Milford chronicle., 1883-01-26
COysTlTTTlOyAL AMENDMENTS.

We consider that Governor Stockley
has made serious mistake in his 70
sition Upon this mqtter us implied in
his Inaugural Address. He seems Ia
have overlooked entirely the feature
of District Representation, which we
deem Of even more importance than
Increased Representation. If the
election Of members TO the Legislature
and to the Levy Court are to remain
subject to the majority vote of the
counties, as heretofore, our system
will be in no wise improved by any
increase Of the number of candidates
elected. Again, he seems to have
over ooked entirely the obnoxious
appointments that now obtain
throughout the State. to fill local
offices. A feature of our Government
that could well give place to the choice
of the people in the vicinity affected
We believe the Governor is more pro
gressive on this point than his message
would seem to indicate, and we are
quite certain that there are members
OF the Legislature disposed to give the
people District Representation.
The absence of any positive express
sion from Mr.. Stocklev, in favor Of
such desirable changes is the point at
which we direct our criticism; though
we believe, as above intimated, that
he is progressive enough to go with
the people to the furthest extent OF
what they and their Legislators may
deem for the highest prosperity of the
State. lie says:
Believing that the time has arrived
in the history and growth of the State,
hen changes, by way Ofamendment,
should be made in the organic law, as
embodied in our constitution. | rec
Ommend, that whatever notifications
be deemed necessary and proper
should be proposed through legislative
enactments. FrGm the general public
sentiment manifested, IL seems to be
conceded that important changes
should be effected in the matter of
representation in the General Assem-
bly and in the judiciary system OF the
State.
1 would advise that there be an in
crease in both branches Of the General
Assembly, so that the House shall not
consist Of more than thirty members,
the same to be distributed fairly and
equitably between the several counties,
and the Senate not to consist of more
than fifteen members, each county
having an equal number thereof
believing that the Senate should more
properly be considered the representa- |
tive of territory, rather than pOpula- |
tiOn, and in its organ izatiOn designed |
for the better protection of the inter
ests of minOrities. The growth and |
Importance Of the city of Wilmington, J.
upon which veal look with pride ana
admiration, as the metropolis cf our
State, should claim especialg attention |
in the distribution of the proposed in
creased representation, -
Gentlemen. should oyou approve of
my scggestiOns in reference TO the in
crease of the membership OF the
General Assembly, then l would rec
Ommend a further amendment, limit
ing the sessions thereof to the period OF
60 days. which, in my judgment,
would afford ample time for the trans
action of all necessary business, and
avoid, to great extent, unnecessary
legislation, and, at the same time, no
additional expense will be incurred by
reason Of Increased representation.
In the matter of reform Of the
judiciary system, would advise that,
In this important subject you be
governed by the suggestions Of the
egal minds of the State.
These questions, so vital to the whole
people, are left to your judgment, and
[ doubt not, will receive the most
,areful and painstaking consideration
1t your hands