The spirit of democracy. [volume] (Woodsfield, Ohio) 1844-1994, 1852-05-19

cOhilN WILL
Aud. Monroe Co.
THE PROPERTY AND ExPEDIENCY
OF ADJOURNMENT.
1t is doubtless recollected by some that
have doubted the ACCESSIBILITY Of the late
adjournment Of the Legislature, and Of the
consequent necessity Of holding ar ad-
session next winter. We deem it
however, due to justice and fairness, that
we should state the considerations which
have led the members of that department
of the government in the solemn exercise
of their judgment, to do what they have
done.
The Constitution has provided that the
General Assembly shall meet on the first
Monday of January. biennially; but pow
er is given by that instrument to adjourn
from time to time. Neither House can,
without the consent Of the other, adjourn
for a longer period than two days. Both
Houses %concurring, of course by necessa-
ry implication, an adjournment may take
place for a longer period. In the opinion
Of a large majority OF both Houses, it was,
after mature deliberation, deemed 10 be
not only wise, but absolutely necessary,
to hold an adjourned session to meet at
tho earliest practicable period. This has
been done; and W. desire calmly and
plainly to lay before the people some Of the
reasons that have had a controlling infu.
ence in bringing about the adjournment.
The New Constitution has made many
important and radical changes in the prin-
ciples and machinery Of the State Govern.
ment. The whole structure Of the Judi.
ciary has been taken down, and the foun.
dation of a new system has been laid
The time necessary to perfect a system Of
laws for the organization Of so important a
branch Of the Government was exceeding
ly limited. II was necessary TO organize
the Probate Courts in about thirty days
after the Legislature met. or much incon.
venience would be felt in every portion of
the State. About the same length Of time
was allowed to set the other Courts in op.
Grafton. The various laws TO effect these
objects were passed under the pressure Of
necessity. When the time was most pre-.
cious and many matters Of urgency were
pressing. an accident occurred, (the burn.
ing Of the State House) which created a
delay Of at least two weeks.
Before the court bills could be properly
matured. it became necessary TO bring
forward and urge to a speedy passage. a
bill to provide for the assessment and tax.
alton Of all property in the State. in &C.
cordance with the requirements Of the new
constitution. 1t was imperatively demand.
ed that the measure should pass at an early
day, as it was exceedingly questionable
whether any law, for the assessment and
collection Of taxes. was in existence in the
State after the new constitution went into
effect
Many other important measures, not
necessary now to enumerate, were also
claiming and receiving the attention of the
General Assembly. The labors of the
present Legislature have been Of an extra
ordinary an we'll as novel nature. AL.
though more general laws, of an impor.
tant character, have been passed at the
present session. than have ever been pass.
ed in tho same length of time, or probably
in any one year. since the State was or.
ganized-thus laying the foundation of a
system intended to supercede all special
Legislation. the prolific source of evil un.
der the former constitution-yet several
measures Of equal importance remain I'm.
disposed OF, for want Of time to mature
them.
There is no doubt in most minds that a
general revisions of the laws is absolutely
necessary, by reason of their confused and
scattered condition, and the constitutional
changes that have been made. Without
expressing any opinion upon that subject,
it is obvious to US that several important
laws do require an entire reformation
Amongst these we might mention the law
to regulate the settlement of the estates of
deceased persons, and the law on the sub.
iect of common schools. There is scarce.
ly a person in the State who has not a di.
rect interest in having the laws for adjust.
ment of these important matters as perfect
as possible.
A bill has been introduced to provide a
new common school system. Much labor
has been expended by the committee in
preparing it, but for want of time it has
been laid over. There will be. during the
recess. sufficient time for the people to be.
come acquainted with the leading features
Of the system proposed; and we trust. by
the time appointed for the adjourned ses.
sion, some decided and general opinion
may be formed upon the system proposed
in the bill.