The Louisiana Democrat. [volume] (Alexandria, La.) 1845-1918, 1879-01-15
THE GOVERNORS MESSAGE.

lon ON every queStlop Wnlcn is vi
State interest. The thorough exam
ination given to the cause of the re
cent troubles in Tensas and Concor-
lia Parishes, shows that the Cover
nor had maturely and from nom
partisan standpoint considered the
real causes of the difficulty. His
conclusions are that while politics
may be, in measure, the primary
cause for these disturbances, yet it
is not ON account Of the race or color
of the voter. We believe that the
negro in this State is as much pro-
tected in his right of voting as any
other class, and the recent elections
in the North show mach more in
timidation towards the laboring
classes than in the South. On the
question Of finances the message
gives thorough idea of the funding
law, the fiscal agency and other acts
respecting the finances of The State.
He deplores the inability Of the State
TO meet the interest on her public
debt, but on his part it was unavoid-
able, % the taxes had not been col
lectsd, and prompt settlements made.
We think the Governors position in
opposition to borrowing money and
paying interest on it to meet interest
coupons on the bonded debt, sound
and wise one, and shows that he has
not fallen a prey to the "money
power" The delay, neglect, and in
many instances, the inefiiciency per-
haps Of Tax Collectors, is the chief
cause of our financial troubles. The
Legislature should not adjourn until
some act for the more prompt and
important collection Of the public
revenue ia provided. The govern
ment must go on, and each CITIZEN
| should be forced to pay his just pro-
portion of its burdens. Just so long
as there is no effort to force collec-
tions just so long will there be de-
linquents, and the credit ofthe State
impaired. Let these abuses be cor
rected by some well-deyised legisla-
ton, and then one will hear no more
of failure TO pay interest and the
State officers.
The message taken altogether
shows that it was prepared With
great care, and with view of assist
ing the Legislature, SO far as posi-.
BILE, in their work of remeding the
evils that now weigh on us. These
matters should be attended TO by the
Legislature before adjournment, be-
cause it is more than probable tina,
the present system of laws will re.
main in force for a year Inoger, not
understanding we are 10 have a Cou
sLitutional Convention. The Con.
yention will no doubs rectify many
abuses in the Government, but lissle
can be done towards adjusting the
machinery Of government under 8
new Constitution until the Lecisla
ture elected Hereunder meets; there
fore the present Legislature should
attend to the very few imporlan,
measures which are required for the
public good, as no dolbt it will be
more than a year before another
Legislature meets. Fifteen or TWEEN
ty days is sufficient time to overhaul
thr whole revenue system and make
the collection of taxes a certainty,
and destroy all Partially towards
any class of tax payers. The reve
nue. from retail liquor dealers was
lost almost entirely by the passage
of the "Mo6et Register" bill, as few
have paid their licenses. we think
this act so cumbersome should be
repealed, and a system of licenses
adopted that will make those who
sell liquors pay handsome revenue
to the State and Parish. By the by,
our Police Jury has unlimited power
over this question, and it is to be
hoped that they will judiciously ex-
ercise it at their present meeting
Something should be done to stop
The establishing OF grog shops on
almost every plantation in the Par
ish, by which the labor system is
demoralized and the country each
year impoverished and our Jail. filled
with criminals.
~-..-N~.-->
THE Parish Court has been in
session for one week, and still con-
tinues to hold on for the transaction
of important business. At this term
mora huainaso haa hnnn transapfnd