Middletown transcript., 1883-01-19

poses, is a consummation devoutly to
be wished.
A system of civil service which will
substitute the test of fitness and ca
pacity for the performance of public
duty in place Of heated and unscrupu-
lous advocacy of mere party success is
surely to be preferred by all thoughtful
men. One desirable feature of such Il
reform will be an equitable distribution
of the offices of the Federal Government
as near as may be among the citizens of
the several States, so that the honor
and privilege of being represented in
the public service shall be equally open
to the citizens of every section and
State, and that competent and faith
full clerical service may be measurably
secure from the ftful and uncertain
ebb and flow of party ascendency and
official interference with the freedom of
elections no longer tolerated.
CONSTITUTIONAL AMENDMENTS.
Believing that the time has arrived
in the history and growth Of the State
when changes, by way of amendment,
should be made in the organic law, as
embodied in our constitution, [ recon-
mend that whatever notifications be
deemed necessary and proper should be
proposed through legislative enact
ments. From the general public senti-
ment manifested it seems to be con-
ceded that important changes should
be effected in the matter of representa-
tion in the General Assembly and in
the judiciary system of the State.
| wonld 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 hav-
ing an equal number thereof-believing
that the Senate should more properly
be considered the representative Of ter
ritory, rather than population, and in
its organization designed for the better
protection of the interests of minori-
ties. The growth and Importance of
the city of Wilmington, upon which we
all look with pride and admiration, as
the metropolis of our State, should
ela n especial III
button Of the proposed increased repre-
Sentation.
Gentlemen, should you approve Of
my suggestions in reference to the in
crease Of the membership Of the Gen
eral Assembly, then | would recon-
mend further amendment, limiting
the sessions thereof to the period of
sixty days, which, in my judgment,
would afford ample time for the trans
action of all necessary business and
avoid, to a 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 judi
ciary system l would advise that in this
important subject you be governed by
the suggestions of the legal minds of
the State.
These questions, so vital to the
whole people, are left to your judgment,
and doubt not will receive the most
careful and pains-taking consideration
at your hands.
SUPERINTENDENT OF FREE SCHOOLS.
A supplement to the act entitled
An act in relation to Free Schools, :"
was passed at the last session of the
Legislature creating the Office of As
sistant Superintendent of the Free
Schools of the State. Having given
considerable attention to the subject, I
am satisfied that the object of the law
will be more fully and effectually at
tanned by further subdivision of the
labor of the office, and would therefore
recommend, in lieu of State Superin-
tendent and Assistant, that there be
three superintendent, one for each
county. The additional expense to the
State would be small, if any. | think
it is apparent that three would have
more time to visit the schools, report
on their condition, and perform more
thoroughly the Office Of superintendency
than two persons. Further, by the
system of county superintendent, the
teachers and people of the respective
districts are brought into more intimate
relations.
EDUCATION.
In the matter of education 1 most
cheerfully concur in the suggestions of
my predecessor as to the manner of in
creasing the school fund, whereby the
free school system would be rendered
more efficient, and earnestly recommend
that such ample appropriation be made
as will promote and establish a more
liberal and higher standard Of educa-
tion among our citizens generally.
| trust that this Legislature will con-
slider well the present and future con-
dition of large class of persons who,
by the Constitution of the United
States, are clothed with the full rights
of citizenship. Whatever may be
thought of the propriety of these amend
ments, they have long since become
parts Of our common constitution,
therefore those who have been thus
made citizens are entitled to the pro-
lection and benefits which the law of
the land confers upon other citizens.
As citizens they will continue to exer-
else privileges of freemen, and the
great question for all lovers of good
government, is to resolve upon what
best qualities for the proper discharge
Of their duties to society and the State.
Whether ignorance or intelligence is
the basis, admits of no doubt, and this
enlightened age of developments and
progress, public opinion founded on the
growth of ages, points to well-adjusted
system of free schools as one of the
best safeguards of life, liberty and
property, and the many blessings that
come from their enjoyment. What the
State regards as good and essential for
one class of citizens, it should for ALL
We believe the almost general opinion
throughout the State is in favor of the
establishment Of separate schools as
HE eEfly just sitt and proper syst Ell fer fer tie
education and best interests of both
races and the opposition most emphatic
and pronounced against what are termed
mixed schools, under any and all cir
cumstances. Owing to the evident in
ability of the colored people of the
State of their own means to furnish
anything like adequate instructions to
their children, the State in the past
wisely gave her aid, and hope and re-
commend, gentlemen, that liberal and
generous assistance will be still further
rendered. l trust and believe you will
consider well the object in view.
TEMPERANCE,