Orleans independent standard. [volume] (Irasburgh, Vt.) 1856-1871, 1868-12-15
The next Council of Oensors.

men known TO our laws as "COunCll
of Censors." The duties of this
Council are generally to see that
the laws have been faithfully execut-
ed; the Constitution preserved invio-
late; taxes justly levied and collect
ed, and properly expended, &C., &c.
1t has also the power to call State
convention for the purpose of altering,
explaining, or amending the constitu-
ton. s.
Through this agency, twenty three
articles of amendment to our consttu-
ton have been adopted by the differ
ent conventions which have been call
ed for this purpose. liz the main we
believe our constitution satisfies the
people whom it governs, and as an or
ganic law, compares favorably with
that of other states of the Union
We say ain the main" because we
are aware that there are very many
OF our wisest and best men who have
become satisfied that some amend.
ments are called for, and who believe
that our next council will be derelici
in the discharge of its duties if they
fail to make these recommendations
to tho people. 40 al inotanoe Of chic
conviction may be mentioned the joint
resolution which was adopted at the
late session OF the general assembly
in favor of biennial sessions OF the
Legislature, instead of annual, as we
now have. We believe the people
are convinced that the machinery OF
our state government is too expen
sive in the ratio of our population
and state interests, and that they are
prepared for any reform in this direc
ton that shall preserve the simplicity
and purity of our organic law, while II
shall. at the same time, lessen the bur
thens of the masses. The late legis
lature appropriated fifty thousand dol
lars as debeatures of the Lieut.. Gov
ernor and general assembly. The
people do not complain that the sun
is exorbitant, but they earnestly ASK
the question ifsthere cannot be some
way devised by which this expense
may be saved, in part, and the inter
est of the whole state cared for anC
preserved as we'll as now. ln oul
judgment, the remedy is in the hands
Of the next council of censors, and il
they do not apply it, the people arr
themselves responsible for the failure
Much has been said against tn,
large and expensive representation
by towns in the house of representa-
tives, and much in favor of the en-
largement of the basis of representa-
ton 10y establishing basis of popu
lation, ana representation by dis
tricts. Our own opinion is that reu
reservations by towns while it is un
equal and may be unjust as betweeI
the towns themselves, is nevertheless
a security for the purity of our legis
latures and tor the consequent purit
of legislation. Whether this be so, o
not, we are of the opinion that GU
people are welded to the system 0
representation by towns, and tina
any other needed reform which shout
be coupled with change in the pre-
ent system of town representatio
would 90 down before the ultimat
tribunal of the people.
If we mistake not the sentiment @
the people, the next council of censor
t will recommend:
1st.-The abolition of the counc
of censors, and the vcsting of the po'
er of amendment to the constitute
), i'll the general assembly, with such I
Y strictions and safeguards as so impo
o tant a trust will demand.
r 2d.-Biennial sessions of the leg
lature, and of course biennial ele
tions and two years tenure of Off
L where but one is now provided.
. 3d.-Making it obligatory up
:, the general assembly to pass genel
- laws for the organization of priva
| corporations of every character, a
V prohibiting special acts of incorpol
+, ton of any character.
n These questions are already und
stood by the people, and we belle
o they would meet with universal fav,
70 Those who favor a smaller number
Representatives would find in Il
20 proposition practically decrease
ir one-half the present representati'
e and those who believe that we ha
too much legislation, will Cheerful
20 acquiesce in the decrease of oppor
~ nifty for Legislative mischief VIII
:, their amendments would secure.
q We think we do not mistake WI
u we say that three-fourths of the ii
10 of the general assembly is occup
II in the passage of private acts of
~ corporation. 1t is getting to be
= great evil, and this amendment appl
" the true remedy.
v We hope to see our next cour
r. of censors made up of our ablest a
+, most earnest practical business m
If and we hope every county will ts
. sufficient interest in the question
,g see that a representative is selected
il not for the honor it will confer
for the amount of sound and subst
tial work he can do in the accompli
:, ment of constitutional reforms.
- Perhaps before these candida
III are named we shall have an oppol
Or nifty of discussing the question Of g
II man suffrage" Would it be stral
if Vermont should lead the van
rit comforting upon woman the right
X. the ballot? We cheerfully give