Juniata sentinel and Republican. [volume] (Mifflintown, Juniata County, Pa.) 1873-1955, 1874-05-27
The Adjourned legislature.

FOR years pas tue auJoui uhen' VI
the Legislature has been fruitful sub
iect for criticism. TIE adjournment of
the late Legislature has, as matter of
course. come in for its fail share
Many cri;icise understaudingly; others
cri.icise because they are desircus 70
say something, though it be nothing;
a number condemn for political pur-
poses, and few speak of the merits
and demeriis, In the interest OF reform.
The critics themselves know best 70
which class they belong. The follow
ing is what the Pittsburgh Gazette says
Of the late Legislature:
The session of the Legislature, just
closed, illustrated, in several particu-
lars, the strength and weakness Of the
new Constitution. The spirit of the
olden time was more or less prevalent,
vet about one fourth the number of
bills were introduced as in former ses
sions, and a proportioned number OF
those introduced were passed. 1t was
pretty clearly shown that the require
ment for general laws did not prevent
what was practically special legislation.
Yet their were many schemes that pas
sed, Notwithstanding. For example,
the cities of the State were divided
into classes. OF the first class there is
but a single e;ty,-Philadelphia-
Pittsburg comes in as the second city
of the State. Their several third
eities-but these received comparative
ly little attention. Hence, legislation
that applied to cities of the first and
second class, was really SO much spe-
cial legislation for Philadelphia and
Pittsburg. In the former city the
Board of Revision was authorized to
appoint additional assessors; the city
authorities we're authorized to reorgan
ize any departments of the city sPe-
cial loan Of some six millions was le-
galized. In fact, all the legislation
desired was reached in this manner.
So of Pittsburg. The bill increasing
the power of the Mayor, regulating the
= tla 70 anh other
matters, was distinctly arranged with
a view to the particular city involved.
We are decidedly os the opinion that
some of the legislation of the past
Winter will be repealed at the next
session of the Legislature; and some
bills-as the Judicial salary bill, which
righteously ed,-will be passed In
a more liberal form next Winter.
THUS loophole has been found in the
new Constitution as regards special
legislation, and great frmness must be
shown next Winter, if this evil does
not develop itself in great force.
But the tide of evil legislation was
very completely checked by the regu-
lation requiring bills to be fully read,
and printed and laid on the members
desks. Also, requiring every amend
ment or change 70 be printed, even
those made IN committees of conference.
Thus the passage of bills by their titles
and in total ignorance of their actual
contents or merits, is prevented. This
has been a decided check to vicious
legislation, and cannot fail to work
well in the future 1t is this, more
than else, that has prevented wrong
legislation,-and thus is to DE credited
with the negative benefits of the session
just closed.
The next session of tbe Legislature
will be charged with high important
duties. 1t must, ofnecessity. complete
the work OF the recent Legislature, by
giving full effect to the new Censtitu-
tion. We are GesirOus that candidates
shall be able men, capable of grasring
the spirit and purpose of our funda-
mental law, and ready to giEe it effect
hy Wise, conservative legislation. We
mean no reflection on the delegation in
the Legislature just closed, but it must
be evident that there will be larger
responsibility devoly,i on the body to
be chosen this Fall, in that it will be
elected under the new Constitution,
and expected to properly develope that
instrument by wise Legislation.
"The marriage of Nellie Grant is
we'll certified TO as NAV be learned
from the following. The certificate OF
the marriage of Nellie Grant Is engros-
sed upon parchment, in connection with
FIVE other documents. On upper left