The New Orleans daily Democrat. [volume] (New Orleans, La.) 1877-1880, 1880-01-16
GOV. WILTZ'S MESSAGE.
Tho First State Paper Of the
Present Executive OF
Louisiana.
A Full and ComprehenHvo Review Of
Public Affaira-The Legislation
Necessary TO Give Effect to
the New Constitution.
Valuable Suggestions to The General As
sembly.

Gontlemen Of tho Senate and House of Repre-
sentntives ~ the ftate OF Louisiana:
In Obedience To the long cherished hopes
and desires Of tho people, the General Assem-
bly, Of 1879 passed an act authorizing tho con
vocation Of d State convention for the purpose
OF framing n constitution. The people tho
State by u largo majority approved the action
OF tho Legislature and nv tho same time
elected worthy and capablo delegates, duly
representing NIL parties, classes aud interests.
These exponeuts Of tho sovereign will and
power Of tho people met and devoted Thorn
selves to their great task with persoverlng on
ergy and patriotic zsal, gathering light ana
instruction from every available sources,
seeking always to promote tho higher inter
esis and wel-belng OF tho State, and
arriving TO maintain fortIRy and per
petuate tho franchises, rights and lib
erty OF the people. They sought 10
ordain n government which might be cqui-
table, impartial, liberal and just 10 OH sec
ttona. all races and oil conditions, without
bias In favor of any party, sect. claFs or fac
ton Having before them the experience and
precept Of patriotic countrymen in all tho
States. they sought to establish o constitution
which might abide with tho people "a II dura-
BILE and honorad covenant or tho rights which
tho State shall forever warrant and defend In
behalf Of every citizen.
Acting In tho name OF the people, and exer-
clsing plenary Representatives authority, tho
Delegates studied to form such constitution
as would, In their Judgment preserve, per
petuate and transmit tho true principles OF
.,,t iftttn lint
might insure tho administration OF justice,
maintain aalutary reverence for law, promote
good order In society, preserve pubic peace
and tranquility, prevent hnsty and capricious
legislation, subordinate sentiment and passion
to the sober reflection OF the law giver guar
antes religious liberty, limit tho power OF
local and general taxation, promote indus
try, educate the young, protect pubic health,
maintain tho nnrlt Y Of the hhlpt, forbid tho
contracting of new debts secure the proper
administration OF civil and criminal law,
limit tho functions OF Legislation Within due
compass, maintain the obligation ot con
tracts, protect the commonwealth from do
nestle turbulence and foreign danger, and to
conform In all ts branches to the high char
acter of an Intelligent, law-loving, free and
honorable people.
Having been called TO preside over the toll
some, prolonged and exhaustive deliberations
of the convention, l wish to record here my
testimony OF tho purity, patriotism and earn
est industry shown by It's members, VINO
merit the thanks and applause OF their con
stituents and tho honorable recognition ana
remembrance of posterity. Tho WORK OF their
hands, unanimously adopted by the conven-
ton has heel ratified by the sovereign pe0-
nle and tho constitution or 1879 has become
the fundamental and organic law OF Loutsi-
ana.
by the same ballot with which the people
aolemnly accepted and indorsed tho faithful
and noble work OF their delegates they have
chosen you Senators and X Representatives 10
put their new charter OF just government
into practical operation. They have assigned
to YOU mn exceedingly onerous aud RESPONSE
bio task which will seriously tax your energy,
patience and industry throughout inc entire
period to which the constitution limits your
first session. Tho constitution. while II shuts
the door upon the past ana makes new era
In our public affairs can accom- lish the be-
necent Intentions OF Its trainers only
through laws adapted to Its provisions ana
Conformahlo 10 IT, mandatory economy and
It's important restrictions. Tho people nave
given you chart for your guidance and ex-
pliclt commands which you arc 10 obey. Under
this authority and direction you are expected
to put tho new machinery OF government
into practical and successful operation. Fer
NIT me to recommend that you complete the
organization OF your respective houses With
out delay and address yourselves Mt once tC
the great and good work which has been a.
iotted to you
In behalf Of the now government now be-
gun / solicit the friendly consideration and
generous good will OF the people Tor whose
welfare Ii N tO he Administered by agents 81
their own choice. That welfare Is the end to
which the exertlons OF all It's branches must
be directed The judiciary department, all
officers of the State, aud al! members or both
branches OF the Legislature are the servants
OF the people, and ask for them Such mora
support ~ honorable and truaty agents de
serve at the hands of fair minded constitu
enta. We ask no indulgence for tncapactl
or neglect OF duty, but III the great task I'm
posed upon us We desire the aid and eneour
nuhlt1 SNmnainN.
dence and Appreciation Remembering Thu
limits assigned by themselves TO the. funG
tions OF State government, the people vii
exact from their servants no results
beyond the scope Of their various
powers az specified in the constitu
tlon, which Is their own sovereign nc
and deed. Remembering the condition II
which We find the State, and the limit whic
they have placed upon the power to tax 10
State purposes, the people will not biam
their Legislature, courts and executive OIL
GERS for falling to supply what richer State
may conveniently afford. From the purSu
Of reform and the exercise OF economy ther
must result some public prtvaions, Tor wnie
the public servants cannot rightly he held r
sponsible. While we strive to administer tn
government in accordance with the Will an
spirit OF the people, may we not expect ID
potent help ami sanction of the people to or
courage and stimulate us
AS q further and most important help to
In the labortous and exacting duties impose
upon us by the people, may we not likewls
hope for the cooperation of that great engir
OF modern intellect, the public press Recos
nizing 1t as the dominant in auence over popl
lar opinion. the propagation Of general int
ligence the dissemination OF useful know
edge the reflex of civilization and Il
exponent OF the thoughts and aspirations I
the people, may we not invoke its benign II
huence in aid Of our new regime OF State go
ernment! 1t can help us very greatly, III
only by kind and appreciative approval whe
deserved. but also by just and amieable crit
cism when occasion calls for 1t. 1t Is EN-
nently proper that the great molder and q
gan of public opinion should likewise be Il
champion and supporter Of public authorit
Your enactments must have reference
the long interval which Is to elapse before Il
next meeting OF the General Assembly