American Republican and Baltimore daily clipper. [volume] (Baltimore, Md.) 1844-1846, 1845-02-20

gress, but by the people; and as the reduction
has been universally approved by the latter,
they have right to expect that their wishes
will not be disregarded by their representatives,.
The provisions of the bill now before the house
have been deliberately examined and sanction
cd by the Senate, after full and free discussion,
and we presume that every member of the
house is prepared to act. We beg, therefore,
that so important measure may not be ne
elected. It would occupy little time, and is of
too much consequence to be permitted to re-
main untouched until within day or tw 10 ofthe
close of the session, when Ii is known that the
disposition prevails to throw bills over to the
next session. Let us have the Postage Bill
passed before the adjournment, by all means.
ISSUE OF SMALL Norris. An Annapolis
paper speaks of the passage by the House of
Delegates of the bill to authorize the banks Of
this State to continue their issue of small notes
as revival of the "Shnplaster system."-
Now we do not think that there is the slightest
resemblance between the small notes issued by
banks and what are usually understood by shin
plasters. The former are redeemable i'll specie
on demand--the latter were mostly irresponsible
issues by individuals or ephemeral institutions.
The former are public conference.-the latter
were nuisance. What objection can there be to
the issue OF notes below FIVE dollars by the banks.
Does it diminish the amount of specie in crcu-
lationi Not at all, excepting with those who
prefer the notes to specie. If bank can be
trusted for FIVE dollar bill, it certainly can for
notes of less amount But who would not pre-
fer carrying notes in his pockets to having the
specie? Very few; especially when they can at
any moment convert the notes into specie if
they desire it. We are in favor of having spc-
Gle paying banks, and were amongst the most
strenuous advocates of the resumption of spe-
Gle payments at the time it took place; but we
are not for unnecessary restrictions upon the
banks in regard TO the issue of small notes, par
tcularly when they are public convenience.
To characterize such issues as shinplasters, and
to endeavor to bring them into discredlt, is I'M
lust and unwlse. We have a sound currency
which we should be anxious to preserve.
The LEGISLATURE. The constitutional pc
rod for the adjournment of the Legislature is
rapidly approaching, and members must be ac-
tive if they intend to pass the laws necessary to
sustain the credit of the State and to guard
against fraudulent voting. We trust that both
objects will be fully accomplished, as they are
of the greatest Importance, and are generally
expected to be effected by the present Legisla-
tu-e. The first is required if we would be con-
sidered an honest people; and the second is es-
sentIal to the preservation of our rights. Mo-
ney can and ought 10 be raised to pay the in
terest on the States debt which will fall due in
July next; and we should consent to suffer in
convenience to make beginning in the pay
ment of our debts. 1t is not to be expected
that the tax laws which may be passed, will
prove satisfactory to every one; but where they
may bear with peculiar hardship, they can be
corrected by future legislation. 1t is desirable
to have the taxes so equalized, that every man
may contribute his proper proportion and no
more-but we know that this is difficult of at
tainment. 1t never has been, and probably ne
yer will be done with precision; but in order 10
reach it as nearly as possible, we think that it
would be advisable to have new assessment.
There is no doubt large amount Of property
which now contributes nothing in relief of the
public burthens, which would be reached under
a new and judicous assessment.
In respect to the prevention of frauds at cleo
tions, bill has been introduced into the House
of Delegates, by Mr.. Morsell; but as we have
not seen the bill we are unable to judge of its
daptation to the purpose intended. We hope
that it embraces two points, viz the prevention
Of persons who may be hereafter naturalzed
from voting for two years after becoming citl-
zens-and a general registry of voters, with
charge Of one dollar for each certificate of re-
gistry. These two provisions would effect
much good; but there are other matters con-
nected with the subject which, should not be ne
elected. Convicts and inmates of alms-houscs
should be debarred the right OF suffrage; for it
is shameful that the votes Of honorable and in
dlstrious citizens should be destroyed by crimi-
mails and paupers, whether they be natives or
foreigners. In addition, make illegal voting
pententiary offence, and we shall hereafter
have fair and pure expression Of the senti- /,
msnts of the people through the ballot boxes;
but, if the present system be continued, there
will be no abatement in the vile practices which
have heretofore prevailed, and frauds will still
be sractised 1t is the interest of all honest
and upright men, that cur elections shall be
conducted free from the corruption of illegal
voting, and it is the duty of the Legislature to
PASS such laws as will secure this object.