The New York herald., 1879-02-03

Governors would. perhaps, have found himself as
much embarrassed by his party surroundings Ms by
democratic menaces The the democrats scoided
the more some republicans stole in preparation tor
an carrier hight. and the otener they stole fled the
louder and ancrier the scolding till the mob bell
lowed il on the streets II not be forgotten,
however. that there many honest republican
stewards old and new citizens OF Louisiana who fifty
discharged their duties and live with unchsllenged
regulations to-day i'll Louisiana. whittier they
to stay. These men merit great credit for having
maintained their probity so jealously. The demo-
Gratis have not presented any higher standard than
have the republicans in the Legislative and adminis-
trative trusts of Louisiana, despite all the abuse
heaped upon the latter.
THE PLACE FOR HONEST MEN
commemorative the federal officers of
Louisiana joined the coalition of which you speak?
Mr.. PITKIN-I have reason for saying that with
perhaps three exceptions those officers would
scarcely be welcomed by the conservative and ma
tona elements aud certainly could not il they
welcome take any forces with them into the coai
ton. Men with clean characters and honest purpose
are welcome. The conservatives and nationals ex-
press hearty confidence that the national administers
ton will exhibit disposition to promote their
coalition is Louisianas only hope and the State
creditors only hope; it merits prompt encourage
ment both because of immediate issues at stake and
because of 1880. whenws may readily reclaim the
State and have pacific election, i'll which the con-
servatve clement shall interpose between the violent
and the colored elements.
LOUISIANA CAN PAY ITS DEBTS.
CoaREsPoSDENp-It IL reported here that it is the
purpose OF the Louisiana democrats to repudate the
called constitutional convention. What position
do the conservatives and republicans of Louisiana
occupy this question?
Mr. PIrKIN-Ihese elements are entirely hostile to
such action 1t is believed by them that the state
though poor is abundanty able to pay its debts and
ought TO do They DO not believe the people
of the State could desire Temporary advantage
from reputation. They believe that such action
would not be thought OF, except means of in
creasing the fund available for the support OF party
hacks and general plunder. The income Of the State
is generous Too large part OF IL is spent in exor-
t1rtnn sli
A better and more equal system OF assessment
and a more business-lke mode of collection would
considerably increase this income. The republicans
ana conservatives agree ia demanding these.
They agree that the number OF offices should
be diminished, and the emolunents OF many it is
desirable to retain should be much reduced. There
is no reason why Louisiana should pay her Governor
salary of $4,000 per anlum. There is no excuse
for the continuance of system under which two
sherifs for the single parish of Orleans each lay
by profits STO,Uu0 $4,000 in single term OF
two years. Taxation should be smplihed. The
State, instead OF leyying its assessments upon each
individual taxpayer should levy its quota upon each
city and parish in other States, and leave to the
local authorities its collection and payment to the
State Treasurer. BY such change the State would
save very nearly 100000 per annum paid i'll
commissions to tex collectors Local interests would
then antagonize the taxresistnS schemes of former
years and the general laxity in this respect which
beeL their iruit. The collection expenses of
parishes need not be substantially increased, and
pecugtion would become more difficult than now.
Reform in this particular would dispense with the
powerful and corruptng patronage of the State
executiye-not among the least OF the accruing
benefits. The State would derive another benefit in
saving of neIrly $4,000 per year which might
then be made in the expenses OF the Treasurer and
Auditors offices.
CUT DOWN SALARIES
The State and parish Judiciary should be greatly
reduced. Nearly ninety judicial officers are en-
ployed by discharge duties which about thirty
such perform. for instance, i'll Massachusetts,, with
twice our population and nine times our wealth.
Many of these excessively paid. The system is
cumbrous, unsatisfactory and onerous charge
upon the people and taxpayers of the State. In
TIM pffh IN a
essary economies be effected more important.
The heavy fees now applied to building up private
fortunes for the Sheriff of Orleans. Harbor Board.
Of mortgages and conveyances, &C., should
chiefly so into the State and city treasures. Prop
be applied to some profitable sold. Valuable
franchises, which have been alienated without sub
santial consideration for corrupt or private ends,
should be resumed. Very considerable reductions
should be effected i'll the legislative expenses From
all these of economy saving OF not less
than s,50,OvOa year be made, more than
ample meet all existing deficiencies. The conser
vatves and republicans intend to accomplish these
reforms and to restore and maintain the financial
honor OF the State. ought to add that very great
numbers of men now remaining i'll the democratic
party too honest to approve of the outrage OF
pudaton, and will doubtless sever their connection
with that party rather than ratify the action Of
the coming Convention should reputation be its re-
suit. / do not now believe that this result how
ever desirable it may be to the ring managers of
the demvratc party, can be reached. 1t is
not at present likely that these will be
able to control majority in the Convention. If
they cannot they will retire to private lfc and the
finances and honor OF the State will be safe hence
forth in honorable hands. 1 satisfied that
Senators and members OF Congress. the last all
members of the democratic party. will be found
jealously defending the honor OF the State and that
each and all will heartily concur i'll the reformatory
measures necessary to support her credit and good
name.
DEMOCRATIC wREcKERs
CoRREspoSDENr-Your Legislature has now been
in session some four weeks has il not? and is it not
very largely democratic.
Mr.. PITKIS--Yes and no resolution has yet been
offered assist the State out of the slough in which
her recent default in her annual interest has left her.
The democratic and republican vote is respectively
ninety three and tairy eight The especial object OF
the democracy seems to be to abolish the pres
ent State constitution. which, among other
things, limits the State debt to Sl5,G0O00,
and declares all appropriations in
But the Legislature has just passed act providing
for a convention to frame new constitution. This
following right upon the resent default in interest
exc.tes grave misgivngs. The election OF delegates.
as you will from this official copy of the act is to
be held the 18th day of March next, and on the
2lst day April the convention Is to assemble. with
an appropriation of $4,000 to meet its expenses.
The interval is certainly very short and the conse-
quences extremely momentous.