Litchfield enquirer., 1872-05-09

The grand list of taxable property. Oc- tober 1st, 1871, in the State was S8S0, 7e2.- 733, being an increase over the previous year of $11 ,346, ,132. -, e.s-s
 The grand M Gst is made @ np fSBgrt FASk rppeyyssps much higher in proportion to it's actual value than others which should be rem- edled in some way. I should suggest that boards of equalization, consisting of three members, be created in each coun- ty, and the chairmen ofthe county boards should constitute State board, with the Treasurer as it's chairman, the decision of the State board to be final.
 The poll tax of one dollar appears to me too small and laid upon wrong prin- eiple. The poll should be rated in the list at 8 certain value, on which taxes should be laid as upon property, in which case the State, the town, the school, and all other interests, would get their just proportion. The communication tax has been collected more accurately during the last year than at any previous time. Both these taxes are just and reasonable and should be continued and invariably col lected, as all who vote should pay a poll tax, and those who owe miliatry service but do not performe it should assis in paying those who do.
 The principal results of the ceusus of 1870 have now been published, but there are great many details in respect to the condition of each State and town, which the general government cannot undertake to publish. These particulars, so far as they concern the State of Connecticut. will be of great service to all who are con- eerned with the legislation, the social progress, and the business undertakings. would recommend that measures be taking by the legislature to obtain and publish full report of the census of Con- necticut.
 The matter of pound fishing has given during the past year, no little trouble and annoyance, but it has finally been set- tied, let us hope, to the satisfaction of all concerned.
 It makes no difference to the State at large, it appears to me, where shad are caught or by whom or when, always pro- vided that all that are taking shall enter into the supply of food for the human race, and that the catch shall not be so large or rapid or complete as to exhaust or reduce the supply or hinder or prevent their propagation. If four days fishing and three days close time for the pounds Is made the rule, which is the case at present, laws should be enacted which would enforce it.
 NEW CAPITOL.
 The last General Assembly appropria- ted the sum of $500, 900 towards the erec- tion of State House at Hartford, under certain conditions, and appointed con- mission to carry the resolutions into ef- feet. The conditions have been complied with, the city of Hartford having pur chased a splendidid site of fourteen acres at an expense of $500, ,OOO, and appropri- ated $500, 900 towards the erection of the building.
 An architect has been designated, de- sign accepted, and working plans are now being gotten up preparatory to contract ing for building. It is the opinion of the Commissioners that convenient build ing of ample dimensions and which shall be an ornament to the State, can be erect ed for the amount appropriated, and it is their fixed determination that the State shall not be further called upon except for furnishing the building and ornament ing the grounds.
 Public attention has of late been direct ed by some notable cases in Pennsylva- mia, Maryland and Kansas, to the propri- ety of allowing medical expert testimony as to sanity in our criminal courts, All such testimony is tinged by partisan feel ings, as each witness is expected to act not only as an expert but as associate counsel.
 It is thought by many that the practice which prevails to some extent in Great Britain of having the question of sanity decided by jury of experts first, and that of guilt by an ordinary jury, might be introduced to advantage into our sys- tenn
 There are several matters to which I have called the attention of former Leg islatures, and as to the propriety of which my official experience has confirmed the opinion then expressed.
 Our legal rate of interest is too low {; our, divorce laws are too loose our laws with regard to the property rights of mar. ried women need revision our State of fcers should be elected in the fall for two years, and an attorney general should ei- ther be elected by the people or appoint ed by the Governor.
 A custom has heretofore prevailed in the General Assembly of electing from their own number most of the per sons to fill vacancier occurring in the sev- eral boards of trustees, directors and commissioners. May I not be pardoned for expressing the opinion that this cus- tom opens the door to too much of personal application and bargaining for office, while 1t narrows down the list from which to select, and is open to many oth- CT objections. If after this year the ap- pointments should be made by the exec utive, to be confirmed by the Senate, I think the result might be beneficial.
 The appropriations asked for this year will be fully as large as our treasury will warrant. Let them be closely scrutiniz- ed.
 While our State cannot afford, and does not need, to be niggardly in it's benevo- lence, sound judgement should be exer- cised in voting money out of the public treasury. Our people look with no little alarm upon the tendency towards extravs- gance in our public affairs. Let us make no appropriations except where absolute 1y needed, and grant no gratuities whatso- ever The State is abundantly able to make all necessary expenditures, but in giving away money and voting donations, the law-making power should represent the poorest tax payer in the State.
 But little Legislation is really needed and that of general character. Special enactments are apt to be detrimental to general interests. The people would be glad to see a short, economical session of about six weeks. More frequent meet ings of committees and shorter recesses than heretofore would gratify this desire. Why can it not be done?
 MAsHALn JEWELL.
 New Haven, May 1st, 1872.
 HARDY JusTICE.-H is well to keep in remembrance our Revolutionary worthless if onlv that the exan1ula rf O0od man and