The weekly democratic statesman. [volume] (Austin, Tex.) 1871-1883, 1874-04-16
VOL. III.
THE LKGIsLATURE.

The members of the Legislature are hard
at work and have already done great deal.
Tbefe seems to be very earnest desire to
do their duty. A great many new bills
have been introduced, and the old ones are
being taken up and acted upon as rapidly
as possible. In so large a body it is very
difficult, ordinarily, to get majority OF
the members to take the same view Of
bill. Hence it is that, oftentimes, bills of
Importance are put of from day to day, on
account of some slight difference Of opinion.
In such cases the members generally are
blamed when they should not be. The
whole machinery of legislation is, to some
extent, cumbrous, and success in disposihg
Of bills is rather the result of good manage
ment. There are so many ways for
captious member to block the way,
that parliamentary tactics, when used
by some skiIlful member, become power
which is hard to overcome. Persons who
have never witnessed contest over some
important bin which is opposed by able
members, can have but little conception Of
the power Of skilled debater. And when
there are irruconcilabie differences between
the two houses, a conference committee is
appointed to bring about harmony and con-
cert of action. The Legislature have
passed several important bills, the captions
of which have already been published but
several more Of great Importance remain to
be acted upon. 1t is to be hoped that they
will not now be in too great a hurry to
get through and adjourn. 1t will not
be economy to do so. 1t always brings
confusion and disappointment. Better
take time and act coolly and deliberately, |
even if some of the measures should |
not be acted on at all. But there is |
only one way for Legislators to proceed TO |
discharge his duties well, and feel that he
can meet his constituents boldly and with
out the fear of censure; and that is to first
find out what ought to be done, and march |
right ahead to the best of his ability, as
long as he can, until he shall accomplish
the work. Let no fears of being consid-
cred extravagant or stubborn deter him
from doing his duty. In legislation as in
battle, he who is the coolest and most vigi-
liant gains the victory. If member suffers
himself to become excited by reports of in
activity, negligence, extraYagance or incom-
he is not in condition to examine
bills and determine what ought to be done.
Each day he should resolve to be calm and
watchful, ever ready to detect what is bad
and to advocate and uphold what is good.
A little experience in this way will give him
immense advantage; and his experience will
enable him to successfully oppose such
measures as would be injurious to the pub
lie interest. Perfection and efficiency can
only be gained by close application, thor
ough examination and correct information.
If any measure should come up about which
a member is not informed, if it is one of
Importance, he should lose no time in in
forming himself about every prominent fea-
ture. And to this end, he ought to have it
until he can be informed and
ready to act advisedly uponit, So much has
been said about adjournment that these gen.
eral suggestions have been offered to show
.he necessity of avoiding haste and crude
legislation. Better take time, while here,
md legislate wisely, rather than hurry foE.
fear of protracting the session too long.
The blunders made, through haste, are not
cured by adjournment. And while we do
not advocate long sessions, it is evil
dent that it would be far better to
protract the session rather than neg
Iect any important measure. The peo-
pie are far more intelligent than many seem
willing to give them credit for. They can
be readily convinced of the necessity of re-
naming, if any good is accomplished by so
1oing. In word, we hope that the mem
Ders will go forward in the even tenor OF
heir course and do what they feel con-
Tinced ought to be done, and then adjourn
md go home to their constituents prepared
% give an account of their stewardship.