New Orleans Republican. [volume] (New Orleans, La) 1867-1878, 1878-10-02
.REFoRm IN TANGIpAHOA.n y

An occasional glimpse Of the manner
in which reform is carried on under DEM
ocratic rule is afforded US occasionally,
notwithstanding the great care exercised
by interested parties to conceal it. One
of the "true people Of Tangipahoa has
lost his patience, and givento the world
that is the limited part Of it upon which
the New Orleans Democrat sheds its far
thing candle light, a short story Of his
experience, as follows:
INDEPENDENCE, La, Sept. 28, 1878.
To the Editor of the Democrat
Crops in Tangipahoa parish this year
are said to be the best known for years.
though, as in our sister parishes, cotton
is below the averags, the worms IN most
places joining excessive rains in their
work Of destruction.
Politics in the parishes seem to be in
very unsettled and, itmust be admitted by
all good Conservatives, unsatisfactory con-
dition. As in all bodies, schism has en-
tered our ranks and is striving for foot
hold, and should the Democrats continue
in their present state Of apathy, will surely
obtain it. Before the Democratic party
got in power much needed reforms were
promised by our State and local organiza :
ton, which thus far have been gingerly
given, as respects our parish, and the
result is an attempt to organize the Green
back or National party in our midst
Many complaints are made of the mode,
as practiced here of late, in registering
voters and in the collection of taxes.
To be enrolled as voter persons are
now compelled to go to Amite, from all
portions of the parish, which entails un-
necessary hardship upon that portion (the
najority) of voters who live OF distance.
Why does not our register post "due and
timely notice in every ward, stating that
he will appear at certain places at certain
times for the purpose Of enrolling yoterss
This was done in former years-why not
this2 1t is feared that if this thing con-
tiuues the coming election will show q
vast decrease in the Democratic vote in
the parish. Besides, it leaves opposing
| parties q good chance to Increase the
numbers in their ranks. During former
administrations property holders here
never had any difficulty in paying theil
taxes. Lately they have. Last year the
representative of the writer went to Amite
three different times for the purpose, bui
was each time told that the collector was
absent, and had left no deputy to repre-
sent him. The party concluded to lose
| no more time with the matter. After the
expiration Of several weeks he found il
convenient to again seek the collector.
| This time he saw the collector, but wha
was his astonishment to find that penal
ty had been inflicted upon US for the delay
| in paying taxes. As our bill was small il
was paid under protest. Can political
/ party that imposes these unnecessary
hardships on the people expect to gair
confidence.
Ny hope is that this will be read BY
those who have the authority and powel
1 to correct the evils complained of. rs
ALPHA.
The people are under obligations to tht
Democrat for publishing the above,
though it is accompanied with an Gd
hominum explanation that this may b.
a solitary case, for which the State ad
ministration can not be held responsible
because Of its ignorance Of the facts
We shall see. 1t is not by any means
the hrst complaint Of neglect Of duty o.
the part Of tax collectors which has como
to the surface since We have been blessed
with reform government. Yet we hav'
no example of prompt dismissal from
Office or other evidence Of executive dis
pleasure to record. The Republican,
showed better record. They impeaeheS
one Auditor snd oasted him from ofiee
An unsuccessful attempt was made 4
conviet another who was finally compelles
70 resien. Numerous tax collectors wert
decapiaAtsd from time TO time; and soml
little show Of an attempt was made 4
hold oaaciAls up % their duty. We ~
nos Avate that the Democrats hare an,
| right 70 boast ot similar efforts. s;,as
"FsIleE oitisenas e yen hpd Nant sljtl
me 70 WhAhfRgtgn, and had n9Y whet
ssdn and hEa ala what I don5, yoa wouis
hsss thouRhk the pasty AAda' oStaE eiosi
moEe AtSaE maR fsem this desslEick thai