The true Democrat. [volume] (Bayou Sara [La.]) 1892-1928, 1915-07-24
COMMUNICATION.

in your last issue suggests the pro-
priety of an answer on the part of the
candidates for the Constitutional Con-
vention-that Taxpayer and other
voters may know why, as he asks, they
want to serve as delegates.
l was opposed to holding conven.
ton until the passage Of the appropria-
ton bill at the last session of the Leg
islature, with an appropriation largely
in excess of our revenues, in spite of
an honest effort to economic in eXpen-
ditures on the part Of the Appropria-
ton Committee, and the Governor, de-
monstrated the fact that something
must be done without delay to au-
thorize a revision Of our system OF tax
alton, and to permit Of greater economy
in government, if we wished to meet
the increasing legitimate demands on
the revenues of the State.
The burden of taxation at present
is not equal, and some of our govern
mental agencies are costing too much
for what they accomplish. For instance,
in one agency Of government | am
specially familiar with the judiciary,
we are employing many more judges
than necessary. We can make quite
a saving in that.
But this is not the fault of any par
ticular administration, or Of any set OF
men, professional or otherwise.
Governor Halls administration is not
responsible for the fact that at present
our expenses and revenues cannot be
adjusted to each other.
But this condition of affairs has call
ed attention to the fact that there Is
much property in the State which does
not and has never paid the taxes it
should, and that there is more or less
extravaganza and inefficiency in some
of the instrumentalities of our State
government.
Hence the necessity for funda-
mental revision of our governmental
affairs.
Speaking for myself, in answer to
Taxpayers" question, can only say
that l am offering my services to the
parish as it's representative in the Con-
stitutional Convention, II one Is to be
held, not to advance any political inter-
ests, or faction, or to help me In rum
ming for office in the future, but with
the hope that with much past expert
ence in legislation, can do something
to help write Constitution which will
commend itself to the people of the
State, and relieve the present situa-
ton. A Constitution that will permit
growth without oppressive taxation, or
unjust discrimination in the eXactions
of government.
1t is true am a professional man.
But there is nothing in my profess
sion that teaches or suggests betrayal
of the rights of the people.
On the contrary the history of our
country will show long line of law
yers who have ever defended those
rights with abilities assisted, and not
Handicapped, by the equipment Of their
profession.
If man is capable and honest, and
he is believed to have the interest Of
his people at heart, 1t makes little diff
ference whether he is farmer, law
yer, a merchant, or of any other bust
ness. If he is equipped for the special
business at hand, his profession or call
ing has little to do with it.
Any one can live in a house, but
net every one can build one. So every
one can vote on a Constitution when it
is submitted for adoption, and will
know whether he wants to live under
it or not, but it is not 80 easy to write
one.
| 1t is not claiming too much for the
lawyer that his training and experience
qualify him as an expert In that line.
The people of this parish can easily
scan the list Of nominations for the
convention throughout the State, when
made, and if 1t appears that it will be
controlled by men who are going there
simply to play politics, or for their
future political advancement, then vote
down the convention, for it will be a
waste of time and money.
But | cannot but believe that the
nominees, or the large majority Of
them, will be such as to insure faithful
and disinterested work.
s. Nice. LAWRASON.
|
.ue naanaNr ctIsr