The Louisiana Democrat. [volume] (Alexandria, La.) 1845-1918, 1878-02-13
AMENDMENT XVII.
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LETTER FROM NEW ORLEANS.

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LETTER FROM NEW ORLEANS.
NEW ORLEANS. J
Feb. 3, 1878.
EDITOR DEMocRAT-
Thursday was quite an eventful
and exciting day in New Orleans
News of the Russians entering Con.
stantinople, the death of the Pope
and exciting condition of afiairs in
Europe was followed later by the
conviction Of one of the Returning
Board Chiefs. left the Court room
at half-past 8 o'clock, after tho
charge had been given and Court ad.
journed, not expecting verdict IN
til morning, but heard before going
to bed that it had been given. Is
seems that the matter had been tho
roughly discussed all,day in the jury
room. not being called into Court un-
til 6 o'clock in the evening, and q
doubt alone remained on two or three
points, but particularly in the minds
of some whether the document in
question was public record" this
doubt was dispelled by the charge Of
Judge Whitaker. Sentence will be
given on Wednesday next. I have
no doubt but for the recommends
ton Of the jury, the prisoner would
get the full extent Of the law, four
teen years-but may, ] judge, be
about ten now. Is.
| have already written shout The
splendid argument 81 Attorney Gen
eral Egan. heard yesterday Judge
Whitaker speak in exceedingly high
terms of that of District Attorney
Finney. He, pronouhces it worthy
Of the best efforts of the bar in LOU
isiana's palmy Gays. The only fsa.7
ture of the defence was Castellanos'
six hours speech. ! only heard por-
tions, which we're very fine. Judge
Wiley says it was one of the finest
arguments for a jury he ever heard.
The people Of Rspides, and espe-
cially a portion, have cause to re-
member Judge Whitaker for his
earnest efforts in their behalf in the
Grant Parish case. In the very try
ing position in which he has been
placed, he has acquitted himself with
great credit. For so young a man
he deserves much credit for the po-
sition he has gained in this, $ tate
coming here as he did during tie
war from the State of Massac usetts.
| was much pleased with his lucid
explanation Of what the crime of al.
tering and publishing forged docu-
ment consists. Under his construe.
ton, which l think correct, not only
every clerk of the Returning Board,
the editors and manager of the New
Orleans Republican, but even tho
visiting statesmen, could be indicted,
and if their knowledge of the facts
could be proven, could be convicted.
| have no idea that this will be done,
nor do think it advisable, but it is
the possibility Of such catastrophe
which is making Sherman aud Car
field, with all their powers, "still not
happy"
The committee on "Ways and
Means" of the House have reported
Revenue Bill, Of which send you
acopy. They reduce the State tax
3 mills-2 mills on general fund and
/ mill school tax. The 3 mills levee
tax expires after this year. / doubt
the policy or wisdom Of reducing the
school tax. They. put license tax
on many occupations hitherto ex-
empt, The same committee have
reported favorably ons Mofiett Regis.
ter Bill. I understand they lay . {
tax for benefit Of general fund Of one
cent out ofseyery five on drinks, max.
ing, for instance, a Is cents drink
pay 3 cents. There are some objec.
tions to this bill as it falls unequally
on different ranks of men; but in the
present condition Of the State l hope
it will pass. The tax is indirect and
enough could probably be collected
from this source to pay the general i.
expenses of the whole State Govern.
ment, which would tighten taxation
considerably. 1t will undoubtedly
pass the House, and / think the Sen.
ate. The Constitutional Amend
ments passed the Senate unanimous
". The friends of Constitutional
Convention in the House will at.
tempt to defeat them in hopes Of for.
cling a Convention, and as these
Amendments require two.tbirds OF
members elected 81 yotes--and 4