The weekly messenger. [volume] (St. Martinsville [i.e. St. Martinville] La.) 1886-1948, 1908-12-05
Mr.. Guilbeau Replies.
st. Martinville. La, Nov. y. 1908.
Editor Messenger,

st. Martinville. La, Nov. ~. 1908.
Editor Messenger.
City.
Dear Sir
The Article Arbitrary Taxation" ap-
pearing In your issue of November 18th.
inst. has been read by me very carefully.
As you do me an injustice. 10 your criti-
cism Of the Police Jury in its making up
Of the Budget. feel satisfied that after
an explanation of the position taken by
me, you will. in your next issue. do me
full justice.
When the criminal expenses Of the Pa
IRISH were taken up, l protested against
the levying Of four mill criminal tax
against the Corporation Of st. Martini
vile. stating In open meeting. that 1t
was excessive, and an imposition; That
the tax levied was entirely ont Of pro-
portion as to what shsuld be paid by the
the town. But. upon the statement Of
our legal adviser that the town Of st.
Martinville was not exempt from taxa
ton by the Police Jury. and that 1t had
the right to levy against the town full
Parish tax, and that the Town Council
would have to raise, in addition to the
said Parish tax. other taxes to carry on
Its business, l reluctantly withdrew my
objection. In support Of my action l
wish to state that the legal adviser Of
the Town Council, as we'll as its Secre-
tary were both present, and that they
made absolutely no protest.
In reference to what you state of the
Justices OF the Peace and COnstables,
wish to state that at the last meeting,
when the member from the Fifth Ward
sought to introduce a resolution raising
the salary Of certain cOnstaDles, l took
such strong stand against the PROPOSE.
ton that 1t was laid on the table.
propose tO.cOntinue the fight against it.
l was alone In the opposition.
In reference to the giving Of illegal
contracts. or the passing Of illegal ls-
gislation. When. by request. I offered a
bid for competitive contracts. for the
publication Of the minutes OF the Police
Jury. motion was made by the gentle
man from the Fifth Ward refusing even
u tO ID ms the courtesy Of having the
bid opened. My position thereon is Of
rOcOrd.
You may recall also my position
against the school tax. voted against
1t BECAUSE the Police Jury has not the
right to override the law. and to pass
any legislation. when IL Is advised by
its legal adviser that such legislation
would be against the law and void.
wish to state that the Legislature
having abolished the Public Inspector
Of weights aud measures, leaving to the
Police Jury the right to create same,
when the gentleman from the Fifth
Ward sought to create the Office, l pro-
tested against 1t. and you will find me
Of record on the proposition.
also wish to state that at the last
MEETING of the Police Jury gave notice
that would move TO have an expert &C.
cOuntant audit the Books of the Police
Jury. This will do when in my judg-
ment will think the time proper.
In conclusion wish to state that I
heartily join you in your request that
the Grand Jury make a thorough inves-
tigatiOn Of the affairs Of the Police Jury
aud | will be pleased tO render them all
the assistance In my power.
As a public servant Ows it. owe it
to those who placed their confidence in
me by returning me as member Of the
Pilice Jury, and dOubly do owe it to
those opposed me.
Yours truly,
FRANK T. GUILBEAU,