The Cecil Whig. [volume] (Elkton, Md.) 1841-current, 1874-03-28
THE VETO LEGISLATURE.

We have not kept record of the num-
Der of vetoes sent to the present Legisla-
ture in session at Annapolis, by Governor
Whyte and Governor Groome, nor can we
approximate the number of those remark
able messages that body is destined to re-
ceive before its adjournment early in April,
but at trough guess" "baker's
dozen" have been composed by their Ex-
cellencies for the purpose of enlightening
that opake body of law makers. Indeed
some of the members begin to manifest
signs of disapprobation Of these frequent
vetoes, especially from Governor Groome,
and on the reception of the last veto mes
sage, one member expressed himself in a
most decided manner of being tired of so
many rebuffs from the executive mansion,
but on being told that the members from
the county-for it was local bill which
called for the Governors restraining power
on this occasion-were entirely satisfied
that the Governors objections were well
taken, and that the bill should not be-
come law, the irrate member withdrew
his objections and the veto was unani-
mously sustained.
Of the numerous vetoes that have been
served on the Legislature, every one has
been acquiesced in by that meek body of
Maryland statesmen. Now this submits
sion of the Legislature shows a remarka-
BILE Difference to executive opinion, or evil
dences deplorable condition of ignorance
on the part of our law makers, and We are
sorry that we have no reason for assigning
any other cause than the latter for this
very unusual submission and meek acquies-
cence on the part of the chosen representa-
tives of the people. In some instances
these vetoes are sustained by unanimous
vote of the House. Now we fear that the
record which that august Democratic body
of savans is making for itself, will initiate
against the members who may hereafter
aspire to further legislative honors. 1t is
worse than useless for the people to send
men to the capital to pass laws, which,
after having engaged the attention Of the
two Houses for days, the Executive finds
it his duty to return with message point
ing out numerous provisions they embody
contravening the Constitution and their
total impracticability as statutes. While
some honorable exceptions are found in
both Houses, the present Legislature has
gained the reputation among their own
party as we'll as with every other party and
intelligent class of people, that as body
they are the greatest asses that ever met
together in Annapolis. If these are the
kind of officials Democracy provides Cor
the State, would it not be we'll for sensible
people to consider if the blessed privilege
and great blessing and great privilege
we acknowledge it is-of being Demo-
crat, is not little tee costly9 A Legis-
lature that goes into caucus to concoct a
bill which is to materially change the whole
system of taxation in the State, is one that
is not fit to be elected; and the Legislature
which meekly sustains two dozen vetoes,
more or less, because they are evidently
just and proper-a good reason by the way
does not strengthen their claim for re-
election. Would it not be sensible for the
men who have been voting every thing
labeled Democrat for the sake of demoe-
racy, to consider whether the party ma
chinery which furnishes us with no better
materials for law makers, than this, is
worth the grease that keeps it running.
And might it not he we'll to venture to
assert enough of independence in this mat
ter to change their votes for fitness in place
of partyo