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Editorial
May 25, 1825
Massachusetts Spy And Worcester Advertiser
Worcester, Worcester County, Massachusetts
What is this article about?
The Worcester editorial announces the May 25, 1825, assembly of the Massachusetts General Court in Boston for government organization. It anticipates a positive governor's message, notes cross-party support for his administration, and criticizes the unequal distribution of representatives, comparing it to England's rotten boroughs. It laments legislative instability and urges reducing the number of representatives for better continuity.
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WORCESTER: WEDNESDAY, MAY 25, 1825.
THE GENERAL COURT
Of this Commonwealth will assemble in Boston this day for the purpose of organizing the Government of the State, for the ensuing year.
The message of the Governor's will, probably, be communicated to the two Houses this week, in which case it may appear in our next paper. From the known liberality, independence, and public spirit, of the Governor elect, such a document is anticipated as shall be creditable to himself and the State.
So far as our information extends, a disposition prevails, among all parties, to give a cordial support to the measures of his administration, so long as the Constitution is his guide, and the public welfare his object.
The number of Representatives this year is very small, and very unequally distributed. The County of Bristol, with but little more than half the population of this County, will have nearly or quite twice as many representatives. The defects of our system of representation, have been long felt, and require some efficient remedy. As at present acted upon, it is as unequal and unfair, and as uncongenial with the spirit of our government as the rotten borough system of England.
Complaint is often made of the instability of our laws, and of the frequent changes in them. How can we expect it should be otherwise when every successive Legislature represents a different set of men from the last, with probably discordant views. It is time for the people to seriously consider the subject, in order to adopt a mode, whereby the whole number of representatives, to which the State is entitled, may be so reduced that all shall be chosen, and it shall be expected of all that they be in their places when the Legislature is in session.
THE GENERAL COURT
Of this Commonwealth will assemble in Boston this day for the purpose of organizing the Government of the State, for the ensuing year.
The message of the Governor's will, probably, be communicated to the two Houses this week, in which case it may appear in our next paper. From the known liberality, independence, and public spirit, of the Governor elect, such a document is anticipated as shall be creditable to himself and the State.
So far as our information extends, a disposition prevails, among all parties, to give a cordial support to the measures of his administration, so long as the Constitution is his guide, and the public welfare his object.
The number of Representatives this year is very small, and very unequally distributed. The County of Bristol, with but little more than half the population of this County, will have nearly or quite twice as many representatives. The defects of our system of representation, have been long felt, and require some efficient remedy. As at present acted upon, it is as unequal and unfair, and as uncongenial with the spirit of our government as the rotten borough system of England.
Complaint is often made of the instability of our laws, and of the frequent changes in them. How can we expect it should be otherwise when every successive Legislature represents a different set of men from the last, with probably discordant views. It is time for the people to seriously consider the subject, in order to adopt a mode, whereby the whole number of representatives, to which the State is entitled, may be so reduced that all shall be chosen, and it shall be expected of all that they be in their places when the Legislature is in session.
What sub-type of article is it?
Constitutional
Legal Reform
Partisan Politics
What keywords are associated?
General Court Assembly
Governor Message
Representation Inequality
Legislative Reform
Constitutional Guide
Public Welfare
What entities or persons were involved?
Governor Elect
General Court
County Of Bristol
This County
Editorial Details
Primary Topic
Assembly Of General Court And Reform Of Representation System
Stance / Tone
Supportive Of Governor's Administration And Critical Of Unequal Representation
Key Figures
Governor Elect
General Court
County Of Bristol
This County
Key Arguments
Anticipation Of Creditable Governor's Message
Cross Party Support For Administration Guided By Constitution And Public Welfare
Unequal Distribution Of Representatives Favoring Bristol Over Worcester County
System Of Representation As Unfair As England's Rotten Boroughs Requiring Remedy
Instability Of Laws Due To Changing Legislatures With Discordant Views
Need To Reduce Number Of Representatives For Full Attendance And Continuity