Iowa capitol reporter. [volume] (Iowa City, Iowa) 1841-1855, 1849-01-10
Election Of State Printes..-T he
lsnb ecility of Wing Spleen.

<on the 4th inst, in the hall of the House,
FOR the election of State Printer, to hold
Office for two years from the first Of May
next. Palmer & Paul, publishers Of this
paper, having been previously nominated
in caucus, were elected to that office ON
The first ballot, by the unanimous vote of
the democratic members. Unsolicited as
il was on our part, we cannot but feel
deeply thankful to the democracy of Iowa
who, through their representatives, have
thus voluntarily manifested their appro-
baton Of our course, and their confidence
in our political integrity. But while Co
ing SO, it may not be improper to observe,
that the duties Of our Office (being merely
and entirely mechanical, and not, like 9TH
State Offices, involving in the manner OF
their discharge, more or less republican
or anti-republican bias to governmental af-
fairs) will be discharged with an eye
single alone to the best interests of the
people Of the State at large, without res
pect to party. Those duties have no man
ner Of connection with our editorial or
political relations. They cannot there
fore change, or in any way, affect them.
As will be seen by reference to the bill
which we published last week, the Office
does not take effect until the first of May
next. Of course the act has no reference
to the printing Of the present session,
(except as, by an amendment, it makes
the reduced prices apply to the printing
Of the laws the journals having been al
lotted TO persons in other portions Of the
State.
The policy which dictated the estab-
lishment of the office of State Printer, is
in accordance with that of nearly every
State in the Union. In the manner in
which it has been carried into effect by
the democratic party Of Iowa: it has also
been made an important measure Of re-
trenchment and reform. While the pri-
ces Of public printing have been reduced
twenty-five per cent, the manner of per-
forming the work has been definitely
pointed out and strict and faithful COM
pliance with the provisions of the act has
been enforced under heavy penalties.
Uua~r tlho old law, this was left TO chance
and the caprice of the various individuals
from different portions Of the State, who
have heretofore been selected to perform
,hc work.
The wings of the Gen. Assembly.
however, have steadily opposed this meas
ure Of retrenchment and reform, fighting
against it until the very last moment.
And for what reason? Simply because
they lacked the power to fill tie office
with one Of their own inscriptions par
izans-one who would use his position
for the up-building Of the wing party in
Iowa, by which they might hope to obtain
place and power. Situated as we were
In relation to the measure, their steady,
viadictive and malicious opposition has
been nearly as gratifying TO our feelings
as was the unanimous act of the democ-
racy which invested us with the Office.
Had II been otherwise, there might have
existed good grounds for suspicion against
our political, if not against our moral in
tegrity. Others may imagine that their
futile efforts against us have imbittered
cur feelings. Such, however, is not the
case; for although we have always pos
sessed our full share of bitterness against
whig policy generally, and especially
dishonest wing politicians, still we are
disposed to make all due allowance for
those feelings Of disappointed ambition,
which impel the wing leaders of Iowa
to retaliate upon us, for the fearless man
ner in which we have commented upon
~
their nefaTious schemes for self
dizement. The failure OF their insignifi-
cant effort to destroy us, merely excites
our pity; while the dishonest inconsistent
cy Of their course in relation to the pull
Tic printing, now that it is beyond their
control, is well calculated to excite con-
tempt. Bat as they have become accus-
TONED to defeat latter resortipg to The most
alnscrupulous means to obtain success, the
pity and contempt with which their efforts
IN this matter may be regarded, is no new
thing to them, and cannot be expected to
disturb their hardened equanimity now.
While again returning our thanks 10 the
democratic members, we cannot allow the
opportunity TO pass without congratula-
ting them upon the final disposition of a
question which has been fruitful theme
Of contention at every succeeding session
Of the Legislature, highly unpleasant to
all parties concerned, as well as expen-
sive to the people OF the State.
J VI -sfS se