The Opelousas courier. [volume] (Opelousas, La.) 1852-1910, 1886-08-07
An Admirable Message.

raj message to the council elected last
month, from which we make the fol-
lowing extracts. We hope our conn
cilmen will read them carefully and
profit thereby:
In assuming the active discharge OF
our duties, deem i ii proper occasion
tn state the principles which, in my
opinion, should guide and shape our
official course.
recognize to the fullest extent that
municipal officers are bat the chosen
business agents OF the people, clothed
with The powers expressly granted
them. Exercising delegated powers,
we are but the servants of our consti-
ents, and rightly held to strict account
ability. Of late years, an idea has
grown up that municipal officers have
right to violate the law, and to pass
ordinances more in accordance with
their notions of justice and equity.
This is all wrong, first, because in so
doing we violate our official oaths, and
secondly because as the representatives
of the people Il bad example is given.
We are utterly without authority to
over ride the law of the State and to
substitute our will to that of the Legis-
laturr
FINANCE
Takes should be like the light va
pors which the sun draws from and re-
turns to the earth in fertilizing dew"
A strict and economical administration
of all public money is imperatively de-
manfiea of us The taxpayer, convinc-
ed that the t.: xes are spent for his use
aud heurfit will gladly pay his pro rata
ct thu burden 1t is his tight, as it
silenld hr our daty ia keep every citl-
zen well infnfmea as to the mode or
uanuel in which the PUBLIC money is
spent Taxes should he nsed for public
purposes and neither directly or indi
recily should II single cent be spent ex-
cept with tile sanction of law
The tax power 10 of vital Importance,
1t is essential to the existence of our
corporation, and it is absolutely neces-
sary that the revenues of the town
should be promptly collected. We are
forbidden by the Constitution from re-
hitting taxes yet if we fail to collect
we ARE doing indirectly what We could
not do directly We eannot,1iHsist too
strongly on the prompt payment OF
taxes The Collector must do his duty
in the pltmiscs, and we must see that
the law is executed.
AS an earnest Of our desire of reform
aud economy, ! suggest that the follow
ing officers alone be paid, and their
salaries be fixed as follows for their
official term: Treasurer, $3.50; Secre-
tary, $50; Assessor, $25; Constable,
$50 per month; Assistant Consta-
ble, $25
We cannot bear in mind too often the
fact that i'll its relations to the tax pay
efs, the city government Is business
establishment, and is placed i'll our
hands on business principles and to be
conducted in a business like way The
same fidelity and energy which We de-
vote to our own interests, our official
duties for the time being compel US TO
give to the interests of the city. The
same care aadsecanamy with which we
spend our own money should be
brought to bear upon public expendi-
tues We are simply trustees clothed
with limited powers and every cent
spent should be spent under, and with
in the sanction of the law. We have
no.right TO devote public funds to pri-
yate purposes | am strong helieyel
aud ldhereni uf civil service reform
Amendments should be made with
. reference, solely and exclusively, t,
the honesty and efficiency of the ap.
pointee. Retreueiiment, reform and
, economy should be praeticed in every
j ~ faf
aud it bellooses us to see Ia It tlla
when We return TO the people the tras
, confded to US, that we have falfilled t.
the utmost OF our energies and abilities
the duties imposed upon us.
The books of officers should be care
! fully examined, and manner of keeping
J such books scrutinized. All the check
E and safeguards granted and required
. should be carefully observed Monthl
reports should be imperatively required
/ The reports should set forth specifcall,
!, the name of each tax payer who ha
!, paid his taxes aud licenses and ih
same duly published III the officia
/ Journal.
PUBLIC EDUCATION.
i am in favor of liberal approptia
lions far the public schools in our city
We have now ii school which compare
most favorably with any in the State
{ It should be our pleasure, as we'll a
oar duty. to aid aud assist this scloe
4 80 that il may continue to improve an
grow 10 strength and prosperity
Z The town uver q year ag0 nude
donation for two lots for the erection I
Z school for lie colored children, but 5
f..r Id steps have been taken t0 bull
J the school. Ii Is right aud proper ths
4 the town should take an active intere;
z IN this matter, and contribute liberail
towards the building fund.
2 With this object ii view would sus
rest Tint from the amount to be III
il Drapriated for school purposes, one-s sla
!. be spent in the direction of building tl
new school. The good work ane
4. started under The auspices pf the tow
have no Doubt that before the end /
Il our fern, we will see III active Opert
4 tion, Il school for colored children wllie
f will he IN ornament to the town and
great benefit to our citizens.
t suggest that the amount saved !
4 The non pas yment Of salaries be devote
Z To school purposes. TO be applied
snch manner aa this honorable bod
may deem best.
.Y POLICE.
The charter provides ouly for col
stahle who Is 10 keep and preserve q