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

experimental. the general assembly
of 1910 merged the oyster and game
commissions. II Is apparent to ali
in touch with conditions in this state
that the operation of this merger bill
has not given satisfaction.
believe in the conservation of the
fish. oysters and game of this state,
along practical and scientific lines;
however. it is imperative that there
should be reduction by the present
board of some of its charges and the
nuAber of its employees; that there
should be greater economy in the ad-
ministration of it's affairs and a more
generous recognition of the principle
OF public control.
| am in favor of legislation rele-
eating to the constables of the state,
under methods of compensation which
insure their efficiency in the dis
charge of their duties, the functions
of the office of game warden.
Fcrestration and the protection OF
our forests is a problem that is be-
ginning to confront the people of this
state as it has the people of every
nation in the world.
l favor constitutional legislation of
such a character as would afford the
opportunity of owners of cut-over
lands to dedicate large stretches Of
forest reserves; such legislation to be
modelled and patterned after the
laws of foreign countries and some OF
the advanced states of the union on
this subject, which laws viii tend to
encourage and promote the dedica-
ton and setting apart of lands for
forestry and game purposes, and at
the same time, fully protect the state
and its public fisc.
Anti-Lobby Law.
strongly favor and will urge the
passage of a state law to restrict the
practice of lobbying at the state CAPT
tai during the sessions of the general
assembly, to legitimate uses. Duly
accredited representatives of inter-
ests affected by pending legislation
should not be denied an opportunity
to appear before the committees of
either or both branches OF the gen.
eral assembly and argue for or
against measures then under con-
sideration, but i believe perniciors
system of promiscuous lobbying, such
as has been repeatedly made the sub
ject of well-grounded complaint In
Louisiana, is an unwarranted inter-
ference with the functions of the law
making power, and I am in favor OF
its suppression.
The Liquor Traffic.
The principle of local option is
democratic in character, and | am in
favor of its application to the liquor
traffic. In this as in all other pub
lie questions. it is the duty of off
GERS charged with the administration
of the law. to see that the expressed
wishes of the people are carried out.
Those sections of the state which
voted, or may vote, for prohibition
are entitled to the protection Of the
law in their efforts to suppress the
sale of liquor within prohibitive terri
tory. Strict regulation, as provided
by existing Law, should govern those
communities where the local unit has
pronounced for the licensed saloon.
Recent legislation has done much
to improve the saloon situation in
this state. Many abuses have been
corrected. and better conditions pre-
vail in practically every section where
the sale of liquor is licensed by law.
Corrupt Practices Act.
A law compelling the publication
by all candidates for public office in
Louisiana, senatorial, congressional.
state, district, parish and municipal.
of their campaign expenses, would. in
my opinion, constitute wise legisla-
ton, and l will recommend its enact
ment If elected.
The law referred to should be so
enacted as to embrace all primary
nominations as well as regular cleo
lions, and so drafted as to include
campaign expenses both before and
after the primary, publication CT these
campaign expenses to be made at
stated intervals before the election.
would urge as the state central
committee has the power at the time
1t orders the primary for state Off
GERS. ETC.. TO adopt regulations gov
erning candidates In the primary cleo
ton, a resolution be adopted requir-
ing each and every candidate who
enters said primary for United States
senator and state officers, to publish,
under oath, at stated intervals before
said primary election, the source of
all campaign subscriptions and an
itemized statement of all disburse-
ments.
Caring for the Insane.
The task of providing properly con-
structed and equipped and well-con-
Quoted institutions for the care-of the |
states insane is a sacred duty OF the |
commonwealth. These helpless and |
unfortunate wards of the people ap.
peal with peculiar force to the sympa-
thy of those charged with the duty |
of administering public affairs. Two |
state asylums for the care aud main |
tenance of the INDECENT insane have
been provided.
Great as mas been the provision |
made for these dependents, however,
it falls far short of requirements, ana /
the spectacle of insane men and |
women languishing in prison cells, |
ill-suhed TO their treatment or their |
needs. is unfortunately. by no means i