Richmond palladium. [volume] (Richmond, IA [i.e. Ind.]) 1839-1854, 1843-12-15

toll value IN hand, as enjoIned by law.
Had this amount been faithfully received,
and JudIclously applied towards the construc-
ton OF some Of the more important of the
public works, the profits thence arising
would have sensibiy relieved our burdens.
But while this state of things is reluctantly
acknowledged and depIored, il should a least
serve 10 remind OF a remaining duty
yet clearly within our power-ihe observance
OF rigid and systematic economy in every
department OF the State government. We
should in tins respect, initiate the same fru.
galty, which stern necessity has imposed up
on the great mass OF our suffering fellow cIti-
zeas.
The true principles of economy in the
administration of public affairs, are essential.
iy the same as those which obtain in indvid-
ual transactions. No expenditure should be
incurred for official services or Otherwise, IN
less found necessary. or useful. and then at
the lowest amount compatible with foil and
Intrinsic value, and ample ability OF perfor-
nance. Tested by this rule, all unnecessary
offices, if any found TO exist, should be
abolished. The public service should, in all
cases DOT prohibited by the Constitution, BE-
confided 10 as few hands as may consist WIKI
lis prompt and efficient performance. and
public officers should be held TO the s!ric test
accountability.
Excessive legislation is an evil. The IN
creased burdens thereby imposed upon the
Treasury, is but one of the evils growing out
of II. The laws, by frequent changes, be-
come complex, vague, and uncertain. This
units them IN great measure, from beng a
known and safe rule OF acton IN a community.
Il IS OF the greatest importance u the vel
fare Of the people, that the laws should be
generally known, and well understood. For
this purpose they should be maturely consId-
cred ~ their inception, and be fully tested by
time and experience. This would tend
greatly TO ensure harmony and certainty In
their execution. and check fruitful source OF
litigation, which tends to foment evil passions,
to excite social discord, and operate a
heavy tax on the community. SO strongly
impressed have many been with these evil
consequences, that the Constitutions of sever.
a. OF our sister States provide for but one
session of the legislature IN every two years,
unless IN cases of unforeseen emergency. No
small number of our own citizens have re-
GREETED that similar provision Is not found IN
the Constitution Of this State. Without dis.
cussing the correctness Of this opinion, which
would be as useless it is inapPropr late, It
may be remarked that the evils alleged a.
gainst annual sessions by It's opponents. might
III great measure, be avoided by limiting
the sessions to the shortest period actually
necessary for the discharge OF the public
business. This remark, however, is not IN
tended 10 prevent q thorough scrutiny INTO
the conduct of public servants, required
alike as an act Of Justice 10 them, as well as
to the people.
cannot, on this occasion, suffer the sub
iect Of Education 10 pass without some no
tice.--lt is fruitful theme, and has not failed
TO occupy d very large space-otten, howev-
er, too much upon paper. 1t Is TO be &C
knowedged too, that much has been done
rs well as SAID and written upon this subject:
but an immense field vet remains. with but
here and there laborer. | should be most
happy, If by an appeal TO the Country,
could arouse II 10 just sense at the rna9nl
tude and Importance Of the subject and ex
cite it to corresponding action. Encourag
ing advances have already been made II
preparing and maturing our system, and he
who would propose to revoiutIOnIze 1t. woulC
propose a measure of very doubtful utility
The action In favor of Education, to be eitec
tual and lasting, must be d combined actor
OF the Legislature and of public sentltne u t
The wiser course would seem to be, 10 add L
our present system, where 1t is deficient, I'M
prove il where it needs correction and by
comprehensive view OF our habits, our means
and Our condition, 70 give II a more Periec
adoption.
mind highly enlightened by knowledge
and allied TO a heart imbued with the mora
virtues would. to a great extent be unavaIl
ing TO il posSessor, unless accompanied WIFI
a republican self-res pect. confidence IN IT
own powers, and spirit of seIf-reIance 70
thought and action. Every person glfteC
with the right of suffrage should cherish ;
deep felt consciousness of the duty imposed
upon hum by the spirit Of our free institutions
TO examine, sift, and weigh the leading ques
tons Of public policy, the measures proposed
, for the common welfare. the fitness and quail
;fications OF those aspiring 10 pubic trusts
f and the conduct of those inIrusted with tn
management of our public affairs.
Nor can omit the expression at this tim
Of the necessity, on the one hand, OF guard
ing and securing by every practicable ant
constitutional means the right Of free suffrage
otho- nf chlol LIZ this IneStIrla LL