The New Orleans bulletin. [volume] (New Orleans [La.]) 1874-1876, 1876-03-02
The PROPERTY HOLDERS MEMO
RIALIZE THE SENATE.

To the President OF the Senate of the State oil
Louisiana:
| The undersigned respectfully represent that
they are embers of the Property Holders
| Union of the city of New Orleans, and consti.
tute committee thereof specially authorized
to promote its objects by preparing and re.
commencing to the General Assembly certain
measures Of reform essential to the interests
Of this city, and to its restoration to solvency
and prosperity.
Thus empowered, we have been in constant
daily attendance at the State House during
| the entire period Of the session now nearly
ended. Aided by the counsel of the enlight-
ened friends of reform in both houses, we
have attentively observed and diligently
labored to advance every bill intended to bring
relief to the overladen taxpayers of this un-
fortunate city. We have done everything in
our power TO accomplish reform. We have
been met in cordial spirit by large majority
of the House of Representatives, who have
differed from us but seldom in opinion, and
then only as to the means Of securing the
ends which were desired in common by this
committee. by the body which We represent,
by the fair-minded men Of both parties in the
House and their honest constituents.
The reform measures which have been pre-
sented, matured considered and passed in the
House are, in our opinion, sufficient to accom-
plish the general desires Of the members of
the Union and of the very numerous friends
of reform who do not belong to it. At first
we we're cheered by the report as to sundry
important bills that they were "passed and
sent to the Senate" because we had reason to
hope that, aside from and above all issues of
party nature, the fir ends of reform, retrehch-
ment, economy and justice in your honorable
body were in majority. But for reasons
which we cannot understand, the reform bills
of the House have not been received and acted
upon in your chamber of the General Assem-
bly, with the favor expected
In pursuance of our duty we have per.
sonally besought the prompt and favorable
attention of Senators to such measures, en-
ploying such urgency Of solicitation as the
enormous interests at stake will justify. We
have persistently urged upon your attention
all bills intended for the general benefit But
We profoundly regret that now, when the sss-
sion is within three days Of its close, the most
in number and importance of these reform |
measures are still on your calendar, and that |
your non-action threatens again to disappoint |
the hopes of the people.
The Senators who constitute the Republi- |
IAN majority of your body are we'll aware Of |
he promises made in the name of leading
Republicans a month before the meeting Of |
he General Assembly. On the 30th Novem-
Der, 1875, s. B. Packard, President of the Re-
publican State Central Committee, replied at |
ength to o communication from our commit
ee respecting legislation for relief and re-
orm. That letter began by saying:
cit has at all times been the desire of the
Republican party of Louisiana to accomplish
he reforms referred to in the communication
o which the enclosed resolutions are
esponse. in SO far as possible and practicable,
nd consistent with public credit and the
ficient collection of the revenue"
la another passage that:
"There must be increased economy in the
dmi nistration of all branches and depart
nents Of the State Government. While, as
AVE indicated, the expense of government
las been reduced to one-half OF its former
INIT still further reductions and economy
re possible"
Il closed with this paragraph:
"In conclusion, l have 10 remark that the
cooperation for which you ask at the hands
t the Republican State Central Committee in
'ehalf OF the taxpayer, WILL am persuaded.
q readily accorded by those with whom I
m associated; and it is my hearty hope that
temper may be exhibited by the Democrats
q our Legislature as hfgh-mined as is the ]
property Holders U MON, which you announce
be 'non-partisan in its charac er. Very
espectfully, your obedient servant"
Throughout his letter Mr. Pack I'd, in the
lame OF his party, vaunted the reforms, the
eduction of debt and the decrease of expen-
iture secured by this administration. This
ommittee Of the Property Holders Union
1as requested by the Republican Executive !
)ommittee to submit drafts of reform bills,
lainly implying BY that invitation the prom
70 to entertain reform measures in d friendly !
manner and spirit.
The measures urged by this committee have
ct been entertained in this spirit, as a single
xample will suffice to show. The Premium