The Ouachita telegraph., 1878-03-29
WHERE Is THE FAULT 2
rNew Dreams Delta.l


New Dreams Delta.]
Now that the Legislature has adj
Iourned and the members have return
ed to their homes, howl OF indigna-
tion Is heard from the papers in every |
parish of the State. It is charged, and
with truthfulness, too, that the repres-
entatives of the people have been recre-
ant to their duty, false to their constit-
uents, and failures as political reform
ers. They have disappointed every
one who looked forward to a session of
sound, economical and practical legisla-
tion, and retire, after session of seven.
ty days, leaving the State substantially
in no better condition than it was be-
fore they assembled year ago.
For all of these shortcomings the
members of the Legislature alone are
held responsible. But are they the
only culpable parties? Are they to be
held exclusively responsible for the
composition of body of incompetent,
unfit and corrupt Legislators?
The representatives, as well as other
State officers, are elected by the people
who ought, and are always presumed,
to know the character and capacity of
those for whom they are voting. AS a
general rule, it may be taken as correct
that the representatives of the people
are fair evidence of the character of
their constituents. The ignorant and
illiterate who are elevated to positions
beyond their sphere, it will be found,
in most instances, are placed there by
congenial spirits, social friends and in
tellectual equals. No thought of fitness
or qualifications is entertained. If he
is good fellow, and has money to
spend during a campaign, that alone
Is sufficient to secure the election of
the thickest block-head and most un-
scrupulous hummer in ward. Is it
exactly correct, then, to hold such an
ingoramous responsible for falling to
do what is to him an utter impossibili-
fy? Should not the blame more prop
erly rest upon those who thoughtlessly
placed him in such an embarrassing
and humiliating position where he is
made to expose his ignorance and his
incapacity?
We are free to say that the people of
this State are in great measure re-
sponsible themselves for their misfor-
tunes and imbecility of their govern
ment. 1t is notorious that in the selec-
ton of their officers they are governed
neither by prudence nor discretion.
Their choice most frequently is be-
slowed upon the unworthy and incom-
petent. An Indifference on the part of
the people to true merit and reluc-
tance to active exertions in the interest
of honesty and intelligence in the ad-
mistration OF public affairs, leave the
control of such important matters with
those whose interests are merely per-
sonal, and whose patriotism is measur-
cd by the amount of official salaries
and political patronage that may fall
under their control.
So long then ,as the people fail to dis
charge tho duties which they owe
alike to themselves and their country,
and show their own unworthiness and
culpability, there will be no hope for
Improvement in tho character or per-
sonel of their public servants. An
honest, intelligent, patriotic and virtu-
Gus people will always find representa-
tives of like excellent character. 1t is
only the weak, the ignorant, and the
INSCRIPTIONS, who will tolerate and
encourage the impudent pretcnsions of
thos whose glaring illiteracy and shame
full inefficiency bring ridicule, disgrace
and contempt upon themselves and the
government, and make a farce of Re-
publican institutions.
When the people, then, purify them
selves, and show by their conduct that
they are deserving of decent, honest
and intelligent representation, there
will be an end to all such exhibitions
of nonsense, stupidity and venality as
have just closed with the adjournment
of the Legislature of this State.