The weekly clarion. [volume] (Jackson, Miss.) 1863-1882, 1872-02-22


/ after d week recess. II i u De hoped
that no time viii be lost in accomplishing
the reforms which the people % earnestly
desire.
The session Is far advanced and the
greater part of the business-in fact
nearly all that is rnportant-which it as
sembled to perform is yet undone. Many
Of the questions in which the public in.
terests are involved, have yet to be
grappled with We are sure we do not
appeal to the Democratic and Conserva-
tive members in vain, when we call upon
them to push the reform measures for
ward with all the strength they possess.
They have given full evidence of their
purpose to do so.
The law and the prophets of just and
honest administration, are expressed in a
few words:
Reduce lures. Cut dorm expenditures.
To bring substantial relief these measures
must 90 hand in hand. They embrace
the idea Of cutting down salaries and per-
quisites Ia all the branches Of the State gov-
erament; and IN the administration OF the
county governments.
Pass some such measure as that intro
duced by General Lowry to consolidate
the judicial districts, or the bill of Mr..
Sessions-both looking to the retrench-
ment of the expenses in the Judiciary
Department. At least $3.50, 600 per an
mum ought to be saved to the State in
that branch Of the service.
Reduce the expenditures ON account of
rthe Legislature. The majority have de-
cided that they have no power to reduce
the compensation of members the pres
ent session. Let law, then, be passed
to take effect from the commencement of
the next.
In all the branches of the Executive
Department, the compensation is unjust
and unreasonable. From the office of
Governor, with its salary of $4,000 and
perquisites, down, there ought to be a
reduction.
Besides, there are too many sinecurists
quartered on the treasury about the Cap
itol. Triple as many clerks are employed
in the Auditors office as before the war
and the head of the concern is still call
ing for more "'help."
We hear Of no objection to a reduction
of the rates of Printing and take it for
granted that a reform will be effected in
that ulatter, if in nothing else, without
opposition.
4 bill for the management of the
Penitentiary, by which the institution
will not only become self-sustaining, but
a source of revenue, should be passed.
1t should provide for the election of the
Superintendent by the Legislature.
Among the measures which should not
be overlooked, is the bill of Col. McIn-
tosh to release the titles to lands improp-
erly declared forfeited to the State, SO as
to have them returned to their proper
owners and become a source of revenue
to the State.
A law ought to be passed restricting
the pay and allowances of county officials
as before the war. To illustrate the
operations of the present system, the
Times, a Republican paper,
states that the Sheriff of Warren county |
is feathering his nest to the tune of
from $50, 900 to $50, 900 per annum;
and that the Chancery Clerks office of
the same county is worth from SO, 900
to 10, 900 per annum 1t is vile sys-
.em under cover of which such extortions
is these are practiced. The money thus
appropriated to the enrichment of place
men is coined out of the sweat and blood
md muscle of the toiling masses.
Another intolerable abuse which ought
o be remedied, is the cost of assessing
for taxes. The taxable basis {
f the State is only $3.50, 200, 900, and
his item of expenditure exceeds $780, I
90 Before the war when the taxable
asis was four times as much $500, 000,- {
00) the commissions for assessing never /
Exceeded 500, 900! 4
These are some of the matters requir- s
~ immediate attention. Let them be
cted upon without delay. The peo- {
lie are eagerly watching the acts of the t
legislature, and they will not forget those q
no are faithful to them :