The Daily state journal. [volume] (Alexandria, Va.) 1868-1874, 1872-03-28
THE LEGISLATURE y.

The Djspotch this morning, quite happily
recalls the Legislature of 1S5725S, as hay
Ing been rcconvened by Gov. Wise
under circumstances similar to the present.
1t says that" Gov. Wise made them one of
the happiest speeches of his life, beginning
with his proclamation, after which they
continued in extra session thirty days, doing
q great deal of work" This is good ex-
ample, and we hope it will be followed by
our Solons of the present Legislature. Tn
fortunately we have no Gov. Wise in the
Gubernatorial chair to inspire and direct
that body, lift it above the low plane of
prtisanship, and breathe into it, his own
lofty and enlarged patriotism.
But we trust there is man hood aud indie
pandence enough in the Legislature to meet
the exigencies Of the hour. Needless Of
popular clamor, and regardless of partisan
considerations, let that body promptly and
fearlessly resolve to remain in session, till
the interests of the State are cared for.
Let it throw off the letters and gives from
its limbs, and rescind the resolution with
which party managers and small-brained
tricksters seek to tie its hands. Let 1t
open to itself, the whole field of legisla-
ton, as becomes body clothed with its
august powers. IF there are rights to be
protected, wrongs to be redressed, sacred
interests TO be advanced, let remedies be
applied, and measures of relief provided
The Legislature has now just attained tc
working condition. The disabilities Incl
dent to body largely composed Of new
m3n, is in a great measure, removed. One
week now, is worth month of the early
part of the session. The people, who have
been at the cost of educating new crop o
legislators, have right to claim the bcnefi
of all the experience aud skill which they
have paid for.
Every day Of the session nor, can bt
made to pay the people hundred times it
cost.
We shall be glad to defend a prolonged
session before the people, if honestly deEo
ted to practical legislative work. The OLE
plantation system is gone. We are Hring il
aew epoch. But no deliberate and aeel
considered ot{aptation Of The lu,us, has becl
made to suit them to the new conditions.
The Virginia Of to-day cannot wear th
clothes of the old. They were well enoug
In their way admirable in many thing
we admit but new pressing wants an
difficulties confront us, and require ne0
expcdents. The cast-of garments of th
past viii no longer cover the new State
or permit the free movement Of its grow
ing limbs. We must accept this relentles
truth, and reclothe her with institution
that befit the time. ARd This truth n
Legislature since the 15ar hos recognized &
seriously attempted. Our legislation ha
been miserable patchwork, the mere:
quackery and empiricsm, q compound {
partisan folly and cowardly lodging b,
tween the people, who demand progres
and reform aud that foolish and inane oil
Bourbonism, which, t0ttling on its la
legs, still has power to frighten men frol
duty by making up faces, and screamir
RADICAL at them. Let the Legishtul
boldly take off its coat, unite its hand
and put the State in line with the ciyiz
ton of the age.
Let it eschew party, and for one montl
devote itself to the patriotic work of stud.
ing to relieve the people. Harmony VI
then come into its yexed counsels and Il
session will be fruitful in blessings. III
men who do this will make for then
selves record of which their children "
be proud, and secure popularity whi'
will be as permanent as the good resul
flowing from their acts.