Burlington weekly free press. [volume] (Burlington, Vt.) 1866-1928, 1880-10-08
TIE Wcrl Of the Session.

This is a more than ordinarily important
session Of the Legislature United States
Senator is to be elected for six years from
the 4th OF March, lSS1,-a question FORUM
ately removed from all doubt or controversy
by the universal desire for the reelection of
Mr.. EGmunds, who for fourteen years past
has represented Vermont in the Senate with
an ability, honesty and fidelity which has
given our little State position and influence
second to that of no other State in the Union
The repor. Of a commission on the revis-
ion OF the Laws of Vermont, created two
years ago, is 10 be submitted at this session.
The task of revision was committed to able
hands, those of the late Hon. Charles W.
Willard and of Judge w. G.. Neazey ;
but there will be work 70. the
best minds in the Legislature i'll the proper
scrutiny Of their work, and in .he prevention
OF needless tinkering of the same The sub
| iect of court expenses viii be brought TO the
attention Of the Legislature by the report of
a special commission. The auditors report,
it is understood. will show that the pro
cess of rctrcnchment in these expenses, de-
manded by the people, has already begun ;
and it will. it is to he hoped, indicate
methods 10y which further economics may be
instituted and made permanent.
! The great subject of the tax laws will of
course present itself. We wish We could
1 :, of D..
stantial improvements but it will probably
take the usual course There will probably
| be plenty of talk and reports and figures
showing the imperative demand for a more
just and equal system of taxation and an
adjournment without the accomplishment of
any material change in the existing system.
In our opinion a session Of the Legislature
devoted solely to this subject, and
which should give to Vermont even as
good and equal method of listing real
and personal propertyas is practised by some
other States, would be better worth it cost to
the State than any that has assembled in
this generation.
As one or two members have been chosen,
who are understood 10 desire Il substitution
of license system for the present prohibit
DRY law, so-calle,, bills for such a change
will perhaps be intro uced TO go through the
usual process Of consideration and with
drawal or rejection
The Senate will have TO consider the sub
| ject of amendments 10 the Constitution.
Among the amendments to be proposed for
consideration will probably be return to
annual elections, Il change from an elective
to an aprointive judiciary, II change from
town representation in the lower branch to a
representation based on population; and a
provision iOrbidding the election of members
of the Legislature to State offices
Another change TO which we have as yet
seen no alusion, but which is worth consid-
eriDg, is the alteration of the time for our
State elections to the first Tuesday in Novcm-
Der. There can be no doubt, VIC think, that
| it would he much better for the country, if
the State elections were all held on the same
day, and in presidential years on the same
! day with the National election. The change
to a uniform dny has been steady among the
States, and twenty eight Of the thirty eight
now hold their elections for State officers,
Congressman aad Presidential electors, on
the first Tuesday in November Why do
not the reasons which have made this a desir-
able arrangement in other States, hold good
for Vermont
Our Legislator will thus not lack for i'm
portant subjects for their consideration, call
ing for wise and careful judgment and dis
Greet action.