Fremont journal. [volume] (Fremont, Sandusky County [Ohio]) 1853-1866, 1857-01-16

Court and Common Pleas Courts, is less
Chan the annual cost of the three Lunatit
Asylums.
ELECTION FRAUDS.
Alleged abuses of tho elective franchise
will probably claim your attention. The
right of suffrage is sacred. 1t is the right
to vote which makes the citizen sovereign.
1t Is the right which of all political rights is
to be most scrupulously, guarded and
most rcsolutcly defended. Every citizen
native or naturalizcd, is entitled to the most
absolute freedom and security in the exer-
else of it. Frauds upon this right merit the
scvercst rcprobation; for the fraudulent vo-
tcrs cheat the people of their rightful con-
troll of their own affairs. Every suitable
measure for tho prevention Of such frauds
will deserve your earnest attention. 1t will
only be nccdful to beware lest the proposed
remedy for one class of evils become the
source of others still more grievious.
AMENDMENTS AND CONTRIBUTIONS.
The subject of amendments of the State
Constitution laust necessarily como under
your consideration at the present session.
Upon former occasion | submitted to you
my views in favor of amendments provi-
ding for an impartial distribution of politi-
cal power among all portions of the State
and for the adequate representation of eve
cry interest, by Single Districts; and secur-
ing effective supervision over every depart
ment of administration aud a ready adap-
tation of legislation to the wants and wish
os of the people by Annual Sessions.
Much dissatisfaction is expressed with
the constitutional organization of the Judi
ciary, and particularly with the system of
District Courts. Some relief of tho incon-
vencnces complained of may be gained by
repeating the legislative provisions for jury
trials in the District Courts, and by relieving
them from holding moro annual terms than
the Constitution absolutely requires
Whether for the present the evils of tho cx-
istng system shall be redresscd as far as
possible by these or other expedicnts, or an
atlcmpt shall be made to effect more rad
ical cure through an amendment of the
Constitution, l submit, respectfully, to your
better Judgement
Other amendments of the Constitution
may, be made with advantage. | suggest
only those which seem to be most essential
and most generally demand by the public
sentiment.
GENERAL GOVERNMENT.
The internal concerns and interests of the
State will chiefly engage your deliberations
but its relations to the National Govern
ment, and to the other members of the Con
fcderacy, cannot be altogether disregarded
Having surrendered to the Federal Gov
ernment among other great prerogatives
the important powers of maintaining ar
Army and Navy, and of raising revenue by
duties on imports, it becomes the duty Of
the States to observe its action with ever
jealous v!gilencc.
The tendency to wasteful extravaganza
and to Capitalization of power, which alarm
ed the fears of the early patriots has, Of
late years, become more and more conspic
uous. Enormous revenues, contributed by
the people, almost unconsciously, in the
form of enhanced prices, foster in the Ma
tional Legislature a contempt of economy
and encourage combinations for the pillagt
of the Treasury under delusive prcteXts o
public good.
Ohio, paying one-tenth of these contribu
tions has substantial interest in this matters
which should not be overlooked {; and it can
not be deemed unfit that her General As
sembly should give expression to her de
mand for retrenchment and reform, and fo
a reduction of revenue, tho only sulficien
security for both.
SOUTHERN ISsoLENCE.
Immediately after the close of your lat,
session, in conformity with your instruction;
| transmitted to the Governor of each Stat
copy of Joint Resolutions of the Genera
Assembly relative to Kansas affairs. Tn,
Governor of Mississippi has returned til
copy transmitted to him, in pursuance, as h
states, Of the requirements of Joint Rosc
luton of the Legislature of that State, {
which he transmits copy. l submit hi
communication to your consideration witt
ant comment.
SLAVERY.
The relations Of the National Cover
ment to Slavery, still engross large shar
of the public attention; but | have little t
add to the considered views which | hay
already expressed.
That Slavery is contrary to reason an
, natural justice; that it is of such natul
E that nothing short of positive law can su.
tain it; that no power to enact such law
has been granted to the National Cover
ment; and that Slavery, therefore, outsit
of Slave States, can have no vailed leg
sanction, seem to me incontrovertible pr
positions.
The original policy of the country WI
in harmony with these ideas. 1t contcn
plated the exclusion Of Slavery from Natio
> al Territories; the exertion of the legitima
: influence of the General Government on Il
!, side of Freedom; and tho amelioration al
: final eradication of the great evil by the q
: tion of the State Governments, without i
tervention or interference by National LIE
! islaton.
= 'The abolition of Slavery,"-said Mr.. j
J ferSon, AT the commencement of the Rev
" lutionary struggle-"is the greatest object
desire in these colonies" at is the pr
> and boast of America" said Mr.. Madiso
:, speaking at the close of the war in behi
= Of the American Congrcss-"that the rigl
, for which she. contended were the rights
human nature" "There is but one prop
way,"-said George Washington, speaki