Juliet signal. [volume] (Juliet [i.e. Joliet], Ill.) 1844-1???, 1846-12-15

WIN banks altogether, than
again to take their chance upon such a
sea ofnncertainty and confusion as they
have lately passed. five form an opin-
ION froIndhe current ofeyents which have
attended the winding up of the affairs of
ourbanks, even underline disadvantage of
coercing the payment ofa heavy bank in
debtedness, the advancing prosperity of
the State, the restoration of a sound cur
rency, taken in connection with the agri-
cultural character of our people. it can
hardly be doubted that capital will as
readily seek this State for investment-be
as securely invested, as well as,safely and
properly managed-as constantly employ
ed, and rendered as practically useful in
all the relations of business, and at the
same time preserve as safe and sound a
currency under forms of association under
general laws, as with the aid of banks
while the community will he relieved from
the dangers which are always attendant
upon them.
Notwithstanding the many attempts of
former Legislatures to provide suitable
militia system for the state, the result is,
that the whole matter is but little else than
a dead letter upon the statute book. 1t is
evident, that, to secure the success of such
such a system, it must be so modified,
that. while it conforms to the spirit of our
institutions, it will enlist the hearty CO.
operation oithe people. We can hardly
attach too much Importance to this almost
exclusive arm of our defence, nor unwarily
overlook contingencies which may arise
when we'll trained militia may consti-
tute our sole reliance against immediate
and formidable dangers. The popular
and well founded jealousy of standing ar
mics, peculiar to free governments, in
creases the obligation we owe to our pres.
ent and future security, 10 cherish with
great care this mighty safeguard of our
Institutions. A more favorable time to
make another effort can hardly be expect
ed again soon to occur, or when we can
count with greater certainty upon a
cheerful enlistment of the popular feeling
in ITS favor. 1t seems to me, that by so
changing the requisition of existing laws
as to adopt the volunteer, instead Of the
coercive principle, which is now applied
to all within certain ages, adding provis-
ions having more Immediately in view the
complete and effective drill of the soldier;
giving also TO the superior officers ade-
quate power to concentrate companies
into larger bodies, at specified places,
within prescribed districts, for more ex.
tensive and thorough practice, will be
much more likely to answer the purpose
which the friends of an efficient militia
system are anxious TO realize.
Among the great variety of subjects
which lay peculiar claim to the attention
of the people and the Legislature, none
rank 50 high, or are entitled to greater
consideration, than that of the subject of
our common schools. 1t addresses itself
to every citizen of our State. from its init
mate connection with the love of social,
civil and religious liberty. Some of our
most valuable. citizens are turning their
attention TO the subject OF common schools,
with zeal and disinterestedness worthy
OF high commendation; but without the
assistance ofthe Legislature, 81 cheerful
co operation on the part of the people,
their labors will prove comparatively
weak and insufficient. 1t cannot Jason
ably be expected, that, in the present
condition of our State, with some parts OF
it thinly settled, any definite system can
be devised, which will be absolutely per.
feet in its practical operations, or which
can realize the utmost wishes of all. This
Inconvenience, however, is gradually
diminishing, and in few years, will, to
great extent, cease to exist. Complaints
are frequent, that township funds in some
sections of the State, are so ignorantly
or willtully mismanaged as to be of little
or'no benefit. Ifthese complaints be well
founded, some efficient Legislative pro-
vision ought to be made to prevent such
gross wrong in future.
wish here to offer a remark in refer.
ence to an unfortunate class of persons
among US, who, though few in number,
are not less entitled TO our commiseraton:
| mean the insane. While we make
provisions for the poor.whether their pow.
erty result from their vices or msfortunes,
we overlook this class, whose condition
is far more helpless and deplorable, and
| most sincerely recommend them to the
Legislature as proper subjects of our
sympathy and care.
We are just entering upon the discharge
ofthe highest and most important. duties
pertaining to civil government, and it is
most earnestly to be hoped, that, in every
vicissitude of our Legislative labors, we
shall keep steadily in view the Constiiu-
ton of our country, and the interests Of
our common constituents. The pr,nci.
pies upon which our Government is found.
ed, are plain and simple: aud by careful
attention to them. our labors will hardly
faiIto be comparatively easy and pleasant,
If we Judge of the correctness of our
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