The New Orleans daily Democrat. [volume] (New Orleans, La.) 1877-1880, 1878-01-11

persons selected to perform the duty.
I. Of course would not attempt to suggest
all the details OF such bill, but would re-
mark that 1t would greatly assist me in the
discharge Of my duties.
The criminal statutes of the State on the
subject OF bribery and fraud are not suffi-
giently far-reaching, nor are the penal ties
imposed adequate. In many of our sister
states under the obligatory clauses of their
constitutions comprehensive laws have been
enacted which are worthy OF Imitation.
ELECTION LAW.
The election law passed at your last session
should be carefully re-examined, as many au-
thentic original evidences OF the result Oh inc
vote should be taken as is consistent with the
proper performance Of their duty by the OIL
GERS At the polls. and their transmittal should
ia effectad through different reliable channels
to different offices
In other words, the will Of the people, as
expressed oft the ballot-box ought to be safe
guarded By the integrity OF several persons
and at no period risked upon single respon-
sibility. One set of originals should be sent
to the Secretary Of State / suggest the
forty-first section be amended. 80 as to substl-
tuGD some OIle Ill u5u VI uho uh0oh'o" s"S5S
mentioned therein.
The registration law also needs revision.
Registration has been effected In very Few
parishes owing to litigation in reference to
the printing Of the blanks. The Assessors
claim that they are entitled each to two hun
dred dollars for every year they are in office.
Including the year 1877. They contend that
they were not In fault in making no registra-
tion.
have declined to approve their claims;
besides doubling the text Of the law as to
their right there was no appropriation. In
nv opinion, therefor, If / have mistaken the
law In this particular the matter is open for
Legislative correction.
VACANCIES.
Legislation on this subject should be made
more definite. The channel or medium OF
communication to the Governor OF the fact OF
the vacancies In an Office should be deter
mined. and also what constitutes official in
formation
have, during the recess. ordered special
elections for vacancies In the House OF Rep
resentatives, under the Interpretation placed
upon the existing law by the Attorney Cen
eral, to whom had submitted the question.
/ do not limit my remarks to vacancies in the
General Assembly, but apply them to vacan-
cies In oil offices and from whatever cause
produced. There Is q general belief In the
community that ON the disqualification OF
an officer within limited period the Gov
ernor Is authorized to consider the office
vacant and fill the same. This Is correct In
some special cases, but Is incorrect as gen
eral proposition. I think 1t would be right to
have law enacted creating legal presump-
ton of the declining of the office by the fail
ure of the person elected or appointed to
qualify within a fixed period.
OFFICIAL BONDS.
Authority has been asked from me for the
institution in the name Of the State OF suits to
test the legality OF bonds and the sufficency
OF the securities thereon, where the bond had
j been approved by the officers designated by
law to approve them.
The ground of the application being that
\ These officers had acted unadvisedly and in
correctly In the execution of their duty. The
question has arisen whether the acceptance
so made was not conclusive as to the correct
ness Of all facts prior thereto, except on ale
cation of fraud. l think 1t would be well to
have this question settled by Legislation au
thorizing such suits.
NoTARIgs IN NEW ORLEANS.
direct your attention to section 252f of the
Revised Statutes. / find it difficult to ascer
tain whether the limit mentioned in that sec
ton has been reached or not, and desire sucl
legislation as will enable me to act advisedly
BOARD OF HEALTH.
The report of this board will be submitted
to you. It's affairs have been managed to the
great good of the State and credit of its
members The recommendations made by il
are submitted to your careful consideration
especially that having reference to loca
boards In the country.
CHARITY HOSPITAL. .....
The report of this institution is now in the
hands of the printer, and makes an exhibi
which entities the board to the thanks of the
people of the State.
INSANE ASYLUM INSTITUTION FOR THE DEAF
AND DUMB INSTITUTION FOR THE BLIND.
The situation and wants of these various
State charitable institutions will, / am Ger
tain, receive your careful consideration.
The Insane Asylum is in great need o
clothing and bedding; it should be at one'
supplied. The parishes from which persons
are sent to these institutions should be direct
ed to provide the necessary travelling ex
penses.
In connection with these institutions | sug
gest 1t would be well to amend as far as prac
ticable the laws making the Governor ex
offico president of boards and institutions 0
various kinds. 1t is utterly impossible TO
him to attend properly to these differen
duties, whilst the fact of his being nomi
nally president has the effect of causing
divided responsibility, which l do not believ
Is beneficial to the public.
IMMIGRATION.
The Board of immigration report to M
that they are receiving constantly applica
tions for information, which has been hithert.
supplied at private expense.
In view of the importance of this subject
invoke such appropriation as may enable
them to carry ON their work in this particu