Edwardsville spectator. [volume] (Edwardsville, Ill.) 1819-1826, 1819-10-09
FOR THE SPECTATOR.

FOR THE SPECTATOR.
Mr.. PRINTER,
| am sorry to learn from the
Shawneetown paper that it is proposed
to petition the governor to call another
extra meeting of the legislature. The
reasons given for that measure are the
very reasons which induce me to oppose
it. The unconstitutional, oppressive,
anti-republican, unequal, and ridiculous
laws of the last session, induce me to
hope that their authors may never have
an opportunity to do us any more mis-
chief. That the people will never give
them this opportunity, l am fully con-
vinced. And it is hoped that his excel
lency the governor will not, without the
most urgent necessity, put it in the pow
er OF the present legislature to add to
the long catalogue Of injuries which they
have heaped upon their constituents.
II, as the Shawneetown paper says,
there IS not money enough in the state
to pay the taxes, the consequence will
be that great deal of property will be
offered by the sherjHs at public sale, for
the taxes upon it. The tax law being
manifestly and palpably unconstitutional,
very few will probably bid for lands sold
under that law and they will, therefore,
be struck of to the state. Next year
the people will elect another legislatur
who will be selected with the express
view of rectifying the abuses committed
by the present general assembly. And
the lands struck off to the state, will,
most probably, upon the payment of an
equitable and constitutional tax, be re-
stored to their former possessors.
Every one must, think, be convinced
that the present legislature are totally
incompetent to discharge the important
duties assigned to them. Still, however,
they set as high value upon their time
and services, as the most accomplished
legislators. Should the governor again
call them together, they would probably
spin out another long session without
producing any benefit to the community,
unless the payment of four dollars a
day to each member, is considered a
public benefit. Had "our sage conven-
ton" thought fit to allow US the privilege
OF elccting our Representatives annually,
we might now have an opportunity to
correct the errors of the present legis-
laturc; but, situated as we are, | can see
no better way than to bear, with as much
tortitudc IS we can, the evils under which
we suffer, until the period arrives when
our ballots at the polls can afford an eff
fectual remedy.
Again.-The people have had no op-
portunity of knowing, to any consldcra-
bic extent, what has been already done
by the present legislature; for the laws
and journals, if printed, have not yet
been dlstributed.* Should the legisla-
ture again be called together, and should
they make no better provision for the
publication OF their acts than they did at
their last session, we should remain
the laws of the land. But next August
the people can elect cahable legisla-
ture; and the governor, if he thinks
proper, can convene them Immediately
alter their election; and they can repeal
the unjust and unconstitutional laws of
the present Legislature, and substitute
good laws in their stead, which laws can
be Immediately published.
But should his excellency the COVER
nor think proper to call another extra
meeting of the present Legislature, it is
hoped that he will previously issue writs
Of election to fill the vacancies OCCASION
ed by the appointment of five members
ofthe legislature to the Office of commits
sioners for locating the seat of govern
ment. Should his excellency entertain
any doubts on this subject, beg leave to
refer him TO the 25th section of the I'd
article of our constitution, which pro-
vides that no person holding any lucra-
tive office under this state shall have a
seat in the general assembly.
A FARMER.
Madison county, Oct. S, 1919.
Since the above was written, have learn
ed that the laws of the last session have just
been received in this county. 1t is confident
ly believed that the journals will also be pub
lshed before the first Monday in August next.
Mr.. EDITOR,
l have resigned my seat in the
direction of the Bank of Edwardsville,
in consequence of its interfering too
much with my official duties. The ST.
tuation of the Bank, in my opinion, is
very good.
JOSEPH CONWAY.