The New Orleans daily Democrat. [volume] (New Orleans, La.) 1877-1880, 1879-01-10

other work, at cost Of 1854 0S--an aver
ago Of about twenty-five and Q half cents
The levee tax for the current year under th,
provisions Of the act OF 1873 exclusive Of thu
district funds created by that act. IL one mill
itistead Of three, levied during this past year
The estimated amount Of this one mill State
TAX Is s177.OOO, against which contracts have
Geen adjudicated for 2S9,58O cubic yards
costing 300 % An average Of about
seventeen and three quarters cents pei
yard. The various district funds for the veal
we're estimated at s22s,Ooo. and II applied
al the same rate as those obtained In The
contracts already made against the one mil
H5ate tax will give probably 100000 cubit
yards, which, Joined with the contracts under
tie one mill fund, will probably give 400, 0Ot
cable yards for the year-a result gratifying
Indeed, when II Is considered that 1t will have
bsen accomplished despite reduction OF two
mills In the levee taxation for this year. The
system devised by the act Of 1873 is, l think
q wise one, and has given satisfaction. Its
provisions are equitable, and am informed
that the district tax meets with approval
daty OF taking charge of the levees, which Is
Incumbent upon 1t, / know OF no system
which could wisely teke the place OF the
method established by the act OF 1873 How
ever, that act requires enlargement In several
particulars. especially as regards the assess
ment and collection OF the district taxation.
The silence Of the law on that subject has led
to considerable trouble. suggest the point
ing out OF definite machinery for the assess
trent and collection Of the district taxation.
Il would probably be well to impose the duty
OF such collection upon the tax collectors,
accompanied with all the remedies afforded
fer the collection OF State taxes.
The commission appointed by me to confer
with the authorities Of the State Of Arkansas,
under act No. 81 OF 1878. has reported that
after conference with the Governor OF that
State, an act has been prepared, to be sub
mitted to the Legislatures OF both States,
having for It's object the creation OF levee pro-
lection iii that portion Of Louisiana affected
by the overflow from Arkansas. commend
this proposed act. which will be submitted to
you, TO your careful consideration.
VACANCIES IN oFF1oE.
The laws on the subject Of vacancies In
municipal Offices throughout the State Inn
pose upon me the power Of filling the same.
l suggest the remission Of this matter to local
control, and, In fact, urge the propriety OF
ourtaiing the power OF the Executive over
the filling Of local offices. More particularly
should this be the case where the vacancies
are original from the failure to hold an cleo
ton at the time pointed out by law. In
larger number Of the smaller municipalities
OF this State. upon failure to hold an cleo
ton at the time designated by their charters,
it has been the practice Of the local authori-
ties to call upon the Executive to exercise the
appointing power In filling these original va
cancies. ON tho theory that. the time for the
election having elapsed, such power should
be exercised. There should be some general
law providing remedy by ordering an cleo
ton under such circumstances.
THE PUBLIC SCHOOLS.
The report Of the Superintendent Of Public
Education will convey to the General Assem-
bly, all the information required as TO the con-
tfition OF the public schools. Whilst the In
crease In attendance OF pupils has not been
Dill that could be desired, the years opera
tons, considering the difficulties to be over
rome have been TO q considerable extent
THE STATE PENITENTIABY.
The arbitration committee appointed under
Ehe act No. OF the Extra Session OF 1878 have
made their award fixing the sum due by the
essees at $44,s33, and the pledge stipulated
)y section has been made.
STATE CHARITABLE INSTITUTIONS.
The reports OF the various charitable insti-
,utions of the State show an Improvement In
heir condition. ] recommend the extension
10 them Of all the just aid required and COM
pattble with the financial condition of the
State
THE PACIFIC RAILROAD BONDS.
In accordance with the statement conveyed
by me to the last session OF the General As
sembly In giving my approval to act No. 68
of the regular session thereof, providing for
The issue Of bonds to the New Orleans Pacific
Railroad Company, q mandamus proceeding
was provoked by me, upon which q decree
the constitutionality Of the act
was finally rendered by the Supreme Court Of
The State. Thereafter, however, declined to
Issue the bonds granted by the act to the COM
pany. because l did not consider the mort
gage bonds Of the road. which were offered to
me, met. In several particulars, the require
ments Of the law. Thereafter second man
damus proceeding was provoked, upon which
The Supreme Court decided adversely to the
railroad company. and the bonds have conse-
Quently remained unissued. l advise the re-
peal OF the act, because II not repealed 1t will
stand upon the statute books as perpetual
offer to the company Of State bonds, and
might be awaited Of by it even after the com.
pletion Of the road by aid from other sources
BOARD OF HEALTH AND QUARANTINE.
The ravages OF the last yellow fever cpl
demic, which prevailed go destructively In the
city Of New Orleans and in other portions of
the State during the summer and fall months
Of the year just gone by, point to the fact that