Juliet signal. [volume] (Juliet [i.e. Joliet], Ill.) 1844-1???, 1861-11-26
rhe Constitutions gonYen-

ton.
In little more than month from this
time, the convention to remoddle our State
constitution will meet in Springfield. It
will be the most important Legislative body
that ever assembled in the State, as the
duty will deyolye uron it of enacting or
ganic laws that will effect the prosperity
and interests of the people for generations
to come.
The Democratic element will de largely
in the ascendant in the convention, and
hence NC may reasonably hope that its &c
ton will be characterized by just sense
Of regard for the welfare of the whole peo-
ple--that provisions will be made against
the enoroachments Of capital on the rights
and immunities Of labor. Notwithstanding
the boosted Democracy Of our institutions,
it cannot be denied that there are evils in
society almost as oppressive as those which
rest UPON the people of the monarchal gov.
ernmeuts.
Though we have no hereditary aristocraey,
or Lords, or Dudes, or Barons, in the legal
sense, yet we haze those who aave been
built up by corporate powers and special
privileges, that are practically SO in the
literal meaning Of those terms. 1t should
be the aim Of our constitutional convention
as far as it lies in its power, to guard
against the exercise of legislative powers
calculated to pamper and build up one
class Of our people at the expense of an
other. Let all stand upon an equal footing,
and let the rights Of the most humble and
low be ~ sacred in the eyes of our consti-
tuition makers as tho most aristooratic and
wealthy.
The ST. Louis Republican has an article
on our approaching constitutional conven-
ton in which are macy sound suggestions.
1t alludes to the fact that our present con-
stitution was framed when the population
of the State was comparatively small, and
when no adequate idea could not have exis-
ted Of the rapid changes which were des-
tined fer the future. Illinois was then a
new State. Her voice had little influence
il natioaal affairs. Now she is the fourth
State in the Union, exceeded in population
only by New York, Pennsylvania ard Ohio.
And if we may judge from the past, ere
the period for the next general census ar
rives, she viii be the second if not the first
State of the Confederacy. These facts
render various changes in our constitution
almost imperative to the present condition
and future growth and power of our young
and prospecting State
The Republican Suggests that the con-
I yeriion So draft the constitution that the
sessions of our Legislature be held annual
y instead Of biennaliy; that the pay Of
Senators and Representatives be increased.
We believe the people of the State are
generally in favor Of these changes We
should have annual sessions of the Legis.
lature, and sufficient time should be allow
ed for the disposal Of the business. Under
present circumstances our legislation IS
hurried through, aud 1t is not unfrequent-
" thai justice and the public interest suf>
ieT irom IL. me conv5nu5n snUuIu correct
the evil, aud at the same time should enact
tie necessary restrictions to ensure expedi~
ton and economy.
1t viii he necessary also for the conven-
ton to authorize a larger number Of Sena-
tore and representatives than is allowed at
present. The vast extent Of our territory
and population and the numerous objects
of legisla'.on that will be pressed for con-
sideratiou, require an increased represents
ton in both houses. The number should
be nearly double what it is now. AS it is,
nearly half the counties are deprived of
representatives, in either branch Of the
General Assembly.
In regard to the increase of salaries. we
must dissentfrom the views of most of our
eotsmporaries. We arc opposed to an in
crease Of our expenses. Tho people Of
Illinois Will have oil they can do to pay the
interest on their war debt in futare, with
ont increasing the pay of their officers. 1t
may be that. a few of eur officers do net "a
ceive sufficient pay, but as a general thing,
we believe enough money is paid for the
administration of cur. laws. No man Ia
compelled to accept an Office, nor has there
been any difficulty in finding men willing
20 serve the people in tho various public
positions uador tho present low salary sys-
TEN. Indeed, there is too much Office seek
ing now, and we are opposed to increasing
It ny Increasing the. salaries and fees.
We hope that the convention Will put
q1letns to paper money swindling. The
people Of Illinois have been robbed out of
millions by banks, and if We could have
cur say We should exclude them from the
State. The only reliable circulating me-
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