The Massachusetts spy, and Worcester County advertiser. [volume] ([Worcester, Mass.]) 1825-1831, 1829-08-12

possible way for him to conceal his iono-
rance or throw off his own responsibility
upon DINERS. His situation would REQUIRE
! talent and industry and if he should not
! nave them IN good measure, want of
either would soon determine his future
hopes ana prospects as public man.
ne business of the General Court would
be done IN less time and done more to the
advantage OF the people; and another con-
slderatlon IS of much Importance, the ex-
penses OF legislation would not exceed one
third OF the current and annual costs to the
state, under our present system. To fit a
man lor the General Court under the pro-
posed alteration, would require more knowI-
cage and better qualifications, than have
been sought for in times past not that l
would intimate, that lawyers only were fit
Tor legislators, but | am far from believing
that knowledge OF our statue and common
law can operate as a disqualification. A
historical knowledge of our legislation,
from the time when the first General Court
was held, when this State was a COLONY,
down TO the Present. time, and a thorough
acquaintance With our State and the United
States constitutions seem to me to be reoui
site Tor an efficient member of the Gener-
al Court. Should his requirements extend
20 the whole circle of the sciences. cannot
see, why he should not become a more use
ful legislator. Should the people hereafter
select their Representatives from any one
profession, trade or business (which | hone
they never will do there will be found as
much ignorance and folly as will be useful
to the Commonwealth.
The manner in which this alteration in
10 ho
not easy to find. Nearly every town in the
commonwealth desires this amendment, and
their Representatives when Sin General
Court assembled" refuse their assent to such
proposition, or even neglect to bring the
subject before the house.
The people in their respective towns
must take up the subject, and their united
efforts will accomplish their object. Let
tbem meet in illegal town meeting' re-
spectvely, and instruct plainly and explicitly
their Representatives, at the adjourned SEES
sion of the present General Court to use
their exertions to have the constitution of
the Commonwealth so amended, that the
number Of members in the House shall not
exceed one hundred and forty and these
be equltably chosen in districts by the free
sutfrages of the people. These instructions
" O"AS W AOSuluCds w UGI the case Is so
plain and just, wO to the member who should
disregard the wishes of his constituents and
the good of the Commonw ealth. This
amendment would for ever settle the DISPUTE.
which has continued for years between the
Senate and House in regard to the paw of
members. We should have more Stable
legislation The Hnnee would have per
manent and limited number. Local excite
ments would not be able to crowd the
House or general apathy cause the seats
to be vacant.
Let some Of the towns of respectable size
set an example, by calling meetings for the
purpose, and there cannot be doubt, that
more than three fourths of the towns in the
Commonwealth will follow this example
before the winter session of the General
Court.
This subject cannot be viewed with in
difference by those who pay taxes. Every
man has an interest in it in proportion to
what he pays. Even if our legislation
should be as good, and no better, for this
amendment, diminution of State expenses
is so great an object, that it ought to be
made. But if we are, for years to come, to
be saddled with unnecessary expenses for
Legislation, we shall have the consolation,
that we have made an effort to throw off
this unnecessary burden from ourselves and
our children.