Worcester daily spy. [volume] (Worcester [Mass.]) 1850-1888, 1854-01-13

al.N 81
But with an her monuments'of muniiicence around
/ us, sheslill requires, and wisely, 100 the faithful
abse vance Of discreet lrugalty The part Of her
| public servantr. az IN Mf =
Such Usher demand on US, And the public mind
is too well nfrmed not % judge with good degree
Of accuracy, OF the characterof The expenditure OF
time or money, in the business OF the government.
In view Of this responsibility, is ii TOO much to
hope thai, when our duties shall have been finished,
they will be found not only we'll done, but with the
same economy which honorable men expect in The
manape"'e" ct 'te'r ""'n important affairs.
III ough We End % much 10 admire in the Constitu.
ton, ptact, suits, the time has arrived
when changes in its provisions seem 10 be cali
ed for by the EFFICIENCY of the Commonwealth The
subject has agiIaled the public mind Tor the last few
months, and though The proposed alterations failed
10 command The requisite public favor, il has not
ceased to interest The public attention.
Whatever may have been the opinion Of any one
upon the notifications in the Constitution which
were recently submitted TO the people, there was
much to crafty generous mind in the attachment
which was evnced by an intelligent community, To-
wards system Of government, under which they
and their fathers had shared in the protection and
blessings OF wise laws.
To change the fundamental principles oil the Con-
stitaiion is 10 endanger the very framework OF our
Tree government. And yet, notifications in some oil
its details may have become necessary by the alter
ed condition of the Commonwealth. Such was
found TO be the case in 1920, and since that time
amendments, more than once, have been adopted by
the people.
The instrument itself, as now framed, contemplates
that changes may be required, though it carefully
guards against hasty or partisan exercise OF this
power.
The caution and deliberaton with which the pro-
visions Of the Constitution should be modified if at
all, form one of the most prominent principles in
that instrument. TIL
To guard against errors, which flow from, even,
DER AZ
amendment shall be submitted to popular vote un-
Ill shall have received the appreciation OF two sue.
cessive legislatures, by requisite maorites.
In this way the subject becomes one proper for
your consideration. But you viii probably find that,
il any changes required, they such as affect
the mode Of carrying pracncay, the great prin.
cpes of the Constitution, rather than the principles
themselves. . Hef.
Among these, l viii venture to mention the cleo
ton OF each of the members of the Senate by separ-
districts and the election by the people OF sever
al OF their officers for whose appointment different
mode is prOy ded in the Constitution. How
far this shall extend, it may not become me TO sus
gest though will express the belief that the public
do not sesk any change in the manner OF appointing
their judicial officers. S
Another change has become necessary in the judg-
ment Of many, by which plurality Of votes shall
determine he choice of elective officers This aris-
es from the frequency with which the requsItIon Of
amajority, in such election, is rendered of no avail
while the substitution of plurality would most
nearly effect the orig nal intention Of the Consu
ton, and secure TO The people the direct power OF
choosing their rulers. So strong is the impress.
sion in the public mind that such modification
is required, that, in coming to its consideration, you
may hope for the appreciation oil men OF all parties
Among other benefits which might be hoped to
flow from these amendments, will be the avoid
ance of the delay, and thesaving of much yalua-
Bile time, in the more speedy organization of the
government at the commencement of each politi-
cal year. la
There it vet one other change in the provisions
of that instrument, which, though much discussed
of late, will be found to involve some differences
of opinion. These, however, relate chiefly to the
form which the amendment ought to assume.
/ BY this, it is proposed so to modify the princ-
pie of representation in the popular branch of the
Legislature, as to render it more equal, while it
limits it to number convenient for the intelli-
gent discharge Off duties
The proposition, stated in this form, woul
probably meet the assent of the entire communi
ty. 1t is when the attempt is made to apply it,
that dversities of opinion arise. 1t is then per
ceived how complex are the relations which the
various parts of the Commonwealth bear to each
other, as well to the State itself, and how diff
4 cult it is to adjust the representation Of these
parts so as to secure to all proper share in the
cares and business of the government
At the time of the formation of the Constitu-
ton there was no great difficulty in adopting the
organization Of towns, always deservedly favor
! tie one with the people, as means of giving to
the People direct representation in the Gener-
al Court. ..st sls sa qa58
Until an inequality in the relstive growth and
d population of these towns had arisen, the system
found universal favor. 1tgaye, it is true, some
what numerous House, but it secured, on the
other hand, faithful expressions of the public
! will, and the intelligence and selfTespeet which
have characterized the representatives in that
body, served to protect it against the inconven-
fences which are sometimes incident to large pop
ular assemblies.
In process of time, the general increase of pop
ulation, and the unequal growth of some sections
! compared with others, and the numerous subdi-
vision of towns, deranged the original plan, and
led to the adoption of expedients, which have
themselves become the subjects of popular ami
madversion. 9n GEES
how just and equal system of fepresentation is
to be secured, demands the exercise of great pru-
dence, sound Judgment and generous spirit of
compromise and forbearance
An these, doubt not, you willbring to the work
should you deem il one proper 70 engage your aten.
lion. la q arn. fii5 sis
In one thing your good sense will suggest the pro.
per course OF action. These changes, if worthy Of
your consideration, are too important to be mixed up
with matters Of local or temporary interest," They
are moreover, separate and distinct in their charac.
ter and ought TO stand or fall each by lis own Iner-
u.s. Ii is in such light. doubt not, you will re-.
gard them. II upon any subject the spirit of party
should be laid at esI, when, in view Of IFS bear
ing upon the Happiness Of their own and future gen
erations, the representatives Of a con6dng people
address themselves the solemn duty of reforming
the organic law of great and growing Common
wealth. t-f
Should your efforts to reconcile conflicting inter-
esls aud opinions prove successful you wI have de
served, as you will doubtless receive, the grateful
Acknowledgements Of an enlightened constituency
4 Although have detained you SO long, ought to
lay before you, as briefly ] may, lew details reiat
Icing TO public affairs, which have come TO nv know-
edge, and may aid you in your deliberations.
The fund designed for keeping the Charles River
and Warren Bridges in repair, is SO nearly exhaus.
ted, and the condition Of those important avenues
this city fuch that your Immediate attention Ito
the subject seems to be required. loanui 1eH
BY a communication of the late Agent Of Massa.
chusetts upon the subject, daIed Dec. 1853. APP