Spirit of the age. [volume] (Raleigh, N.C.) 1849-1865, 1858-09-29
The Next Legislature.

This body will convene in this city on the
third Monday in November next. In point
of age, experience and ability, we judge, it
will compare favorably with any that have
preceded it, in late years. From our knowl-
edge of many Of them, we are prepared to see
the uorking element early developed, and we
trust, that all will set to, to discharge their
responsible duties, wisely, efficiently and
promptly.
Much legislation at this time, is neither
necessary nor desirable and the large de-
mands upon our Treasury to meet the States
interest and other imperious claims, call very
loudly for a short session. Matters of a mere
ly political complexion, now that one party
is so largely in the ascendant, can hardly oc-
cupy much of the time of the Legislature. 1t
will therefore nave full time to mature and
perfect the few public and private bills which
will necessarily come before the body, and
adjourn in time to give the members a chance
to eat Christmas dinners with their families
Let Us not be understood to advocate hasty
legislation. But little, we judge, is really de
manded by the exigences of the case, and We
want that little well done but in all cases
where things are aoeU enough, we are in favol
of letting aoeU enough alone.
Upon the important questions which vii
likely engage the attention of the Legislature
it is probable most minds aresmade up, and j
will be well toavoidtediou caucussing, tricke.
log-rolling, andproftless discussions. Thes
three are the bane of legislation, and are tn
sources ofthe worst blunders. They cost tn
t State more than all the wise and wholesom
laws enacted.
Every measure should stand upon its ow
mcrits-f worthy, and is demanded by I'll
wants of the State, or the local constituent.
! as the case may be, let it pass but if 1t
: q proposition which will operate injurious
, against the many for the benefit of the fe'
) let it fall to the ground. All propositio
g should come up fairly and openly, so that eS
: ry ''tub" may stand on its own bottom"
/ Log-rolling, is a species of political gamblir
70 IF you will help me, | will help YOU" il
u trick. too low and mean for honorable MT
u and should be secuted from the halls of j
} ~islation.
% There are other strong reasons in favor
a short session and a working session. lc
is one, would be of vastly more pecuniary pr
u to our city people than a short one, but
Ter general good demands the latter. Persona
ey to the legislators, it is a matter of no sn
zee moment. Those who are most useful
lth most worthy in the body, are men who b
most to do at home. 1t is to their int
om to return as soon as possible. A short, W
TX ing session will relieve them the sooner,
Ill will give the idle and vicious less tim
In spend in frolic and fun-to become law-b
ISL kers instead of lawmakers. Besides,
lni- but not least, if we must speak out plai
uie many of them have good wives and S
DC children at home, from whom they shout
erh main no longer than imperious obligatio
the State demands. Facts, humiliating,
lad stubborn facts prove, that the abundan
vnIOu- are
'he ally found at our national and state cap
III render them uniting places for men VIII
90 light in licentious living, to remain long,
have q home.