New-York tribune., 1880-01-07
lSHnRT &ElNNIONN.

A g0Odly number OF StdJe Legislatures oSSn
their sessions this week. With them open
endless possibilities in the business of making
laws, with tremendous temptations to ,leglsla-
tors to make the most of their oppor-
tunities. manufacture statutes upon every
conceivable subject, and exhaust the re-
sources of craftsmanship. THE TRIBUNE
takes this occasion to repeat the ad-
vice it has heretofore given to legislators
tempted TO legislate: Don't. We are not
wanting in respect for the genius and ablh-
ties of the statesmen who III the various State
capitols are this week standing up and swear
ing to support the Constitution. We ae con-
fident that, as a rule, they will compare IA
vorably with their predecessors, that they are
no less wise and patriotic, nor any more
liable to blunder and oyerdo their work.
But we venture to remind them once more
that in all the States we have great many
laws now, and that the prevailing opinion
outside of Legislatures is that the public well
fare is more Often promoted by the repeal OF
old statutes than by the enactment Of new
ones. AS American citizens we are of course
proud of our State Legislatures as in
telligent and competent public bodies,
and proud of the individuals composing them
as representative men. But we take the lib
erty to say that, in the exercise of their fllnc-
tions as lawmakers, they are much more liable
to do too much than too little. Very few
Legislatures or Congresses have ever been
blamed for making toe few laws; great
many have been criticised and condemned for
making too many.
Probably in all the State Legislatures that
start Of this week the determination is or will
be announced by the leaders of the dominant
party to make the session short and get along
with the least possible tinkering with the laws.
This not solely on the score of economy, for
most OF the States now pay their Legislators
in lump sum for the session, whether
long or short, so that as a matter of expense
it makes no very great difference, but
because there is always, when e.. Legislature IS
in session, greater danger OF the passage Of
unnecessary and foolish than of needed and
wise laws. The people feel safer-and the
members themselves are very well aware Of
the fac1-when the Legislature is not in ses-
sion. Then they know what they have to de-
pend upon, and can conduct themselves accord
ingly. There never was final adjournment of
Legislature yet that did not bring feeling
of relief to the people of the State, and it is
notorious that when Congress adjOurns the
whole country rises up and claps its hands.
The fear has been expressed by certain per-
sons who make politics profession and
have an inordinate desire to be constantly
before the public themselves, that, un-
less we have frequent elections and annual
legislative sessions. the people will lose their
interest in affairs and our free institutions
will suffer from popular neglect. This feel
ing, however. is confined to the few who live
upon the excitements of political campaigns /;
the majority of the people prefer a little rest
from politics occasionally. and something like
stability and steadness in the laws.
In the State Legislatures generally there is
nothing TO call for long sessions or mnch tin
kering with the laws The members rs they
come together express a purpose to conline
their action TO necessary business, make a short
session, and adjourn This is the good resou-
ton with which they begin tha year and the
session, and in announcing ii they show that
they understand their own relations to the
State and the popular feeling N the subject.
Let Us hope they will carry their resolution
| into aCl ion,