Bloomington herald. [volume] (Bloomington, I. T. [Iowa]) 1840-1849, 1842-01-14

I'll u0 OBSERVATION-DISCLOSURES SiSucu 1COnoAys
which appeared in the Herald Of gath December
last, is seized upon with avdity by the wing presses
Of the Territory and one other which plays into their
hands, as weapon wherewith to produce the con-
demnation Of the Democratic members of the Legis-
lative Assembly. The Standard, published at Iowa
City, chagined at its disappointment in getting no
part Of the public printing makes kind of text for
preferring charges of wanton extravaganza against
the Legislature, for the purpose of rewarding those
who feel ready and willing to use all honorable
mans within their power tosupport our present Dem
oratic ascendency in the Territory. Such has been
the use made of this communication that of our
democratic friends have given expression to feelings
Of dissatisfaction with us for permitting article Of
its tenor to appear in the Herald without accompa
nying it with disclaimer, and giving an explanation
Of part of it, to show the necessity Of their course
Il was our intention to have accompanied it with
few editorial remarks, but want Of time prevented
il. Admitting it would have been proper to have
done SO, where was the necessity for it? The COM
muncation charged the Legislature with the use Of
no money that the Journals of the two houses, pub
lished in the city papers and by the members sent to
their constituents, does not fully show.
Its statements were drawn from the Journals of
the two Houses and had been placed before the pub.
lie eye, prior to the date Of the Herald in which ap
peared.
Let US now examine its statements and see how
far it can justly subject the Legislature to charge
Of extravaganza, unwarranted by the nature Of the
duties they are called upon to perform as Legislators
The first charge is that the number Of officers cleo
ted in the House Of Representatives is greater than
necessary. In this charge we must coincide with
Economy" and we believe every member will, also.
The second charge is that of ordering certain
number of newspapers for the use of each member.
Does not every citizen Of the Territory know that
these papers are for general distribution throughout
the Territory, thst the people to whom they are ac-
countabe may see their acts and dongs, the better
to enable them to judge Of their merits as legislators
Then where is the bug-a-boo in this? Is there any
one SO penurious that they would prefer seeing the
Legislature convene and remain in session the time
allotted to it. without furnishing means for letting
the people know what they are doing? The order
we consider justi6able- called forget the number
may be little more than the financial condition of
the Territory can well justify.
The third and last charge is the order for copy
ofNewhalps sketches of Iowa including the map at
tached, for each member Of the Legislature. Here
an explanation accompanying the communication
might have been Of some service, as every person is
not aware of the intention Of the ORDER The books
and maps were intended for the Territorial Librarv
and will be there deposited at the adjournment. Is
taere any one who would object to giving the men,
bers every facility for acting for the interests Of the
whole people. With map before him, every mem.
Der can see for himself and learn the nearest and best
routes fcr our public roads, &c. Aside from the inn
Portance ofhe map the sketches are useful contain
ing, as they do und Of information Of value to the
legislator.
Then does it apper that Economy" has made
discovery that should cause the members to be visit
ed with condemnation because Of their extravavance1
We think not and under the circumstances we think
we may plead innocent Of unjustly casting censure
upon the Legislature in its publication.