The weekly messenger. [volume] (St. Martinsville [i.e. St. Martinville] La.) 1886-1948, 1903-08-08
A CIVIC LEAGUE.

We note that the people of New
Orleans have just organized a Ci-
vic League, which is good or
gauization, and the idea is one
that should spread throughout the
country, because its duty is to
keep watch on all public affairs
and public officials.
We are of opinion that there is
a big waste Of money in this pa
risb, by our incompetent police
jury. Ii some one was to look in
to the details of their expendi.
lures, their liberal appropriations,
and big pay for small and poor
work, check would be put that
would same money to the public
treasury.
Here is the platform declared
by the organization, which are
good and commendable:
1T is proposed TO keep record Of The
acts Of olficehOlders. to investigate the
fitness Of candidates, and to employ such
means as may be found needful to ascer-
tain the facts and.keep the public cor
rectly informed as to the conduct Of its
business and the enforcement of the
laws.
This movement is not partisan mol
sectarian. 1t invites the sympathy and
cooperation Of all citizens who have al
heart the welfare Of our city. the honor
and dignity of the law. and the moral
health OF the community
"The administration of city is a
business. which should he conducted on
business principle. Those who pay ex-
penses have right to demand the same
ability. economy and honesty from all
public officers as merchants or corpora
tions exact from their employees, and
if necessary, to call them, to account for
any violation of trust.
In theory, orr laws provide the pen
atty tor delinquents, but in practice the
interests which unite to procure their
acquittal are usually stronger than JUS
tice.
The lawbreakers of all cities are uni
ted by self-interest and organized for
plumber. They effect their purposes
through secrecy and bribery; they pur-
chase immunity for crimes. and not un-
commonly their paid agents hold public
Offices. Yt d. -t,
in opposition to united and aggres-
siye self-interest, the law abiding citi-
zens of u community, however numer-
Gus. are weak through want of organiza-
tiOn. from ignorance to the facts, or be-
cause they despair of their ability to
provide sufficient remedy.
When the limit Of endurance has
been reached, or when some fragrant
violation of law has occurred. the public
may suffer brief spasm of reform, but
soon becomes indifferent and permits a
return to the former or worse condi-
ton.
In view of the foregoing cOnsidera-
tiODs. and the conviction that a free
government can only be- maintained by
the constant interest and watchfulness
OF its citizens, and that it is necessary
to establish permanent organization
for this purpose, this call il made for the
formation Of a civic league, with the
following declaration Of principle:
Il. To develop public sentiment in
favor of good government. ..tt.-
"2 To secure good laws and their en-
fOrcement.
Is To secure the election OF efficient
and honest municipal officers and repre-
to the Legislature from the
parish of Orleans.
a To effect permanent Organiza
ton, OBTAIN and own a hall, and I'm every
manner cooperate with those
interests and agencies which conduce to
good government.
Z