Staunton spectator. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1849-1896, 1885-06-24
The Same Old Song.

Editor Of the Spectators
Some one over the nom de plume of ''Cit-
izen,'' in your issue Of the 10th inst, seeks
to excite the apprehensions of the dear peo-
pie in reference to the selection of their
next Legislative Representatives. His aw-
fully solemn talk about important and
"momentous" duties, impending "emer-
gencies," "serious mischief" ''conscrip-
tion," &C., is calculated to alarm the mex
perienced and unwary. But the Virginia
voter, of average years and perception, rec
ognizes in this p reduction the same old
song sung for the same old purpose.
Judging from his text, his remarks gen.
orally, and his closing with grave counsel
to the people, it is pretty safe to conclude
that "Citizen' is gentleman Learned in
the law;' and of that stripe of a lawyer,
who solemnly images that no man is capa-
BILE or qualified to represent the people in a
Legislative or any other capacity, unless he
be of the legal fraternity.
The people have often in the past seemed
to acquiesce in this assumption, but now
seriously doubt its correctness, and have
come to fear that men of the law sometimes
possess and exercise a little too much
liability and far-seeing wisdom for the
real good of the larger number of the peo-
pie.
The main plea of stCitizen" is this =
Whereas commission, consisting of three
livery able" lawyers, has been appointed to
revise and codify the laws Of the State, and
their work will be reported to the next
General Assembly for its consideration and
approval, which consideration, &c., will
require "much labor" and '.far-seeing wis
DOM" therefore said General Assembly
should be composed of the wisest and best
men, Chat is lawyers), whose services can
be obtained.
And, wherefore? The plain inference is
that they may undertake to revise the re-
vision of those very able revisors. The
committee of revision is truly an able one,
consisting of no less men than Judges Sta
pies and Burks and Mr.. Riley. Their
qualifications and their care for their own
reputation leave no room to doubt that they
will present to the Legislature the very
best revision and arrangement of the laws
of the State that can be made, accompanied
by such recommendations as to changes
and amendments as to make the whole such
a report as might safely be adopted with
out question.
But, let an undue number of average
lawyers, from all parts of the State, be put
into the next Legislature, and what will be
the fate of the work of this able commission
By the time each legal Legis' ator gets in
his work of change, alteration, and twisti-
fcation, which of the able commission will
recognize the result of its labors, and in
stead of clear and useful code of laws,
will not the result be confusion worse con-
founded? Most likely. Therefore, so far as
this matteris concerned, let US have Legis-
lature composed of men of good, practical
common-sense and Judgment, who will &C
cept and adopt, without much question,
the work of the able and competent men
who have been employed and paid to per-
form it.
A fair number of good lawyers is neces-
sary in making up good Legislature, but
too much Of even a good thing is disad-
vantage.
The next Legislature will also have to
elect goodly number of circuit and coun-
ty Judges, and should any large number of
the "wise aud seeing" gentlemen of the
Bar be sent, they might conclude to club
together and parcel out the Judgeships
among themselves, and thus deprive the
people of the services Of many able and ex-
perienced men who are now serving them
faithfully and well on the Bench. If any
one be disposed to think this harsh, let
him remember the like has been done before.
In conclusion, let us counsel "Citizen"
to possess his soul in peace, patience, and
confidence. Do not manifest such distrust
of the people, and so much want of conf
dcnce in their ability to take care of their
own interests. The sterling Democracy of
Augusta county are thinking matters over
in their quiet way, and will turn out en-
masse at the next Primary, to the conster-
nation and overthrow of the Rings and
Cliques When their verdict is rendered,
let all submit, for there is no appeal.
COUNTRYMAN.