The weekly messenger. [volume] (St. Martinsville [i.e. St. Martinville] La.) 1886-1948, 1890-05-03
Mr.. Morris Proposition.

We received last week the following
circular letter, but too late for insertion
The letter is plain and explains itself
and we commend it to the careful and
thoughtful consideration of our readers
New Orleans, April II, 1880
To the Editor Of the Messenger:
AT the approaching srssion Of the Le-
glsjature OF this State shall submit a
proposition for the privilege Of main-
tanning lottery in Louisiana. For this
privilege | will offer to pay the State,
quarterly In advance, the. sum of $500
0OO per annum, or $l2,oOO,OOO for the
frarchise Tor twenty-five years. This
annual license OF half million dollars
would propose to have devoted-one-
third to the public school system of the
State; one-third to existing charitable
institutions and such others as may be
created, and the remaining third to the
construction, maintainance and repairs
OF levees. trust that you will give this
proposition calm consideration and let
the people Of the State know your views
on The subject. 1t is a question which
members OF the press should consider. I
think. without prejudice of any kind.
looking only 10 the best interests of the
State. Yours TruIv
JOHN A. NORRIS.
We have given careful and thought
ful consideration to the foregoing pro-
position. and after weighing considerate-
ly every point involved, we have come to
the conclusion that It Is fair and busi.
ness-like one, and should be considered
In that light by every fair and unpre-
judiced mind.
Sentimentality and morality are not
involved and should be left aside and
the Lottery matter should be treat ed
strictly on business principles.
The suppression of the Louisiana Lot
terry would not in the least prevent any
one from investing iii lottery tickets, as
those who play at lottery would play in
the Havana and Mexican lotteries and
our cash would leave this state to 20 and
enrich the people of these countries.
Our glorious commonwealth is not i'm
such state Of prosperity as some of the
anti-lottery papers would make us be.
|ieve it to be, our levees cannot be main.
fained properly with the present reve-
nues of the state. our charitable institu.
lions are in deplorable condition, our
nsanes are uncared for and are suffer.
ng In unit jails withoutmedical assist
'nce, our public schools are kept open
,nly six months in the year for want of
unds. and the unfortunate people who
i've In the low lands or levee districts
lave to pay levee tax which is nearly
. per cent higher than the parish tax
n twice the amount of the state tax,
nd yet they are not safe from floods. |
Ind why is it 50, simply because our re- a
enues are insufficient. We are offered i
hance now to increase the revenues of '
he State without increasing the taxa Y
lon OF the people, shall we refuse it c
'hen in needs m
This lottery question should not be (
isregarded by our legislators, they @
hould amend the constitution and let ]
he people decide for themselves whether I,
hey want the rechartering Of the lottery D
not. As long as the lottery will do h
hat is right and honorable toward the II
ate and the people, we wilt favor it. a
IL