Smyrna times., 1873-10-22
THE Legislature at its last session passed a

nual and yearly advertisers.
Pie Legislature at its last session passed
-Ne,o License LdU, which is one of the most
stringent and restrictive laws of the kind ever
enacted in this State. 1t passed after much
long. earnest, and thoughtful consideration and
discussion, and by a very fair majority in
both houses. 1t passed. too, after strong op-
position from the liquor men, who were repre-
sented by the agent of the league, and counsel
1t was fair and square contest; for, although
1t did not go as far as some of the temperance
men wished, yet they supported it as body;
as earnestly as the liquor men opposed 1t.
The latter offered string of amendments al
most as numerous as sections OF the bill, and
were given long opportunity to discuss them,
and persuade the law makers to adopt them
and with some of them they we're successful.
But the leading features of the bill remained
intact, and became the law of the land. What
the effect of the new law may be, and how far
il may 60 towards restraining the acknowledged
evils Of intemperance no one can say. Time
will give an answer. We do not now propose
TO speculate But the duty of all good citizens
is plain. The la,o as to be respected and ObeyeC
unta 1t has been tried If it prove good ant
wholesome law, it should be continued; ]
otherwise, the same authority that enacted i
should repealit. This we owe to the temperanc
sentiment of the people who asked tor, aud
the honest lawmakers who granted tn
enactment This we owe to the good orde
of society generally and to our own characte
as law abiding citizens in particular.
r RESIGNATION oF CHANCELLOR BATEs.-O
Tuesday of last week, Hon. Daniel NJ. Bate
Chancellor of the State, sent in his resignatio
TO the Governor, to the surprise of nearly ever
one and to the regret of all parties. lib
Governor, being absent, in Pennsylvania, ;
the time, did not receive the information Gar
then unoficiaIly) until he arrived in Wilmin
ton, on Friday. 1t is understood that
waited upon the Chancellor there to indu
him to withdraw his resignation, but Il
Chancellor assured him that his health wou
not permit him to perform the duties OF Il
position. Unqualified regret is express
throughout the State, by every journal, eve
citizen and every partisan. His talent, b
acknowledged legal attainments, and his irl
.proachable Christian character seemed
peculiarly fit him for the position he has
honorably filed for nearly eight years.
was appointed by Gov. Salisbury in 1866.
The next important question is, who is to
his successor 1t is stated that the Govern
is as much perplexed as the people on Il
point, and keenly feels his responsible
Among the names suggested for appointmt
are those of Messrs. q. B. Rodney, Dupo
and Lore of New Castle county; Sena
Salisbury, Edw. Rdgley, and Mr.. Comeg
of Kent; and Hon. Edw. Wootton and 10
ii. Paynter, Of Sussex.
1t is thought that in New Castle county
Dupont holds the strongest position, but ma
who know little or nothing of Mr.. DIS alta
ments, are disposed to think that his name
his strong point. In this county it is qu
evident that Mr.. Ridgley stands foremost, Q
side of a certain clique ofanti Pollies His le
abilities are we'll known ana admitted even
his opponents. But he is Polly, and whet
the Governor could, or would be permitted
honor one of this class in his party il
question. Mr.. Comegys has some str
advocates, but he is man without a pa
and it would be against Democratic orthod
to put him in the position. Senator Saulsbr
il is said, does not want it. There is no sa
grab connected with it, and nothing in the
of political wire pulling. 1t would, or oU
to, take the recipient out of partisan poll
and Mr.. s. could hardly stand that. AS
Judge Wootten, of Sussex, be is understoo
be in terribly bad OrdOr with the Govern
faction. DIR. Paynter enjoys the Govern
favor, but whether he would suit simpl
that recommendation, is question with
people.