The Louisiana Democrat. [volume] (Alexandria, La.) 1845-1918, 1886-05-05
The Railroad Meeting at Lecomte.
LECOMTE, La,

| Meeting was called to order with H. NJ.
| Robinson in the chair-and Hon. Robt. p.
Hunter was called to address the meeting,
which he did in a very able manner, show
ing to the people that corporations as well
as individuals were subject to the law and
equally liable for damages to stock, but
that he thought it best not to take any i'm
mediate steps in the matter until after the
meeting of the next Legislature, when he
thinks steps will be taken for the relief of
the citizens who reeide along the railroad.
Dr.. Meekcr was then called on to adj
dress the meeting, which he did and fully
concurred in what Mr.. Hunter had said,
and suggested that resolutions be passed
requesting the citizens of the different Pa
rishes along the railroad line to take ac-
ton to assist us in coming to a final settle
ment of the matter.
On motion Messrs. Compton, Snowden
to draft resolutions in regard to same,-
which they did with the assistance of Hon.
Robt =. Hunter, which read as follows,
and which, on motion, were unanimously
adopted =
Resolved, Thet the killing of stock by
the railroads operating their lines through
injury to the agricultural interests of this
section as to demand some speedy relief
and the refusal to pay for stock and ami
mails so killed by the railway companies
is unjust and oppressive to the people.
Resolved, That the rule of law which re-
quires the owner of the animal killed to
prove that the railroad was at fault in the
killing grants practically entire immunity
to the railroad, as the owner in the ma ior-
ity of cases cannot make the necessary
proof. The railroad companies take adj
vantage of this and refuse in many cases
to pay at all, and in no ease will they pay
nleIe than half the value of the animal
killed. IN many eases the work stock of
the farmer is killed, his crop is lost and lie
is without authority.
Resolved, Recognizing that the Courts
in entorsing this rule of law cannot
grant the relief demanded by the people,
we have heard from the two Representa-
tives from this Parish their report of ac-
ton by the last session of the Legislature
upon the bill changing the rule Of law,
ana we are satisfied that the Act failed
through no fault of theirs. Believing that
it is possible to secure the passage of the
necessary legislation at the approaching
session in May, we hereby request our re-
representatives. to use their hest endeavorS
to secure the passage of the acts giving
the proper relief to the people from this
railroad oppression.
Resolved, That the people of the Par
isles along the lines of the railroads in
this State, who may be interested i'll the
subject, are requested to hold similar
meetings to this and take such action as
may be proper, to secure a concert of ac
ton by the Representatives, and Senators
from the Parishes so situated.
Resolved, That the newspapers of the
Parishes interested are respectfully re-
quested to publish these resolutions, and
the Secretary Of this meeting is instructed
to have the Eroceediugr of this meeting
published in the New Orleans Picaynne
and the Alexandria Tomn TAX and DEMO-
GRAFT.
Resolved, That we heartily endorse the
actions of our Hon. Representatives i'll
their endeavor to get railroad legislation
in it's last session, and urge them to get
such cooperation as they can from other
Parishes.
The meeting then adjourned subject to
the call of the chairman.
III. NJ. ROBINSON,
B. f. SCOTT, President.
Secretary.