Rutland weekly herald. [volume] (Rutland, Vt.) 1859-1877, 1870-06-16

/ D6 edl0.
But we shall be told by the delegates
from the large towns that they do not
want TO change the basis OF representa-
ton as at present established but he
warned the small towns not to allow the
power to pass from their hands into that
of the large towns, which can at any fu-
ture day propose and adopt just such an
amendment as will effectually destroy
the rights of the towns, by taking away
their right of representation and giving
it to districts. The attempt has been
made four times already in the history OF
the State, and failed; but it will yet sue.
ceed if we adopt this proposition of amend
ment. 1t is very plausible argument to
say that Burlington, with 1000 voters,
shuold have larger voice in the Legisla-
ture than st. George, with very small
number of voters; or of any other OF the
large towns when compared with the
small towns. But it is not
right in view of the interests OF
the towns. In doing so we should give
to the rich mantle man of influence
more rights and more power than the
poor man. All that should be represent
ed in the House of Representatives is the
corporate interests of the largest towns
and the corporate interests of the largest
town in the State is not greater than the
smallest Their interests are the same,
and they should stand on precisely the
same basis as to representation. He be-
lieved that the adoption of the amend
ment tended directly toward change in
the basis of the representation of the
State, and he hoped it would not be
adopted.
Mr.. Davis of Baltimore said that he re-
presented small town, but had no fear
of its losing its rights by the adoption OF
this article.
Mr.. Dunton of Rutland claimed that
the large towns had no desire to abridge
the rights of the small towns. The large
towns find no fault with legislation, they
are satisfied, have received all they have
asked. In the last Council of Censors
three counties were not at all represents
ed. But q few votes were cast at the
election of Censors in Rutland. This
article has been several times proposed by
the Council but has always been rejected.
1t is impossible in any way to adopt a
delegate system of representation. The
representatives, one from each town, can
stop any amendment from going to the
depot. Mr.. Walton shows a selfish and
sophistical spirit. He is opposed to
everything which takes away from Mont
pelier any chance to fill its pockets. Penn
sylvania became Disguised with the
Censor system eighty years ago, but we
still hang on to it. The people will back
us in abolishing this unwiedly body. He
wished the people to have a direct vote
on all constitutional amendments. He
was as earnestly in favor of town repre-
sentation as Mr.. Walton, but he could
not See how the adoption of the proposed
amendment could at all improve it. He
did not believe that even Senate would
propose such a change.
Mr.. Powers, of Morristown, had the
same view on this amendment as he had
in the late Council. The convention had
more power than any legislature. The
Senate, which under this amendment
would have the sole power to propose fu-
ture amendments, is not popular branch.
It is made up of representatives from
large towns principally. Not being fair
representation of the people, it is apt to
happen that the Senate may refuse to pro-
pose articles which the people may demand.
1t is very dangerous depository of
the amending power. Nor is the
MUSE Oh representatives II IAlE uemOCraTlC
body to pass upon amendments. He was
in favor of the peoples having a direct
vote on amendments, and claimed that
this amendment was opposed to this end.
1t is folly to say that the people will have
a direct, vote when the Senate and House
can prevent an amendments being propos-
ed to the people, though most urgently de-
manded. This proposal of amendment
has deceived the members from small
towns. The article of the constitution
has acquired all the age of the instrument
itself, and is the direct expression of the
s-..~-s r.-;4 @s W. -.-s--t. IL - dictated by
the desire to keep q watch over the liber-
ties of the people. The Council of Gem
sors, by the very etymology of the word,
is meant TO keep watch" over the Legis-
lature and executive, and is too
sacred an influence to be abolished.
By giving it tH power of impeaoh-
ment the fathers showed how highly
they priced its influence and powers.
He was not TO be controlled by the plea
OF economy. He would dispense with or
abolish a useful thing, merely because it
cost money TO support it. But he denied
that this proposed amendment would save
money. The two houses of the legisla-
'"'0 "OAiA 0PO AiOAG 'AH'o AZ hA0icAJ
proposing amendments than we are now
III deciding them Corruption, too, which
follows the legislature Will faint the con-
stitnton. For two years, too, the leglsla-
ture mnst spend Its expensive time IN dis
cusslng amendments The principle econ
oIny u most clearly opposed to this change.
The old custom now in force is the true
one.
Mr.. Drake OF Royalton, wished the
powers of government kept ms near the
people as possible and claimed that this
amendment was opposed to that end, and
ne should vote against 1t,
Mr. Siade, OF Mlddlebury, moved that
the committee rise, report progress and
ask leave to sit again, which was agreed
to, and the leave asked was thereupon
granted.
On motion Of Mr.. Olmstead, of Dorset,
adjourned.
AFTERNOON.
NJ, o,--.., ~. ii,