Worcester daily spy. [volume] (Worcester [Mass.]) 1850-1888, 1862-05-02
THE LEa1sI AZURE OF 1862

THE LEGIsL AZURE OF 1852
The closing exercises OF the state legisla-
ture, Wednesday evening. were OF peculiar
intercst-boih in respect to the ability OF the
last addresses OF the session, and 10 the pre-
vailipg cordially and good feeling which was
shown on all sides. 1t is al event, we think,
without precedent, that during the whole four
months no question appears on the record in
dicating the special political predictions Of
its members; while, at the same ti@Gr, L has
summed no honest Of opinion u
ss5sIc events nor has any one yet censured it
with wanting that deep interest in the public
welfare which at such time as this every
good citizen should feel Addressing itself
first of all to the public business, and design
edly leaving all national questions to the gov
ernment on which the responsibility oftheir set
tlement must in all possible contingencies rest,
it has inaugurated new line OF legislative pol
icy, the wisdom of which is approved by the
result. UnquestionabIy this new policy great
ly contributed to the remarkable harmony OF
ids counsels, if it did not also facilitate the
large amount of important practical legisla'
ton it has given to the commonwealth.
The fortunate organization Of the two
branches, from which much was reasonably
expected in the beginning, fully justified every
expectation. The large experience of Gov
Clifford, and his sound and safe perception of
the principles OF legislation, enlinently fitted
him for the chair of the srnate, in which his
judgment was always respected, and his decis-
ions cordially sustained. The house was quite
as fortunate in It's presiding officer Col Bull.
lock. The testimony of veterans in public
service, whose memories date back 10 the
speakership of Timothy Bgelow and the ell
der Quincy, was unitedly given to the re-
markable intelligence a1d dignity with which
tho office has been this winter adorned.
Chosen in the beginning without dissent on
account OF the expectation that lie would
creditably pcrior m its duties, he tctircs at the
close with the assured confidence and respect
of all. On the floor of The house, among those
10 whom something OF public credit is due,
aud on whom, by virtue of their positions,
great labor aud great responsibility devoived,
were MIR, Cushing oil New buryport Mr.. Pierce
OF Dorchester, and Col. Lee Of Templeton,
and undoubtedly others. But 10 these chair
men OF the committees on the Judiciary,
finance, and claims-all OF them, except posi-
big The FIRST rendered Of extraordinary iul-
porlance by the exigcncies OF the tine-the
commonwealth can afford 4 word of apprecia-
lion, which costs nothing-the first bringing
to his post great learning and experience, the
second sharp perceptions and untiring indus
try and the third q constant quantity of
good sense and sound practical Judgment.
Mr. Chandler Of Boston also commanded
great and well uierited influence, both on ac-
count OF the general excellence OF his views
and the striking ability with which they were
always presented.
The list of acts and resolves passed during
the session will constitute an interesting chap.
ter in the legislative history OF the common.
wealth. After eight years of experimental
legislation in regard to tunneng the Hoosac
mountain, the states interest in that great
work has at last been placed on practical
business basis. The long controversy be.
tween the mill owners and meadow owners on
Concord and Sudbury rivers has been settled
perhaps forever. This commonwealth, with
much elaboration and care, has been recut
into congressional districts The families
and dependents of Massachusetts citizens
IN the army Of the Union, have new cause to
te grateful for the wise liberaity of the coin
monwealIh. The last vestige Of political pro
scripton has been blotted from the statutes,
and liberal legislation upon the rights of con-
science mark the wise progress of ideas. The
financial questions growing out OF the uupre
celenGed exigency in our affairs, eliminating
in The extraordinary tax bill. have been dealt
with in such a manner as TO give assurance
that the public credit will not tremble under
The burden The merit OF the session is no
better attesied by what it has done than by
what it has refused to do. Questions involving
large material interests, or suggesting changes
cessiul deliberation in one Lranch been over
ruled in The other-whiol is perhaps the bes
style of legislation after all. The considera
ton OF them contributes something to the gen
eral enlightenment, if it does not ripen int,
law. Judged by its results the legislature
necessarily prolonged beyond the custom anC
the expectation OF the commonwealth, is no
obnoxious to any other criticism, and may
safely leave its record to the judgment OF tn,
people.
Gen. Fremonts Nov ements.