Evening journal., 1911-03-29
WEDNESDAY. MAR. 20 1911
cRIncIsMs on THE LEcIsLATuRE.

H NE Of the criticisms of the recent legisla-
~ ture by the Democratic opposition is directed
towards what may he termed an ill-runnlug piece
of machinery. animosities tho; developed and
handling Of the business so that there was great
rush and crush during the closing hours in which
ample time was not given for the consideration OF
important matters
Because Of the general good character OF the
members the critical newspaper admits that much
was expected from the present body This is en-
tirsly true, and il was surprising all round that
the members did not develop into smoother run
ming organization TO dispose of bills promptly and
to transact matters in more business-like manner
than previous Legislatures had done
The members themselves fostercd the sentiment
that the present Legislature was to he cracker
jack There we're meetings of the members and
all that, public hearings and general disposition
10 have a session which would have the welfare OF
the people constantly in mind Small politics was
not 70 be played As happens with most things
human realization is different from anticipation,
but the criticisms Of the present body on the score
alluded 10 should be warning TO future sessions
of the Legislatures. Plainly the people are COM
ing 70 demand higher standard of legislative con-
duct = better and more efficient management Of
the business of the State
Although il must be admitted that the members
of the Legislature have been in fault, the public
must take a share Of the blame for any criticisms
that may be made of the Legislature on this score.
If the Legislature is to act promptly and efficiently,
the public should act promptly and efficiently
that is the public at the beginning of the sessions
should manifest interest in what is being DONE
watch bills and urge at once legislation which is
desired
Specific criticism Of the opposition is directed
TO the failure Of the Legislature TO pass a law
validating all the acts Of the present City Council
Of Wilmington. We referred to that subject yes.
terday. The trouble has been caused hy looking
at the matter from different points Of view The
Democrats want one kind Of valuation and the
Republicans another.
The Republicans arc also criticised for their re-
fusal to pass law providing for the publicity Of
campaign expenses and for the refusal TO repeal
the voters assistant law. II is upon these two
points that the Democrats will hammer and en-.
deavor 70 show that the Republican organization
IS still using money in elections The Republican
platform did not call for bill requiring publicity
Of campaign expenses but it would have been
good bill TO pass. The Journal advocated it, We
shall probably have a law Of this kind passed AZ
the next session. Other States have such meas
ures. The Republican platform. however. did call
for new ballot law, a simpl6ed ballot No at
teution apparently was paid 10 this promise by
the legislative leaders
new ballot law would have done awav with
the voters assistants and stopped one cause OF
Democratic criticism. The Republican leaders
should not have put plank the platform call.
ing for simplihed ballot IL they had not intended
to carry out the pledge
These appear 70 be the chief general criticisms
Of the Legislature from the opposition point OF
view. And while some Of the criticisms are lust and
il must be remembered that the Legislature had
faults that we are free 70 admit yet the session
has not been barren Of good results
We hardly think that the balance will be found
against the body