New Iberia enterprise and independent observer. (New Iberia, La.) 1902-1944, 1912-05-04
THE ENTERPRISE AND
Observer, Consolidated
N. ". FISHER, Editor and Proprietor.
JUSTICE JOS. A. BREAUX
DISCUSSES PUBLIC
WELFARE.

ject in which the individual cltl-
zen can interest himself.
The power of concerted public
opinion is unequaled by any 9th
er element in the composite lie
of a great republic such as ours.
Beyond all doubt that which
makes for the progress and con
tentmen. is best obtained through
the influence of enlightened and
Conscientious public opinion.
Since public veal is always IN
proportion to enlightened public
opinion, and since public opinion
is but the sum total OF the opin-
ions Of individual citizens, we
therefore as citizens, can contrl-
butte something, however limited,
to the public welfare.
To the end of assisting in this
good work one need not be an
officer of the: State nor the warden
of religious or charitable ms l.
tut ,on. A man, provided he
lives as he should live; the honest
and truthful citizen, though hum
BILE, renders very great service ;
he thereby forms public opinion,
wise, thoughtful and cons, ,derate f,
he thereby becomes The equal of
the President and of any of his
ministers.
In a government by the many,
the purpose should be to create a
sound and healthy condition. 10
accomplish this, correct thinking
is needed. There is force III
united will. When sound, il
should be- controlling,
Basis of Government.
! Government, in any of it's dc,
partments, if it is in opposition
to well considered and correct
public opinion, travesty on
government. In those instances
mutual respect and good will dis
4 a
/ ppear. ~ sl*''
| The controlling rule should be
consistent with right and jus
| tice. As to these there should
be no greet difference. There
may be different rules in regard
Ito great principles. Whenever
these great principles are opposed
the majority should unite in
openly condemning this oppOs:.
ltion. Sometimes, however, tn;
remedy lies in educating thos,
deficient rather than in directly
opposing wrong government.
One Of the great remedies j.
proper legislation. The purpos'
Of legislation should always be K
reforms ihcoherent, unequal ant
obsolete rules and laws by putting
t an end to abuses, and by MAINTAIN
ing order in administration, an(
/ by abolishing the burdens an(
/ chains placed on industry, and b.
improving the condition of tn
State generally. All of this ma,
be accomplished by enlightened
r legislation.
Il An intelligent public finds lit
tile to censure. The details o
Legislation may give rise TO diff
4 ferent opinions. to which du
consideration should be given.
Days Of Direct Voice.
x There was time when ther
, was no legislation. The inhab
|tants had not parted with an
/, right on the subject. Each ma
q had a direct voice in the govern
/ ment. After the organization Q
!. society, selected men represente
the community. The throng SUI
rendered its rights to these dele
# gates. The condition of surrer
4 der is that the representative
shall seriously consider cond
!! tions so as to protect the will an
J. interest Of the individual and Q
! tire community. In this tn
It 'tllawmaking power should not a
d ways yield to public opinion a
I much as harmony is desirable b.
Z tween the law enacted and tn
}, public will. The latter shoul
!. have ability TO give tone and d
: !; rection to public opinion.
81 The ascertainment Of publ
;. opinion is not always an easy ma
tier. The different sources ente
}. ing into the Judgment are nun
I. erors.
Il To mention but a comparatiy
few; the origin and character {
the community are to be studied
. the habits and customs of Il
people; their morals; their indu
TRY, and many other consider
t'os. 1t requires painstakir
q care. But, it can be accomplis
! led by close and careful attentio
n Many great minds have made
:. their favorite study. and mar
pages have been written upon Il
!, subject.
: These are the merest intim
= ft:ons, suggestive, possibly, Of a
= . tractiye fields, which should
y explored, though the results
4 .'he exploration may not alwa
q s be definite and tangible. The We
g % uncertainty adds to the intere
:. in the study and renders it mo
he attractive than it would be il
ID led to absolute, certain concl
e sions.
q Nome the less, by careful obst
vation and reflection, even t
.. private citizen may bring good