When was it published?

December 3, 1829 in Litchfield Enquirer

Domestic News December 3, 1829

Litchfield Enquirer

Q: What keywords are associated?

Louisiana Governor Death, Senate President Succession, Constitutional Crisis, New Orleans Excitement

Litchfield, Litchfield County, Connecticut

View full issue View on Library of Congress PDF Page 2

What is this article about?

Following the death of Louisiana's Governor, the state's government faces a succession crisis. The Senate President, Mr. Benarris, lacks constitutional qualifications (age 27, 4 years residency, $1000 real estate vs. required 35 years, 6 years, $5000), raising questions about his ability to serve the remaining 3-year term.

Clipping

OCR Quality

98% Excellent

Full Text

State of Louisiana.—The government of this State is very peculiarly situated in consequence of the death of the late Governor. Much excitement appears to exist in New-Orleans. The Constitution of the State requires the Governor to be possessed of real estate to the value of $5000, to be 35 years of age, and to have been a resident of the State 6 years previous to his election—it also declares, in case of the death or removal of the Governor, the President of the Senate shall be Governor, until another be duly qualified. The present President of the Senate (Mr. Benarris) possesses real estate to the value of $1000—is but 27 years of age, and has resided only 4 years in the State. The Governor is elected for 4 years, the President of the Senate for 1 year. The question appears to be if the President of the Senate holds the office of Governor for the unexpired term, which is 3 years, or if he should be re-elected President of the Senate, how can he act as Governor when he does not possess the constitutional qualifications.

Savannah Rep.

What sub-type of article is it?

Politics

What keywords are associated?

Louisiana Governor Death Senate President Succession Constitutional Crisis New Orleans Excitement

What entities or persons were involved?

Mr. Benarris

Where did it happen?

State Of Louisiana

Domestic News Details

Primary Location

State Of Louisiana

Key Persons

Mr. Benarris

Outcome

uncertainty in gubernatorial succession due to constitutional qualifications mismatch; much excitement in new-orleans.

Event Details

The government is peculiarly situated due to the death of the late Governor. The Constitution requires Governor to have $5000 real estate, be 35 years old, and resident for 6 years. President of the Senate becomes Governor upon death. Mr. Benarris has $1000 real estate, is 27, and resided 4 years. Governor term 4 years, Senate President 1 year. Question: does he serve unexpired 3 years, or can he act as Governor if re-elected without qualifications.