Year: 1879

The general verdict of press and people on the Governors message is decidedly favorable. al wtgsshaye ever heard Mr~AHdrews argue

 cases in court are familiar with his power of clear, concise, and telling statement Law points that in less skilful hands appear indis- tinct and ill-defined, he presents as clearly as a tree on a hill is outlined against the sky His written style is a simple transcript of his spoken style, and is admirably suited to the

 work of presenting subjects of legislation to 8 General Assembly. It was always plain that the admirable messages of Mir. Hubbard were the powerful work of skilled writer. That there is no show of literary art in Gov. An drew's message is by n~ means proof of the absence of that art.

 Coming from the manner to the matter of Gov. Andrews message, we find little to cr1ti- else and much to approve. We might have preferred an endorsement of complete univer- sal suffrage, and the application of minority representation to the election of State Sena- tors but our views are probably less in accord with public opinion than the more moderate liberalism of our new Governor. In the first place he endorses several important recom- mendations of his predecessor, particularly, some proper provision for the accurate en- grossment of legislative acts ; a careful revis- ion of our laws regarding joint stock compa- nies; and the reorganization of our probate courts with large districts and increased juris- H. lat hard one to bring about The only objection is that of convenience of access for persons settling estates or searching titles. A part of this difficulty would be obviated by requiring a record of all wills and distributions in the town as well as probate records The Govern or makes many valuable recommendations re- sarding taxes. He calls attention to our pres ent state prison management in which he evidently wants confidence and lays down an excellent rule of management for the State Reform School.

 The recommendation of biennial sessions is one of great practical importance. We have no doubt that it's adoption would save the State much money and avoid much nasty leg lSldtiOu 1utIc IS uuC Ollc ScIlOuS ouJcC- ton. Our annual House of Representatives is an extremely useful school in which large number of people from the several towns are taught the rudiments of parliamentary practice and something of statute law. It furnishes liberal education in itself, for the town officer and the justice of the peace. It introduces the citizen to many of the promi- nent men of the State. It enlarges his views and teaches him how 10 act in concert with other men. Whether it is worth the public while to spend good deal of the public mon- ey and endure much crude legislation for the sake of the educational value of legislative session, is the real question this legislature must decide.

 The Governor seems on the whole to favor the proposed code of civil procedure and he makes an excellent suggestion regarding the ancc of parties in court. The abolition of lawyers term fees would naturally follow, the one evil being evidently based upon the other

 The message was well delivered, and well received by the legislature, the neat hit at the Townsend Bank Receivers elicting a round of applause. We hope our lawgivers will take prompt action upon the excellent recommendations they have received.