Burlington weekly free press. [volume] (Burlington, Vt.) 1866-1928, 1909-03-04

nrfstsl HeraiA ststes the situation con
cfseiy a. wen as eomprchensiveiy when
II nays:
The size q the Vermont Legislature
10 once more under discussion. This
ranks with the weather as a timely
topic. The only difference is that the
Legislature costs the most. However.
we hope to live long enough to see the
Vermont legislature reduced at least
ere-half in size. Then It will be large
enough to hold session Of % days, or
more II necessary. and not be SO expen.
sive as the present one.
The proposition that the States consti.
tuition can not be changed 80 as to ef-
feet reduction in the number Of leg.s-
lators is seriously made. in spite OF the
fact that It distinctly provides for
changes in its provisions and in spite OF
the recognized fact that any fundamen-
tai law that the people make in a re-
publican form Of government can be
changed by the people in accordance
with regulations provided therefor. The
Burlington News states this situation
completely when II says
Tho Randolph Herald comment, on
Mr.. Blihu p, rsft's proposition to divide
the Vermont Hsuss Of Representatives
on a. basis Of population, one member to
2.ode or $500 giving a house Of 1lS or 115
members. The Herald says that the
trouble comes with that provision Of tho
slate constitution swing to all towns,
large and small, enc menber OF the
House forever" and with that other
provision making It as hard to almond
the constitution a. to untie the Gord,an
krot."An the kaat can't be cut. either"
the Herald says
Tho Herald IL mistaken on that last
point. The knet can be cut, IL the ma
Sor!ty 81 the citizens Of Vermont 40
eject. Our PROPOSITION is based on this
article In cur State constitution:
Article = That government Is. or
ought to be. instituted for tho common
tenent. protection ana security OF the
people. nation. or community. and not
for the particular e,neunent or advan-
tsEe Of any single man. family, or set
q men. who are a part only Of that COM
munity; and that the community hath
an induitable. urAlieRable. and indefess-
iblA right. 10 reform or alter government,
IN such manner as shall be. by that
community. Judged most conducive to
the public veal"
This article risiuly eenfers tho right
70 amend our constitution In the interest
Of the community At large upon the peo-
pie ct Vermont. IT in certainly time to
reform or alter" cir government.
when one stops to think Of this whole
situation. the surprising conclusion il
Inevitable that the influence that keeps
cur Legislature At its present size is
sentiment It Is admitted that q House
with $50 members could deliberate and
leEislate as wisely and as effectively as
10 argued. ana vitA reason thst within
certain limits II is true that the smaller
the committee the mare certain are sat-
iafaetery results. Nothing would be lost
therefore as regards results from a re-
ductien ia the size Of the House, ours
bAins a representative democracy.
On the other hand . reduction in the
size OF the Legislature would result in a
large saving every session. and In
Compare lively FEW years the sum thus
secured would be suncient to provide
trunk lines Of permanent roadway on
both sides OF tho State. to say nothing
OF the other benefits that would flow
from the increased eficiency Of our
State Legislature.