The Colfax chronicle., 1904-04-09

Political Changes Contemplated.

Political Changes Contemplated.
For several years leading Demo-
Gratis have desired and discussed i'm
portant changes in the State consti-
tuition. The most important of the
proposed changes is, to make elective
all judiciary officers, and to elect
members of the school boards and
levee boards. A few years ago it was
folly to think of such a thing. How
ever, since Democracy has purified
the electorate by eliminating the ne
gro vote, this is not only desirable
but likely to be put into effect.
The most prominent public utter
ance on this subject was lately made
by Hon. Thos. j. Herman, of Baton
Rouge, who is reported as saying:
Il am in favor of an elective Judi
ciary from the Supreme court down
to the lowest. l believe it the best
system, and shall introduce legisla-
ton in the General Assembly to that
effect"
Mr.. Herman also favors the elec--
tion of all school boards and all per-
sons connected with the State system
of public instruction. Theoretically
he believes in the election of the men,
bers of the levee boards. but does not
think it best to interfere with the ex-
isting system of appointment, as it
has been proven so effective and sue
cessful. He does not believe in the
election of registrars, because of the
possible danger in some of the par
ishes, where they might easily cast a
large negro vote if it had the neces-
sary encouragement. For that rea-
son he prefers to let the registrars be
appointive by the governor.
The right to control their own af-
fairs is dear to the American people,
and it has only been under stress OF
the infamies heaped on them by the
Republicans during the days of re-
construction that the people Of Lou
isiana have resorted to the appoint
i've system" in conducting their State
affairs. This was found to be much
more effective and ''peaceable" means
of securing white control over the
blacks than was the shotgun or bull
doing system. All old-time citizens
understand the case thoroughly, and
they have been slow to inaugurate
any change that might loes them the
advantage that they had to labor so
hard to secure. However, a new gen.
GRAFTON is coming on, conditions are
materially changed, and our State is
rapidly filing with a large influx of
people from a distance who do not
understand and cannot appreciate
the need for such methods.
In truth, no one calsbe blamed for
condemning the system when there
remains so little necessity for its con-
tinuance. All need for it has passed
away except in a few Of the parishes,
and in those parishes even a change
for the better goes steadily on.
With the affairs of the State now
almost wholly and securely in the
hands of the whites, .it is high time
to begin the renovation of a system
that is about obsolete, and our peo-
pie should be given back their civil
rights. The rising generation needs
to be educated along correct lines of
American liberty and popular gov
ernment. We are glad to learn from
"A lately published interview with the
Hon. S. R. Lee, the popular candi-
date for Representative from Grant
parish, that he is in accord and SYM
pathy with changes proposed He
is thoroughly familiar with the situ-
alton, and knowing him to be a good
business man we feel assured he will
proceed along safe and conservative
lines in the movement. Some of the
changes can be made as soon as leg
islative enactment or constitutional
amendment will permit, but in a few
cases it will likely be found best not
to disturb present conditions, leaving
their solution to another admins
tration and period of time when the
conditions may be changed.
Makes q Clean Sweep.
There's nothing like doing a thing
thoroughly. OF all the salves you ever
heard of, Bucklen's Arnica Salve is the
best. 1t sweeps away and cures burns,
sores, bruises, cuts, boils, ulcers, skin
eruptions and piles. It's only 25c, and
guaranteed to give satisfaction by Cres-