Democratic banner., 1845-03-15
THE BANNER.
NEW COUNTIES-THE CONVEN.
TON.

HUN.
The organization of new counties at
the present session, is destined we ap-
prehend, to be a source Of great trou-
ble and irritation in the Convention to
assemble next winter. The eqnaliza-
tion of representation, was n of the
principal causes that led to the call Of
,he Convention 10 remodel the State
Constitution. But unless we are great
ly deceived, il win he impossible in the
nature of things, 10 make representa-
ton more Just than it now is, and it Ger.
tainfy could not be much mere unjust
than at present. This will arise in a
great degree from the strength of the
small county interest, multiplied and aug
.mented by the addition of 10 new u
Ties 10 the present number, by this Leg
isla,ure. This interest now ~preponder-
ates over all others, and we look upon
il as certain, that it will be impossible
10 get a Constitution through the Con-
vention, that does not give the smallest
county in the State one representative.
We have witnessed the growing strength
of this interest for some years, and eve.
ry successive Legislature has inspired
into it, a new vitality and greater vigor,
until now, even without the addition
made to j; by creating 10 new counties,
every thing is made 10 yield TO it. If
we are correct in the assumption that
each county will have n representa-
tive under the new Constitution, the on
iy alternative presented to the people
will be a Legislative body of $50 or
400 members, and equality Of representa-
t,on, or a House of Representatives of
a much smaller number, and inequality
Of representation. If each county is al
lowed a member, with a ratio of the
smallest county, the House must num-
Der not less than $50 members. Are
Che people willing 10 pay $50 men 10
legislate two or three months year, at
an expense more than equal 10 all the
the other expenses Of the government?
We say emphatically no! The objection
on the score of expense is enough, with
out enumerating others quite as forci-
Die, if not so tangible TO the popular
mind. But if tie people will not sub
nit TO such an increase in the members
Of the House, they will be compelled TO
submit 10 what is worse-inequality of
representation. and consequent ~inequali-
ty in sustaining the burdens of govern
mept. We say they will be compelled to
submit to inequality of representation;
because the smaller county interest will
be too strong to be resisted, and having
Inc power IN the Convention, will use
1t to retain that power in the future leg
~islation of the State. The large coun-
ties are pcwerless, and without the abili-
ty TO help themselves, and they will have
TO make the best term with their mas
.ters that they can. The history of the
past may admonish us that these terms
will be imposed TO the full extent of their
ability Of endurance. and nothing will
satisfy them short of our supporting the
government for their benefit. Wheth-
er the large counties will any longer
submit to this calling injustice ant gross
outrage on their rights, remains TO be
seen-but certain it is that the question
OF representation will be the source of
much difficulty, and great sectional irri-
tation in the Convention.