Lewistown gazette. [volume] (Lewistown, Pa.) 1843-1944, 1866-01-17
Legislators and their Duties.

The people Of this State annually
hold an election for members Of the
House Of Representatives and one
third OF the Senate, and though for
many years efforts have been made TO
send respectable men to those bodies
and as general thing we believe a
majority have been so-yet somehow
when they meet at Harrisburg and
come TO discuss what ought TO be done
for the good fthe public, we strangely
find hitch here and there, and sun
dry axes 10 grind, which seem to pre-
vent a great deal Of common sense
legislation and favor a vast deal of
what is not only detrimental to public
interests but often most unjust to tax
payers. In this way the latter have
come TO the conclusion that there must
be a great deal Of dishonesty, If not
something worse, on foot about the
lobbies Of the capitol which transforms
an honest man into rogue almost as
soon as he sets foot within its halls
Such undoubtedly has been public SEN
timent for number of years; and we
would therefore suggest to the present
legislature to make an effort to retrieve
It's character, set to THINKING whether
there are not many laws that might be
improved, and especially to guard
against the passage OF any new acts
creating monopolies unless their need
and objects are SO evident as to require
special privileges.
Among other matters which loom up
before US, are
lst. Temperance. The open viola
tion of the present laws and the diff
culties OF convicting the guilty, show
that there is ample room for saIutary
amendments. No person ought to be
permitted to sell liquor of any kind
without license from the court, which
body ought to be given full discretion
TO refuse any or all licenses, either on
the ground Of being unnecessary, the
character of the applicants, or of those
who recommend them. The applica-
ton of each person for license for
tavern, restaurant, or sale Of any kind
Of liquor, ought also to be published,
with the names OF those recommending
such establishment attached; and re.
monstrance, signed by one-half or more
of the adult population Of any ward,
district or borough, ought to be made
conclusive against any and all parties
demonstrated against in such ward,
district or borough.
I'd. The tax laws are both UNEQUAL
and unjust in their assessment ami col
lection. 1t is difficult to say what
ought to be done to improve the assess
ments, but there is no doubt q great
many counties pay far above their Just
proportion of State tax. Our financial
condition might also probably justify
a reduction Of mill or two on the
State tax, or its collection might be
suspended for year It's total repeal
at present we think would be iniudi-
cious. 1t would also be good move
if the stocks taxable for county pur-
poses were to be paid into the county
treasury where such companies are
located, in the same manner as they
are now paid to the State.
Sd. Collectors ought to be dispensed
with, and the duplicates placed in the
hands Of county treasurers, who, after
due notice, could attend in each dis
trict for receiving them, making an
allowance Of 8 per cent. on both comfy
and State for prompt payment at the
times specified-no deduction for three
months thereafter-and add 10 per
cont to all remaining unpaid after that
time entering them up in book to