The Columbian. [volume] (Bloomsburg, Pa.) 1866-1910, 1883-12-21
State Changers on the Subject Of Legisla
ton.

house OF representatives., last week
adopted the following report relative to
legislation.
1t is the highest duty of the Ameri-
can citizens to uphold and defend the
constitution of this country. 1t is the
bed rock upon which our political su-
perstructure rests Upon its inviolato
maintenance and the laws enacted in
pursuance thereof depend our highest
hopes and dearest interest. Under our
form of popular government the people
are sovereign. Their pleasure when
properly exercised is potential. They
speak and it shall be done.
1t is true the people are forebearing
and long-suffering. Submission to un-
wise legislation is often silently endur-
ed. Difference of opinion is not es-
teemed sufficient cause for resisting
enforcement. But public opinion is on
the alert. 1t il tireless and scrutiniz-
ing. 1t is constantly in the balance.
testing by experience. When laws
cease to meet the ends for which they
were intended they should be amended
or repealed. Or when the public de-
mands the enactment of new ones in
order to preserve the Just and equal
rights of the governed let them speed
lily be passed. Section 10, article l of
our constitution, declares, 'The citi-
zens have right in a peaceable man.
ner to assemble together for their com
mon good and apply to those invested
with the powers of government Cor
redress OF grievances or other proper
purposes by petition, address or re.
monstrances. "We therefore recon-
mend.
First-That the common school law
be so amended as to embrace in the
rank OF studies such additional prac-
tical branches as agricultural chemis-
try, the natural sciences and other
technical instructions pertaining to ag-
riculture. These studies if not pur-
sued in every school should he taught
in at least one school in every district.
We esteem such practical branches of
really more importance in fitting our
sons and daughters for farm life than
bounding countries or tracing the
length of rivers.
| Second-We recommend that the
state college, which was originally in
tended as technical school of agricul-
ture be restored to the designs of its
originators. The magnitude of our in
dustry-its Importance as it relates to
the honor and dignity of our common
wealth demands that this institution
shall be devoted to technical instruation
in the higher branches of agriculture
and mechanic arts.
Third-We demand that corporations
claiming immunities as common car
riers either by rail or water, shall be
forbidden by law to discriminate be-
tween individuals or companies in
carrying freight that their rates shall
be uniform for like service irrespective
ly.
Fourth-We recommend in order to
prevent jealousy and rivalry between
differen: agricultural organizations in
so far as relates to the election of mem.
bers of the state board of agriculture
that they be elected annually by the
different agricultural societies including
oranges and farmers clubs. The pre-
sent system is so manifestly unfair and
30 easily manipulated by few perso
nal friends, that it is exceedingly OBJ
jectionable and calls loudly for reform
We cannot devise more feasible plar
than the one suggested by the mas
ter's annual address, to remedy tn,
evil.
Fifth-We demand, at the earlies
practicable moment, that Just and fai
apportlonments be made, dividing ou
state into districts Of compact and con
tiguous territory so that the people o
the state may have equal and fair re
presentation in the councils of the ma
tion and state legislature. The legisla
ture in neglecting to perform this impor
tant duty devolving upon them unde
the constitution they had sworn to sup
port and for which they were special,
convened by the executive of the stat
merits our unqualified condemnation
Their Incidence was only equalled b.
their greed. Had they manifesto
half the zeal and unanimity in the per
formance of their constitutional dut
that they did in recurring compensatio
for on-performed service, their actio
would not be reproach to the fai
fame OF our great commonwealth.
Sixth-Regarding our order as
great educational and moral organic;
tlon, we unhesitatingly set our seal {
condemnation upon intemperance, nc
only as an unmitigated evil morall,
but fruitful source of expense in III
administration of justice. Philanthr,
pic citizens are pressing the subject {
prohibition, and it is constantly becon
ing more and more apparant that ii
question will have to be met at no di
tant day. We would respectively r
commend that the necessary legislatio
to be secured to submit it to a dire,
vote of the people of the state. Shoul
majority decide in favor of prohit
tion it would give the law a prestis
which would materially assist in its e
ecution and render i. more efficient tha
il would be otherwise.
Seventh-We demand the cqualiz
ton of taxes. Upon this subject v
wish to be distinctly understood-equ
> taxes upon equal values upon the bas
of the bill presented by the speci
. committee to the Legislature last wintt
!; , The burdens of taxation are onero
: and oppressive. Relief is sought al
must be had. Justice and equity
mand it, and no effort should be spar
to secure a just and fair law by viii
J.. all property, visible and invisible,
all citizens would bear its due popc
ton.
% Eighth-That we, in state gran
met, do resolve that congress shou
U and we ask them to foster, protect a
! encourage the production of sugar
, our country, and ask them further
= pass the needed appropriations to {
velop that industry.
ID To secure such legislation as
.s hereby suggest will require effort
>. our part, 1t cannot be secured by su
neness Action must be had. Itresol,
u L