New Orleans Republican. [volume] (New Orleans, La) 1867-1878, 1875-02-12
GO IT ALONE.

/ w Ia RAVGS0
The successful opposition to any legisla'
tive union Of the representatives elected
by the people has restricted the powers Of
government to the Republican officers and
members. They have no other alterna'
tive, then, than to accept the response
bility. It has been done heretofore, and
it is to be hoped the reforms and improve
ments in the financial and official condi'
ton of the State will be executed in such
manner as to convince the Republican
world that the rights conferred by extern
sion Of popular suffrage have not fallen
upon hands unworthy to exercise them.
The Republican party in Louisiana has
thus an extraordinary opportunity to win.
dictate the motives Of those who have en-
trusted them with the power to control the
action of great State. The Democrats
refuse to participate in this service.
Though earnestly invited to represent
the interests of their constituents, they
decline to do so. Very we'll. Then let
the Republicans prove that alone and I'M
aided, under threats and obloquy, they
comprehend their duty to their con-
stituents, and to the whole country
which has Entrusted to them powers Of
usefulness. In these reforms the Repub-
lican members must stand firm. The
public denounces the alleged abuses Of
State and city government. Cut down
official compensation to business rates.
If one who has attained even the high
dignity of Governor or Administrator re-
ceives compensation excessive in compar-
ison with the compensation for similar ser
vices in other professional or business life,
let these salaries be reduced to the bust
ness standard. Be not deferred by fear
or favor, and still less by the influence OF
that which is more powerful than either
money. Let those who are on their guard
for the real welfare of the Republican
party see that no measure of reform shall
be defeated by those whose salaries OF
perquisites would be reduced by reform.
It should not be forgotten that every dol
lar above business compensation left in
the hands of Office holders may constitute
the military chest Of domestic violence,
or the campaign fund for the election of
1876. He who would for a personal per-
quisite sell the safety, perhaps the exist
ence, Of the party to which he belongs,
deserves no more indulgence at the hands
of those whom he may thus betray than
any other corrupt sentinel, who sells the
key of the citadel intrusted to his guard.
This doctrine is as applicable to the mem-
bers of one party as another, and we have
no doubt will meet the approval or reflect
ing men Of all parties.
Let, then, Republican parties be vigi-
ant as we'll as upright. Louisiana is to
be nationalized. Then take care that in
he campaign documents of 1876 the Re-
publican Legislature of Louisiana shall be
shown to have reformed abuses, reduced
axation and cut down the cost Of govern
nent. Let it also appear that factious
Democracy resisted this service through
'ut, abandoned their duties to their con-
tituents, and are entitled to no part
r lot in this matter. If Mr.. MARI
resents Tammany with a picture
f Louisiana, haggard, ragged and
uined in health and character,
n the Repuh1icans he nrenared To |
fer a transparency, in which the hues Of
ealth shall animate her cheek, the fire
f conscious virtue sparkle in her eye,
nd the confidence of assured position
e manifest in her attitude. II, then, it ;
e decided that the Republican party !
nall redeem Louisiana, let them 60 it
one, and the greater glory will be
,eirs.