would do the same to
he company. He thought that the cheap
at way for the State was to investigate the
natter.
Mr.. Bayley said he had once been in the