The true Democrat. [volume] (Bayou Sara [La.]) 1892-1928, 1915-07-17
AS TO A CONSTITUTIONAL
CONVENTION.

Certain circumstances prevent a
lengthy notice edit0rially of the argu-
ments presented by Taxpayer in his
communication, published on the first
page of this issue, but it would show
recreancy to plain duty and loyalty
were no word raised in defense OF the
Hall administration. Next week, fuller
data will be presented to show that
Gov. Hall has filled every prediction
promise he has made, and his admins
tration has not been characterized by
extravaganza or disregard of the pub
lie needs. The first two years OF his
administration a surplus Of 100000
was created, but this was soon swal-
lowed up by the needs of the public
institutions, some of which were
left in a rundown condition by the
previous administration. 1t is inevita-
BILE that as the natural growth in popu-
lation takes place, that correspond
ing growth in the population and needs
of the public institutions proportion
ally follows. To compare the demands
OF to-day with those of the Foster ad-
ministration say, is unjust and absurd
OF the future deficit of 100000 if
provision be not made therefor, by
new constitution, Taxpayer" says
that $17,500 will be due as salaries to
the judges of the newly created dis
tricts. These districts we're created
not by Gov. Hall or the state legisla-
ture but by constitutional amendment
consequently by popular vote. And is
it not disingenuous to refer at this
time, to the raise in the Governors
salary from $4,000 to $500, also done
by popular vote and to be enjoyed only
by future incumbents of that office?
And as for the pensioning of supreme
court judges, it is an open secret that
the constitutional amendment author
izing 1t was made for the benefit of the
late Justice Nichols, whose services
to Louisiana are unquestionably far
above any salary he ever received 1t
was voted cheerfully by the people for
his sake. Few other judges will ever
receive the benefits of this provision.
AS for the need to warn of the dan
gers of constitutional convention, at
this time, it is obviously not necessary
to do so. Any person of common-sense
knows that the state government can
not be run on deficit, and extra taxa
ton in some form or another must be
devised. At first thought, it seemed
undesirable for pecuniary and other
reasons for the state to undergo the
expense of constitutional convention
at the present juncture, but some de-
cided action is necessary and that very
shortly. There is a far better chance
of getting a good constitution on the
eve of new administration, than
when the latter is firmly seated in
power. The True Democrat is further
Influenced to favor a convention, not
by it's friends, but by the public men
who are against it. In other words, it
is wise to love the convention for the
enemies it has made.
1t is we'll understood that a conven-
vention will overhaul the whole matter
OF assessment, and seek therein to find
the necessary revenues for the state.
The small taxpayer has no need there
fore for any fear of a convention. His
property is fully assessed and account
ed for But the corporations the
trusts, the big landowners, all fear any
meddling with the assessment ques-
ton. One and all are opposed to a
convention. And the politicians shut
fling for new deal, and hoping that
the usual luck runs with the big men,
are playing against convention.
We commend this consideration to
every small taxpayer in Louisiana