The New Orleans daily Democrat., 1878-09-26


| 1874 Observation-Disclosures. 398,525 81
an average Of $454, 1886 63 per annum for these
seven years.
In 1877 the total appropriation for the regu-
Lar session was $150,000, and this although
the law under which the expenses were made
in 1877 was identical with that in existence
since 1872, showing saving Of $3O4, 1886 SO
made by economy alone.
In 1878 like saving has been obtained. I
know, Mr.. President, the unfortunate differ
ence which has existed on this floor and in
the lower branch Of the General Assembly, as
to the constitutionality Of change In the in
ordinate mpensation allowed by the act of
1872 being made, so as to take effect during
the term Of the House OF Representatives by
which such change was made.
Whilst, Individually no exertion was spared
by me to have the change made, and whilst
my efforts were furthered by large major
ity of the members Of the dominant party,
and resisted by, I believe, an almost unani-
NOUS vote of the Republicans on this floor,
which, Joined with the vote of some of my
party friends, prevented the change from be-
ing made, believe that the votes Of many, if
constitutional convictions as deep as my own,
and it is not my intention to reopen discus
sion of this question, but simply to point out
the great result obtained for the future by the
act of 1878. Underits provisions every vestige
of constructive mileage has been wiped out.
The per diem has been reduced below the max
imum Of the constitution; the pay Of en-
ployees reduced as well as the number, and
wholesome safeguards have been created
against extravaganza in the future. Under
that act allowing for every contingency, the
expense for an annual session of sixty days
ought not to exceed $4,000, and will probably
not overreach $4,000, showing reduction Of
$4,000 from the cost of the session of 1877,
and Of 1904 1886 63 annually over the average
expenses Of the seven years from 1868 to 1874.
Should the apportionment bill passed at
this session become a law, this sum will be
further reduced probably from $1,000 to $4,000.
It will be said in answer to these figures that
q comparison with the reconstruction regime
is hardly a fair criterion OF proper economy.
[ have endeavored hitherto, as I propose to
do hereafter, to compare not only with the
reconstruction regime but with that existing
DGIOIS lp5 luCCpbLOA.
The legislative expenses prior to the war
were as follows:
In 1858, four months session. .... .S127O0O
In 1854, two months session. .... $4,000
In 1855, two months session. .. 10000
In 1856, two months session .. 10000
In 1857, two months session .. 100 900
In 1858, two months session. .. 77,OOO
In 1859, two months session .... $4,000
In 1860, two months session ~ 100000
s744,O0O
Yearly average for eight years, $4,000.
Showing that under the provisions of the
act of 1878 the expenses of the General AS
sembly will be lower than the average from
1854 to 1860 by probably $4,000, and possibly
$4,000 per annuln, although the number of
members, il I mistake not, is greater now
than then.
Passing from these figures, let me endeavor
to examine the beneficial legislation passed
up to this date by this General Assembly.
First-The Treasurer's office has been re-
organized, and it's operations rendered more
simple by providing for the prompt deposit of
public money, for the separation Of his ac-