The Cecil Whig. [volume] (Elkton, Md.) 1841-current, 1897-05-29
HAVE OUR LEGISLATURES BECOME UNREPRE
SENTATIVE BODIES?

~ UR attention has recently called able
orcble article in prominent periodical on this ques
~ ton, in which after citing many instances in which
State Lawmakers have passed many lily digested
and unwse measures the writer the conclusion that
Legislative SYSTEM marked by many failures needed egisla
on and the passage penicious laws has practically
ceased to be representative system
argument upon which this based
that popular education is general than before; the
standard of public morality higher and the present efficiency
men in private business approached in the past
That theoretically the chosen to Legislature
the people, therefore, the people gaining in education
morality efficiency the whom they elect make
for them should reflect this improvement.
Yet this writer thinks there general throughout
the country that Legislators before careless in the
framing Of laws ignorant the fundamental principles of
popular government corrupt influences reckless o:
the public good and the morality of communities.
While may not fully agree with the opinions stated yet
there abundant evidence not only in Maryland but in other
States that the standard of qualification Legislators
kept pace with the advance in educational requirement OF the
masses of the people
The inquiry then is very pertinent why do Lgis
laos decline in intelligence efficiency and character the
standard of each of these qualities rises the masses?
The to this question given in the article which
have alluded is found in the fact that Legislators longer
heed the wishes of those to whom they their seats.
Not that they have ceased to represent somebody but they
represent themselves and the small organized element of the
voters which under the control of the macne which in
is manipulated and controlled by its chief popularity known the
"Boss."
In other words revolution has taken place in RESPONSE
bity of members of our Legislatures
The people have lost their hold upon their representatives
and in nearly State OF the Unon the machine represented
by handful Of ambitious leaders has become
That this had become the political condition in Maryland up
to 1895 will have the temerty deny. The bennay
elected Legislatures had long ceased be bodies
tive of the intelligence and character Of the people.
Indeed revolutionized had representative system
become that individual intelligence and character
the Legislature, had be recognized positive disqualified
tons for legitimate (?) machine political work.
The people of the State to be congratulated that this evil
if wholly abaed least mitigated the
last election of members of the Legislature
Now whether they shall shall wholly succeed in
restoring the lost standard of legislative ability and character
approaching election for members Of the Legislature
that the questions at ISSUE particularly in Cecil county will
them closely the individual characters of Legislative
candidates
The stigma that has been put upon them in the ebauc
of track gambling legazed and warranted by Legislative
authority against the protests of Cecil county intelligent and
moral classes will be emphatically resented the polls.
However unrepresentatve may have been her
the past for this time at least they will it, that
Annapolis who will respect public sentiment in their
legislative acts.