Vermont phÅ“nix. [volume] (Brattleboro, Vt.) 1834-1955, 1855-02-03
cnliNcIL. OF cENsoRs.

COUNCIL or CENsORs.
The election of thirteen Ccnsors is to take place
on the last Wednesday in March next, aud the can
didate- must be men who are not Of the Senate or
House Of Representatives. As yet the subject has
o,citcd lint little attention, and nominations to
our knowledge have been made. This matter is
one Of more than ordinary Importance, and we can
not but hope that such action will be seasonably
taken. as shall secure the election Of competent and
faithful men--thosc thoroughly imbued with the
wants Of the people, aud the spirit of the age in
which we live.
We have heretofore taken occasion TO make some
observations upon the deficiencies Of our Pres'en,
Constitution, and TO suggest what VIC deem appro-
pria,c amendments. It may no, be out Of place
here to aluie to these proposed reforms and to call
the attention Of our citizens TO their merits.
In the frst place we advocate such an
amendment to the present Constitution o. this State,
as shall substitute bieaRiai for annual sessions Of
the Legislature, and shall limit the term Of all
State and County officers accordingly. We think
that the statuie-book and the treasury would both
be to,incrs by this change. The laws would be sub
iected to less unnecessary tnkcring, the mileage Of
members reduced and the great amount Of time
usually sfent inorganiiing appointing Committees,
&C.. would be devoted to the consideration and ma
turing Of important business. IN nearly all Of the
State. gu, Of New England State officers are elect
Ell for term varying IN the different States from
two to four years. The constitutions Of most or all
Of these States are Of much more recent date than
ours, and were adopted by those having an ult-
mate acquaintance with the ineonycnicnccs Of an
nua electnns. 1t is but reasonable to suppose that
they consider longer terms Of Office than ours con-
ducyc to the general good; and the result Of their
experience has demonstrated its feasibility.
Secondly, the time for holding Frcemen's meet
ing, and the time prescribed for the assembling Of
the legislature, should both be postponed to pc
Rod hier in the season. The general olostion
could, with great advantage to the business Of the
people, be deferred until the Tuesday next succeed.
ing the first Monday in Noyember-tbe day on
which, every fourth year. the Presidential election
takes place The present modes Of Conveyance are
such that the Legislature and officers Of govern
ment can meet al Montpelier, on the first Thurs
day in January following their election. with as
great facility as in October, and with much less
detriment TO their several occupations. The pre-
lninary business incident to. aud necessary in MI
elections would. in the event Of such an amend
ment be transacted at period Of the year when
the time is much less valuable to our farmers than
are the midsummer days
Thirdly, it is highly important that our constta-
tiou and the lavs. male ,,u,lo.. &. .i.tt -
euraiely define the qualifications Of voters At
present every male over p years Of age, citizen
Of tho United States aud not disqualified by crime,
can, after having rcslei within the State one year
claim the privilege Of voting The naturalization
laws IS administered in some Of our Courts are
such that many persons become voters before they
have resided in the country the full period reluir
cd by statute. We think tina; the time prescribed
Is much too short, aud when the time Is u..la
hrieier still by the improper administration OF law.
a serious inju.y is inflicted upon the rights Of our
native population.
The last suggestion which We propose making At
the present time H. that such an amendment Of the
Constitution be adopted, will provide for future
amendments Of the Orginic law without the inter
Yen,cn Of a Council Of Censors The present man
ner Of efiectiug the necessary amendments to the
Constitution is anomalous and cumbersome. The
whole subject can be safely left in the hands Of The
Legislature, giving that body the power, upon a
two-'hinis or threefourths vote, TO call eonven-
ton Of the people directly By SO doing an IN.
necessary portion Of the machinery Of government
will be dispensed with, the way for future amend.
ments will be simplihcd, and the public veal equal
ly well promoted.