St. Landry democrat., 1890-04-05
That Preferred Donation of 100000.

1t is amusing to see the different
opinions expressed by the press of the
State with reference to Gov. Nichols
refusal to accept the 100000, which the
Howard lottery lately offered to him foI
the use of the levees
Some are of the opinion that it was q
daring bribc. Others put it more mildly
and characterize it as an electioneering
card. Some hold that Gov. Nichols
correctly refused to accept it, whilst
others as candidly state that he erred
Among others we may exercise the right
to give our humble opinion Of it.
We think the Governor erred eyre
giousIy for the following reasons: First,
the salvation of very large population
from overflow and ruin demanded some
means of rescue. Private. resources
were not sufficient. Stat resources were
not sufficient, nor were they available.
The revenues of the State and of the
parishes were in great danger of mate
rial diminution, not to say anything
more Of the utter ruin Of thousands of
our good people. 1t was, therefore,
magnanimous in the lottery company to
step forward in such an emergency and
make the offer. If it be urged as an ar
gument against the company that it
draws the money from the people, it is
certainly commendable to return it in
the hour of direst need. Second, il the
Governor refused the offer, as a politi-
cal ruse, we think he was short sighted
and erred-bccause the prompt accept
ance of it by the parishes in imminent
danger of inundation showed very for
chilly that his policy did not suit them.
1t demonstrated, too, ia a most literal
manner, that drowning men will catch
at anything offording the least hope Of
being rescued. And, after all said aud
done, what possible difference does it,
or can it make, whether it be an an
chorite or devil who kindly saves the
drowning man? Should be be bent on
drowning because the former can offer
no assistance while the latter generously
and promptly does? Third, if the Gov
ernor viewed the offer as a bribe we
think he erred, because the company is
certainly shrewed enough to know that
it bribes are necessary to its purposes
the Executive could do it no good. 1t
knows it would be misrepresentation
pro tanto, as the lawyers say. IT be
thought to cripple the company he miss
ed it badly, for it is conceded Oh all
hands, as far as we have had the means
OF observing, that the company has
played its trnmp card with mastery
skill. The people will guard themselves
from bribery, and they require no ex- |
elusive sentinel to protect them from |
the strategems of real or painted devils. |
Lastly, our Interpretation of the action /
of the Governor (though possibly erro-
neous} is in perfect accord with that cf |
very many others. 1t is this The How
ard Lottery is an abomination although
by special articles of the State
No good shall come out
Of it. Large sections of the very best
parts OF OR State may go under-our
people may be ruined the revenues de-
rivable from taxation may be dimin-
legislators are accessible to
bribery, and we are afraid of tbe infu-
enee such bribe might have whenever
5he proposition to recharter the Lottery
20. comes up. Gen. Jackson did not
'efuse the aid of Lafitte in the defense
If New Orleans, and we think the Gov
srnor should have accepted that offered
,y the Howard Lottery to avert an
overflow.