New Orleans Republican. [volume] (New Orleans, La) 1867-1878, 1876-02-12

HOuee carried q motion to take it up section
by section. 1t contains l20 sections.
During the progress of the bill the char
was occupied by Messrs. Hahn and Kidd,
during temporary absences Of Speaker Is
'tilette.
In the early stages Mr.. Lowell asked that
the Seargeant-at-Arms restrain the men,
bers from leaving. and this forced attend,
ance did not increase the genlality. Some
contentment was produced by the suspen
sion of the rule against smoking, but those
who were exempt from the vice or had no
cigars were not molitied at all.
Many of the sections were adopted with
out any amendment, and a larger number
were altered by amendments proposed in
the course of it's passage.
Several times Republican members pro-
posed amendments to the earlier sections,
but on mo,ion of Mr.. Jetfries their eugges-
tions were tabled. In the earlier stages of
the bill. there was much good nature, and it
seemed possible that it might be passed be-
fore four o'clock. But by the time the sew
enrieth section was reached the minority
and many of the majority were in very bad
temper indeed, and for half an hour it
looked as if tlibusterlng would become the
prime object.
At about half past five O'Clock the
hundred and nineteenth section was
reached. This originally provided for
the abolition Of all costs, interests
and penalties on all back taxes prior to
1873, the postponement of taxes due since
then to November l, 1877, and the estab
lishment of a board, composed of three
members of the House and three Of the
Senate, to sit during vacation and examine
the Indebtedness Of the State and report a,
the next session.
The storm that had been threatening then
broke over the House. Points Of order were
more numerous than members and the in
cessant echoes from the falling Of the gave
in the Spe aker's hand, the least trouble
some to the ear of the quiet observer.
Mr. Lowell denounced the section as re
establishing the damnable Board of Audit
Mr.. Meredith objected to the postponemen'
| of taxee, and other members were ready
| with objections, but all were silenced for a
short time by Mr.. Jeffries' acceptance o
Mr.. Booth striking ont the provisions rela
i've to the supposed Board of Audit.
| During the calling Of the roll the contu
sion was renewed by the attempt OF Mr.
Bower to explain his vote. He insisted
that i: was his right, and at last, being sus
tanned by Speaker Estilette, stated he woul'
be wiling to rerni. the penalties, but it wa
| wrong to remit both the costs and penal
ties. By such measure the city OF New
Orleans would lose $4,000 or $4,000, AM
perhaps more.
| Mr. Butler made an attempt to get tn
floor to assure the house he didn't know
anything about the question, and the nj
nority were eager 70 have him entertain tn
house at length; but as he suddenly cor
ciuded to vote yes. they were disappointed
Notwithstanding Mr.. Jetf,ies' acceptanc
of Mr.. Booths amendment, the House re
| fused 70 adop. lie section by vote Of 3
to 80.
Mr.. Meredith again offered his amend
men:, and tie whole house suddenI
seemed to become as much interested as
the bill would become law the next morn
ing: bn: the final adoption of the bill wen
! over to Monday, on Mr. Jetfries' motion
| and the House adjourned to that day.