Year: 1872

The governor has decided to summon the leg
islature 10 meet in extra session, and his proela
nation TO that effect will be issued to-day The
general purpose is, OF course, to take such ac-
tion as may seem eXpedient in view of the great
calamity which has belallen the city of Boston,
and especially to afford to the suffering city such
relief as may wisely be given by legislation.
The executive council advises this course, moved
thereto by the following considerations as stated
in the Boston Advertiser Of yesterday:


/. II was thought desirable that the city
should have authority 10 issue bonds in aid Of
the sufferers by the fire, TO enable the rebuilding
TO 20 on at once, and trade 10 return to ITS old
channels.


2, Immediate legislation was thought neces
saiy 10 enable insurance companies which have
lost heavily 10 close up their aifllls, and resume
business under new charters.


3. 1t was doubled whether the street cOmmis-
sioners and tue city council had authority to lay
out the territory of the burnt district on the
comprehensive and LIBERAL plan which is desired
before rebuilding begins Aud,


4. The building law needs amendment.


The prophecy OF calling the legislature to-
gether for these purposes we do NOT call in ques
tion. The emergency is great and perplexing,
and needs to be dealt with promptly; but
whether the legislature should be moved by the
appeals which will doubtless be made, to favor.
able action in the matters above mentioned, is a
very different question.


The first measure suggested will not, we are
disposed to think, be strongly urged when the
lapse Of a few days shall have brought calmer
counses. 1t seems to be unnecessary, and it
would be inexpedient, even if the call for such
aid was much more urgent than it is In regard
TO the second, the necessity for legislation Of
the character referred 10 is not apparent, and
there would probably be no serious nconyeni
ence in waiting for whatever may prove to be
desirable until the regular session. The build
inc Law appears to need amendment, but that,
TOO, could be done well enough at
the regular time, and in the regular
way. II it is true, however, that
the municipal authorities have not now the
authority necessary for laying out the territory
Of the burnt district on such plan as is desir-
able for the safety aud convenience of the city,
that is a matter the consideration Of which can
not wisely be postponed, Such laying out, if il
Is 70 be done at all, must necessarily precede
even the beginning Of rebuilding and of that
the amount TO be done is 50 enormous and the
eVhs o. delay 50 great, that all the preliminares
should De pushed forward with utmost possible
promptness 30 as tostlmuate instead Of repress.
ing the energy and enterprise u individuals.


But whatever II may be thought hest ia do
or not to do, no action should be taken ON an,
OF these subjects without such inquiry and do.
liberation as may be necessary in order thor.
ougbly 10 understand the questions involved, +,
sod 10 weigh the arguments on both sides For
the legislature to suspend the rules aud pass
whatever bills may be presented TO It under the
pressure Of excitement and the influence
brought 70 bear by one or alolher interest
would be betrayal Of its trust Not less than
week viii probably be necessary for intell.
geut and duly considered action, and II the
membss are able 70 dispatch the business sub.