Mineral Point tribune. [volume] (Mineral Point, Wis.) 1854-1858, 1855-03-07
Amendment to the Constitution.

Mr.. Harvey, of Rock Co, has introduced into
the Senate bill for the amendment of the Con-
stitution, so to provide that members of the
Legislature shall receive four dollars day for
each days actual attendance during a session of
six weeks, and no pay thereafter for longer ses
sion. II is very evident that the people desire
some change In the manner in which their SER
wants spend large portion of their time during
the Legislative sessions, and this will undoub
eddy meet with favor from many quarters We
are not certain, however, that il will accomplish
the object desired long as there is so much local
business transacted by that body. But few laws
OF general nature have been passed by the pres
ent Legislature-not two a week-and very much
time is wasted in all manner of foolish amend
ments to acts that do not the approval of all
the members. Many appear to act upon the
principle that It is their duty TO delay as long as
possible, the passage of such acts as they have no
hopes Of defeating. We instance the discussion on
the Prohibitory Liquor Law. Members were per-
mitted TO offer the most ridiculous amendments
for no other purpose than to make sport and de-
lay the passage of the bill, and after spending a
portion of two days in this manner upon that bill
the Legislature adjourned for half day to attend
horse race. II is certainly humiliating thought
that the people have not sufficient confidence in
our Legislative bodies TO feel willing trust them
to remain in session as long as they consider the
public good requires, and to pay them fair equiv
alent for Their services; and yet from the favor
tae proposed bill of Mr.. Harvey meet. from the
press throughout the State such appears to be the
case We are in favor of allowing the members
OF the Legislature per diem sufficient to secure
the services of the best talent among the people
OF removing very large portion of the local bu-
siness, now transacted at the capital 10 the Coun-
ty Board of Supervisors, and .'an cleo. men 10 Of
hce who I" have visible means of support in
Stead OF party demagosues. who desire office for
the sole purpose of receiving support from the
State, while they are concerning plans for future
seli-aggrandlzement. Wewould not insinuate that
the present session of the Legislature has been an
idle one. On the other hand, we believe thew have
transacted quite much business as anv Legisla
ture that has preceded them, and vet what does il
all amount to? The legalizng the acts of towns
and school districts the allowing of bills, the
changing OF the names of individuals, establishing
ferries and roads, extending the time for collect
ing taxes. and laws of similar nature have occu-
pied quite too much of their time TO render their
acts of general interest. All these laws NAV be
highly proper, but we believe large portion of
them might have been attended to by the Super
Vi'ors of Counties, just we'll. and far more ad-
vantageousiy to the people generally. The peo-
pie generally believe that legislative sessions
are quite too long, but believe the main fault
lies In so large amount of local legislation and
until that obstacle is removed the only thing that
would be gained by short sessions, would be fewer
laws, and even that might result advantageously TO
the people.