, 1872-12-27

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BUsINEss BEFORE THE LEG1sLETURE
The Legislature Of Illinois viii meet at
Springfield on the 9th Of January, and there is
no reason why the session should not be the
shortest regular meeting of that body over held
in this State.
The subjects upon which it will bo called to
act are few in number. Tho regular appropria-
ton bills can contain nothing not previously au-
thorized By law, and the amounts being
fixed by law, there is but little to say for or
against each item. There nre, however, few
items where tho SUNG to be expended are within
the discretion OF tho Legislature. These aro
the appropriations for continuing the work on
the State House on the Hospital for the In
sane, and on the Southern Normal University
In addition to this Will be considered the pro-
priety Of building another lock and dam On the
Illinois River, and tho sum to be appropriated
therefor.
The amount asked for by the State House
Commissioners is ono million Of dollars for the
next two years. Whatever controversy there
may have been in times past over this State
House matter, we do not understand there is
any objection at this time to going on with the
work. Tho ultimate cost Of the building is
fixed by the Constitution, and the expenditure
go far is said to be within the limits. Tie only
question really open to discussion is, whether
the sum asked or smaller one eau bo expend-
ed to tho best advantage within the time named
The same question applies to the proposed cx-
pcnditurcs for The new buildings for the charit-
able institutions.
Tho successful operation Of the lock and dam
at Henry, on tho Illinois River, with it's results
upon tho tolls OF the canal can leave
but little doubt upon any mind rs
to the wisdom of extending the work still
further. The admirable manner in which
the Canal Commissioners have performed their
duty, and the skill, energy, and economy Of tho
engineer in charge of tho new dam aud lock are
best shown in the results. The netrovenues Of
tho canal (now owned exclusively by tho state)
have been largely increased by its practical cx~
tension The construction Of another dam will
still further extend tho business of the canal,
with much less proportionate increase of the
cost Of maintaining and operating. Economy
and sound policy, therefore, will suggest that
the additional dam be constructed The surplus
revenue received from the canal already paid
into the Treasury will pay the interest on the
past expenditure, and, added to the income Of
the next two years, will pay for the additional
dam and look.
The political action of tho Legislature is lin
tied to tho election of United States Senator
and the ordinary interest and excitement of this
proceeding have been anticipated. The election
OF Governor Oglcsby is foregone conclusion,
and will therefore be mere matter Of form.
It is possible that an effort will be made to pass
a resolution submitting to the vote of the peo-
ing the minority representation clause. Such @
resolution Eill require d two-tAirds vote of each
House, or 81 votes i'll tie Senate and LOG in the
House. However diEgustcd tho politicians may
bo with this part of the Constitution, tho great
multitude Of the people ero in favor Of it. In
many Of the strong Republican districts
the party managers are disgusted with
a law that prevents 8 mere major
ity from having all tho representation.
and in some Democrat districts tho same claas
ais equally dsyustcd. In Sangamon County,
for instance t:yo Republicans wero elected and
one Liberal but that -csult was confcsscdly
produced because the people, having tho oppor-
tu:,ity, elected the thrco best men, without
reference to their politics. ANY law rule
which compels parties to nominate their best
men for Office. or run tho risk Of defeat is law
i'll the interest Of the public, and should be mnin-
taned. We trust tbs. there will be no consider
able support BY either Republicans or opposi-
ton to any echero to strike this n,oat excellont
provision from tils Constitution.
THO railroad legislation will probably DO
brought up tor revision. It is possible that the
law does need some amendments in matters of
dotail but tho great question of the powor to
prescribe rates to be charged BY corporations is
now botoro the Supreme Court Of the State on
appeals from two opposing decisions by Cir
GILL tCNAI Dkhkt
is based upon tho theory that such power exists,
it would DO well. perhaps. to postpone further
legislation until that question can bo authorta-
lively determined:
There was IN effort st the last special session
to abolish tho offices Of Railroad and Warehouse
:ouors. The same thing NAV be at-
@'siou; but, if the Railroad
tempted again this n.-
law is to stand at all, tLere mupv -
enforce it.
Tho cry raised againat tho present Com
n'issioners is bottomcd upon nothing but par
tisenshio. The Commissioners have performed
their duties with integrity and impartialty from
the beginning, aud their successors, whoever
they may be, will not make better record for
themselves.
The Governor will have the appointment, with
the consent Of the Senate, Of Commissioners Of
Railroads, Canal, and State House (threo sepa-
rate Boards), and probably Of some Of tho Edu-
cstionn or Charity Boards. There will be some
formal action On the subject Of revision Of the