The New Orleans bulletin. [volume] (New Orleans [La.]) 1874-1876, 1875-02-13

.AoVo TIC udtteI. Lucy "e1o W uCoAuo ooSoAo'
ing to the equities of the case. This means,
from Republican standpoint, that the
decision of the arbitrators would have been
in favor Of the Radical contestants in such
parishes as Caddo, De Soto and Rapides,
where the negroes preponderate in numbers.
Going beyond the letter Of the proposition
of compromise, let US concede the fact that
the arbitrator would have awarded Conser-
vative majority of ten or twelve the highest
numbers mentioned by the negotiators) and
that they would have been seated in the House
in accordance with the agreement. What
could have the lower House done in the way
of repeating bad laws and of the reduction OF
taxes? Is it to be supposed for moment that
the Radical Senate and Governor would have
consented to the repeal of the election law
creating the Returning Board? Surely not
for leading Republicans contend that the Re-
turning Board is necessary to the existence Of
their party in this State, and that if it were
abolished the Conservatives would by intim;-
dation always cast majority of votes at the
polls. If the Returning Board is not
abolished, what will prevent US from being
counted out in 1876 as We were in 1874?
The recent Constitutional amendments pro-
vide for the collection of the tax to carry into
effect the funding scheme, ,oHhoM any legisla
tie action, from year to year, in the way OF
appropriations. The levee tax of course
cannot be reduced, because it is not sufi-
cient as it is; the levee tax is matter OF
contract and vested rights, which cannot be
disturbed, at least without indemnity to the
taken onerous engagements on the faith of 1t.
The only tax that can and should be reduced
by the present Legislature is the State tax
proper, levied to pay the expenses Of the gov
eminent. This reduction can be effected only
by the abolition Of unnecessary Offices, the
reduction of salaries, and retrenchment and
reform in every department sof the govern
ment.
If we had majority in the House of Rep
would the existing State Senate,
which controls all appointments, aid US in
passing laws for the purposes above men
toned? The legislative appropriation bill
for SlS5,000 is an answer to this question.
Without the white ofice-holders in the
codntry, the Republican party in Louisiana
would expire quietly and peaceably, and yet
some credulous people believe that Gov Kel-
logg and his Senate would at one fell swoop
abolish the offices Of tax collectors, public ad-
~ r;c1,
least reduce the compensation of the officials
to what their work is worth. This belief is
absurd, for these Office holders are the soul of
their party and essential to its existence
Surprising the Wheeler plan carried out, we
would have harmless Conservative House of
with ten or twel We majority,
leaving the Republicans majority of four or
six on joint ballot. The first consequence of
the adjustment would have been the election
of Repu olican Senator uice Pichback reject
ed by the United States Senate. The Conser-
vative House, its fangs having been drawn by
the resolution to acquiesce, not impeach, to aid
and assist, etc, would have been compelled
to levy the tax of IA mills. which is all the
Radicals could do at the utmost in the way of
taxation.
On the other hand Dubuclet would have re-
NAMED Treasurer, and the country parishes
would have been left to the tender mercies of
Radical police juries and officials, with no
practical limit to taxation and peculation.
If we had to choose between such man
acled majority so-called in the House and the
control Of our parish and municipal affairs,
we would choose the latter, for the simple
reason that State taxation is limited to IA
mills, while parish and municipal taxation is
practically unlimited.
We honestly believe that the Wheeler COM
promise, if it had been accepted and carried
into effect, would not have eventuated in any
practical good to the people. After all our
sacrifice Of principle, qualification and dirt
eating, and after kindly relieving the Presi-
dent, Congress and the Republican party of
the responsibility and odium of the Louisiana
question, we would have had "mess OF
pottage and diuided a ulienated people.