Indiana State sentinel. [volume] (Indianapolis) 1841-1853, 1850-04-25
Volume IXa...:==..##Number AZ.
Biennial Sessions.

Biennial Sessions.
We notice that there is a very general disposition
to restrict the Legislature 10 biennial sessions The
which is assigned for this restriction is the
tendency which has been everywhere manifest to
overlegislate. Now will il not be well to examine
carefully, before deciding upon this restriction. the
principles upon which it is founded, and to enquire
whether there not enough of Legitimate dutes
which the legislature may perform TO profiaby occu-
py its attention during short session In each year
glance at the history of the States which have re-
stricted their legislatures TO biennial sessions, will
convince at that this is not efficient remedy
for The evil which is complained Of. Is there mol a
funda amental in the reason;ngs of those who fa
biennial sessions, To Us, appears that the cry
of too much legislation has been raised in conse-
quence of the organization of the legsla-
tive power. Local legislation instead of being given
to tine and countless has been performed by the
General Assembly. and we do not find that the evil
has been less in any State where Legislation has been
similarly organized and where the Legislature meets
but once in two years Another difficulty has been in
the responsibility Of the Legislators, there having
been, as general thug, no sanction TO the popular
will required to their acs. Under such circumstances,
there has been justification of the opinion that
we have had too much legislation, but the idea is in
itself esse ntially undemocratic. Under such
ganizaion of the legislative powers as we should
have there cannot be too much legi,ation, any more
than there be much inquiry, Investigation and
discussion.
If our object il Ia have full discussion and careful
deliberaton. The plan of crowding all business into
q session once In two years, Is bad one besides,
without call for special session, which will seldom
be made, any error that may have been committed will
be more difficult to remedy. Another objection
have to such sessions is, that they render popular
elections less frequent. Ii 10 have biennial
sessions, will also have biennial elections for men,
bers of the Legislature Does any democrat
former desire thisl For our part we would much
prefer to elect Senators well Representatives.
every year. We would prefer, too, short session
every year to long one, once in two years, and if
restrictions insisted upon, let them, say, be
made in time and not in frequency.
There are many questions of State policy of gen.
eral nature demanding frequent Legislation and
there national qestiOns in the settlement Of which,
State may not have its due influence unless means
frequently furnished for giving expression to its
will. In every point of view, the proposition for
lessenng the frequency of the sessions of the General
Assembly, seems us Objectionable and inadequate
to the correction of the evil which is sought TO be
remedied. Toledo Republican.
ONO ELEcTIoN.-The Democrats have carried a
majority of the Cincinnati City Council and also the
ticket for county officers. The Democratic candidates
to represent Hamilton county in the State Constltu-
tonal Convention have also been elected by maorties
| ranging from $50 TO l.000
The remarks in the Journal of this morning, an
nouncing this result the best commentary that
be made upon the efforts made by the wings in
this State to break down party distinctions In our
election for delegnts to the Constitutional Convention
The object of this by the wings in this State is
to secure many delegates possible In doubtful
or democrac counties. while in strong whg counties
and districts there will be compromise with the de-
mocracy. If our principles are those that should
govern it is matter of duty 10 secure Convention
in which they should control its action And we hope
that no democrat OF this election, which is of much
higher importance than election for legislative or
executive officers compromise with his principles
The members TO be elected will establish the organ
ic law which is govern the Legislation of the State
for considerable period of time and if it is mpor-
tan that members should be elected TO the Legislature
who will represent the will of the people, the argu-
ment will apply with equal and greater force to the
election Of members to the Constitutional Convention.
The Ohio democracy have acted wisely and con.
sstently in making their recent election of Delegates
to their Convention party test question, and we hope
that the will be adopted by the democra-
cy of this State. A compromise, when great princi-
Piles are at issue, and which to be Incorporated
into the charter which is to govern US, is not only
wrong in itself considered. but is also absurdy
too ridiculous for consideration. = Lafayette
| Courier.
SENATOR BsNToN's SCHEME FOR A NATIONAL HIGH.
WAY TO THE PAcIFIc.-The bill prepared by Senator
Benton for railway from ST. Louis to the Bay OF
San Francisco sets apart the proceeds OF the sales OF
the public lands for opening such communication
with California, New Mexico, Oregon and Salt Lake
settlements breadth of one mile of the public lands
is be appropriated the central highway, and one
thousand feet TO the branch roads, each OF which
: lines are to be constructed railroad and common
! road and lines of telegraph The common roads to
be free of toll and the railroads to be taxed for trans
poraton higher than is necessary to keep them IN
repair. The Indian titles to be extinguished on
the routes the breadth Of one hundred miles, Mill
tary stations are TO be established and l60 acres OF
land will be given to every male eighteen year:
/ of age who shall settle the line of snid road o
branches within twelve months after the Indian titles
are exnguished, and re-emption rights to the same
extent to those who shall afterwards settle. The bll
also provides for surveys and examinations TO the
best route, and for The completion of the comnor
road in year and the central road in years
after located. The of the railway when finished
is granted to individuals or companies for limited
time, who shall contract to transport persons, mails
munitions of war, and feghts of all kinds. public
private. in vehicles furnished by themselves at suc
| reasonable rates may be agreed upon.
MEDICAL REFoRm.-The subject Of medical reform
is engaging the attention of the English metropolitan
press. The Lord Advocate has introduced bill int
Parliament on the subject, and the London College
Surgeons not relishng its provisions, have applies
for charter. their object being to save off tb
reforms contemplated by the bill. They have. how
ever only placed themselves in still worse fix, 70
they have opened up the propriety of giving them
new charter to general discussion, and the press
applying the scape to the whole matter.
i The Springfield (Mass) Republican states that tn
Governor and council of that State have commute
the death sentence of David H. Pearson, recent.
e 4. = g ~ ~ tIro,