Kentucky Gazette

THE LEGISLATURE.

The proverbial obstinacy of the acting governing, it appears by the last Argus, has so far yielded, as to consent to convene the legislature at an earlier period than usual, if a majority of the members elect will signify their wish for such a step. We hope the members will, with avidity, avail themselves of this kind concession of his excellency, and thus contribute to consummate the views of those who have successfully suggested the course to him. It is, perhaps, the last good intention that will ever flow from the mind of the acting governor towards his country, and 'twere pity, in a ten fold degree, it should be lost. We devoutly hope the legislature will be assembled; because much is to be expected from them in alleviating the distresses of the state. There are many who differ with us on this subject; but engage them in argument, they adopt the convenient Socratic mode of reasoning, and never advance any idea or fact, except evidence of the ease with which deep and profound political wisdom can be affected. All the causes of pressure, they fippantly say, are to be traced to Europe. No blame whatever can be attached to the American community. Our country is incapable of bringing misery upon itself. Well, we heartily wish these were the facts. But we must beg pardon of our readers, for not being able to view the reasons of our present miserable condition, on so extensive a scale, as entirely to exclude America from participation in fault. We are inclined to believe much might be done at home. Our political economy can be greatly aided by legislative means. The people can be protected from the griping oppression of the rich and callous nabob, who is constantly seeking to know where he can perfect the most agonizing ruin. There are men of this description—and in Kentucky too—who have filled their coffers by the most unwarrantable speculations: and each additional hundred dollars acquired and hoarded up, have operated, in a certain degree, to deaden those sensibilities, kindnesses and charities of human nature, which the supreme ruler of the universe originally implanted in their bosoms. Individuals apart, the wretched state of our banking system—bottomed, as it is, upon the ignoble design of practising fraud and corruption, requires some interposing hand. The national councils should be foremost to correct great evils. But if they are timid and backward, the people and the states must interfere and become their own physicians. Protection can be given to the citizens of each state by the enactment of proper laws, with proper remedies and restrictions. A course of this kind would encourage a retrenchment of expenses—would open our eyes to the extravagant indulgence in foreign luxuries, which has hitherto marked our character—and would inspire us with a pride for the products of our own manufactories.

Besides these considerations, there is nothing to be lost by a convention of the legislature in November. It is a pleasant season—and by commencing the session thus early, the recess at Christmas, which nearly always takes place, would be suspended.