Tensas gazette. [volume] (St. Joseph, La.) 1886-current, 1911-07-28


In my opinion the state campaign
has reached stage of development
which renders the fulfillment of that
promise necessary. Being a native
of the state and having been honored
with the confidence and support OF
the people in a position of high re-
sponsibility during many years,
shall not consume time and space in
introducing myself, or with general
ties dealing with abstract principles Of
government
Long experience in one Of the de-
partments of state government serv-
led to familiarize me with the practi-
cal side of public administration and
with the defects existing in our meth
DDS, and enables me to suggest i'm
provements required to place Louisi-
ana in the front rank OF progressive
and wisely-governed American states.
The popular demand for economy
in the conduct of the government is
reasonable and just. Upon the backs
of the people the burden of govern
ment rests; hence, every expenditure
made should be in response to some
imperative public necessity, and not
for the maintenance Of mere tax
eaters who render no returns pro-
portionate to the compensation they
receive. II goes without saying that
all profligate expenditures, whether
for the maintenance of unnecessary
offices. for excessive compensation
or for extravagant appropriations,
should be rigidly eliminated, and that
the smaller leaks, more apt to be un-
detected because Of their apparent in.
significance, should be stopped.
True economy may be effected by
the following means, among others,
viz:
(A)-Holding down appropriations
well within the limits Of the public
revenues.
tB)-Abolishing every useless Of
flee.
(C)-Consolidating offices, commits
sions and boards wherever this can
be done without impairing the eff
cheney Of the public service.
D)-Reorganizing Departmental
commissions or boards wherever such
reorganization may be required or is
practicable, in the interest of greater
economy and efficiency .s
(E)-Compelling the frequent and
accurate accounting to tie govern.
ment by all public officers charged
with the duty Of handling public
money.
state Taxation.
There Is pressing need for vital re-
form In our system Of assessing and
taxation. Under our antiqaated
methods the burden of taxation is
unevenly and inadequately distribute
ed, bearing most heavily on those
least able to endure il.
In 1906 commission was appoint.
ed to consider the assessment and
tax problem and report thereon. The
commission formulated a report con-
tanning much valuable data bearing
on the subject of its inquiry.
The time is propitious to evolve a
plan whereby. without injustice to
any particular interest, the burden OF
taxation shall be distributed more
equitably and greater discretion be
given to the people in the admins
tration Of their local finances.
I favor the segregation of state and
local taxation, believing. as do.
that it viii conduce to a more just
,~d fofr dfofrfh,,ff<~, - 49, o., ~
dens OF the holders of all classes OF
taxable property. who are required
under the law to contribute to the
support of the state and its political
subdivisions.
To bring our system OF assessment
and taxation to modern standards is
a task that requires time. patience,
intelligent study and ripe judgment.