, 1861-01-16


The bill 10 amend the General Banking 9
Law Of this State, published in the TR1n
usE on Monday morning last, gives, SO far
as we can learn, very general satisfaction.
1t represents the wishes Of the leading mer-
chants and manufacturers Of this city, un-
der whose supervision it has been carefully
prepared; and we learn from Springfield
that petitions in favor Of its passage are
pouring in, bearing the signatures Of the
best men in every trade and profession in
almost every county in the State. Tic
evils Of the system as it now stands are
bearing with ruinous force upon MI classes
of citizens, from the hunblest dny-1aborer
to the heaviest capitalist engaged in bust
ness, and We arc safe in saying that the sen
timent for efficient and thorough reform is
universal. On this point there can be no
mistake. No member Of the State Legis-
lature will be welcomed home ut the close
OF the session by d satisfied and grateful
constituency, if lie should fail either to
press this subject or to make correct rec
ord upon it. No matter how faithfully he
may represent the wishes Of his constitu-
ents in every other respect if he fail in
this, he will be regarded as proving recre-
ant in the lending and most important mat
ter Of domestic concern that engaged the
attention Of the Legislature.
We must have reform in our currency.
1t is demanded Is q measure both of Sta.,
and individual prosperity, and the Legisla-
turc must grant it now. Without it, Illi-
nois falls back at least quarter of 4 cen
tury in the race Of progress, while neigh
boring States, now far in the rear, will
oveltake and pass her. Within the last
three months We hare heard scores Of the
best business men in the State declare their
intention Of seeking new fields for their
enterprise, should the Legislature fail to
apply needed reforms to our currency at
it's present session. This feeling, we know
is not confined to our own city. In every
considerable village in the State there are
merchants who have seriously contempla-
ted this alternative; and they will he found
to be, in every instance, the men who COZ
duct business upon solid capital, and whose
loss, in case Of removal, it would be diff
cult and q work Of time, to supply. The
State cannot afford to lose these citizens:
and when the measure which will retain
them will also improve the condition OF cy-
cry other class, and thus promote the gen
era1 prosperity and progress, the failure to
pass it will seriously impIcatc the patriot
ism Of the Legislature.
As regards the bill alluded to in the be-
ginning Of this article, we think its pass
age will very greatly diminish the evils Of
our currency system. It may not be al
together perfect. There may be necessity
for other and more stringent provisions to
make the law what it ought to be. But
however this may be, the fact is certain
that nothing less than this bill will satisfy
the public expectation or prevent the dis
astrons results above pointed out. It's main |
features must be adopted, or the peopl, will !
neither be satisfied or willing to intrust
again matters of SO grave importance to !
the same hands. Let US hope that the
public expectation in this particular will |
be fully met