The Democrat

The Next Legislature.

That the new Constitution will be ratified, we take it, there is but little doubt; and in that event, it is highly important that the people elect a Legislature with such qualifications and fitness as will be competent to put it in running order.

The next Legislature of this State will have a work to perform that will require not only much practical skill but great legal acumen, to do it well. Certainly, this is no time for unskilled workmen to engage in preparing and making statutes to carry into successful operation the new Constitution. Experience has long since taught us that the ordinary blacksmith is but little suited to making a fine gold watch, or some complicated and delicate piece of mechanism used in science, the untutored mind to solve the problems of Euclid, or the country Squire to delve into the metaphysical subtleties and learned disquisitions of Coke and Blackstone.

The Virginia Legislature of 1852 required a long, patient and laborious session to prepare and adapt the laws to the amended Constitution of 1849-50; and in that body were to be seen many of the best legal minds of the old State. No ordinary Legislature could originate, digest and prepare the necessary laws to carry into full force and effect the Constitution.

Every county in the State should for once elect its very best talent to the next Legislature. No common and inexperienced person ought to want to be placed in a position which not only embarrasses him, but wounds the just pride, and bows the head of an intelligent and proud constituency in shame. We hope for the honor of our young State, to see elected a Legislature next August that will, in the fullest and broadest sense, be competent for the faithful and willing discharge of the high and responsible duties which the Constitution requires for its own safety.