The New Orleans daily Democrat. [volume] (New Orleans, La.) 1877-1880, 1879-01-10
THE NEW ORLEANS DEMOCRAT, FRIDAY, JANUARY TO- 1879

ouested Mr.. Dupre to inform me whether ht
proposed to offer additional securities, and
received a reply which was substantially te
the effect that he joined issue with the
Auditor on the correctness Of his conclusion
In other words, contending that the contract
was complete and the rights Of parties legally
fixed by 1t. The rejection OF the securities
coupled with the fact that no steps were
taken to test the action Of the State Auditor
place matters in an embarrassing and anon
alous situation. The old contract. which, by
law was to continue until the new one
should take effect, was secured as to its
performance by the same securities that were
| rejected for the new one, and was at much
| higher rates than the new one. At the same
| time that the bid Of Mr.. Dupre was received
there were two others received, both OF them at
| higher rates than that Of Mr.. Dupre, but both
at rates exceedingly advantageous to the
State. These bids were not acted on by reason
OF the action taken on the lowest bid. When
the complication arose resulting from the re-
! lection Of the securities / convened the board,
| with the object Of taking such action In the
premises as it would deem proper. An inter-
resolution declaring that the board did not
feel authorized to act in the matter, this
resolution being based on the idea that the
State Printer is State officer, and that the
failure to give the bond required by law
operated vacancy In the Office, which should
be filled by the Executive under existing
laws have the most serious doubt as to
the correctness of this conclusion prefer
that you should dispose OF these doubts by
express action on the sabiect. II the rights
Of Mr.. Dupre be fixed as claimed. they should
be maintained under the contract as made.
Should you adopt the views OF the board, and
so inform me by resolution, will proceed
at once to make contract under
reservations such as to guard the In
terests Of the State from an absolute contract
and at the same time afford an opportunity
to the party claiming the contract already
made to test his rights. During the summer
1 had handed to me copy of special report
OF the grand jury OF the parish OF Orleans,
In which the attention OF the law officers OF
the State was requested to be directed to GER
tain alleged overcharges for work done, and
asserted to have been not legally authorized,
and for which warrants had issued.
This report was submitted to the Attorney
General on his return from q temporary alb
sence with the request that he examine into
the matter and report to me his conclusions.
He informs me, as the result Of an investiga-
ton made by him with the assistance of ex-
perts, that he does not think the facts will
warrant a criminal prosecution against the
State Printer, and that whilst the report of
the Umpire shows larger amount claimed
than In his 1.-THE umpire) opinion was due, that
there existed difference OF opinion among
printers on the subject matter. He informs
me that he intends testing this question ju-
dicially and that In the meantime the war
rants will not bepaid.
have the pleasure to report to the General
Assembly that Mr.. William w. Corcoran, a
much esteemed citizen of the District OF Co
lumbia, and man Of great public spirit and
benevolence, has, since your last meeting,
presented to the State Of Louisiana, through
Its Executive Department, large and fine
painting OF the battle OF New Orleans, the
work Of Mr.. Lance, q celebrated French
artist. This painting has been assigned
temporary place in the State-House, in the
city Of New Orleans. awaiting its final de-
post by the General Assembly OF the State
in some OF the State buildings or other public
place. / recommend that the thanks Of the
General Assembly, in the name Of the people
of Louisiana, be communicated to the phi
lanthropic donor of this acceptable gift.
The reports Of the various heads OF depart
ments and public institutions having been
delayed, shall probably take Or
casion, at some future day, to make to you
such further recommendations as may be
deemed necessary for the public well being.
Upon you devolves the grave duty OF car
rying on the work OF relieving the people Of
this State from all the burdens consequent
upon SO many years OF misgovernment, Of
the public faith, of the lifting up of
the standard of this great commonwealth to
It's former condition Of prosperity and hap
piness. I am assured that you bring to the
Of your constitutional duties high
sense Of the great responsibility which they
entail. The constitution, by which these du-
ties are imposed and limited, In many par
ticulars, will restrain you in your legitimate
desire to effectuate good for the people Of the
State. The last General Assembly having
this restraint, sought to remove it |
by submitting amendments to the organic
law correcting many abuses which were be-
yond legislative control. The failure to |
adopt these amendments leaves open to you |
the entire constitutional revision as the only
measure Of entire relief The |
proper and opportune period Is particularly
within the reach OF your just decision.
Should, however, your judgment point to its
opportunity before the next general election,
then it seems to me the earlier the necessary
fiscal legislation can be devised the better, so
rs to enable you to adjourn at the earliest posi-
sible moment after providing for the conven1
lion, thus saving the cost of prolonged ses1
sion. FRANCIS T. NICHOLS, II
Mr. Murrell offered the following resolu1
ion:
Resdiued, That committee OF five be ap-
pointed by the Speaker to examine and re-
port, by bill or otherwise, upon that portion
If the Governors message relating to dis
in the country parishes.
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