The Kentucky Gazette

TO THE PUBLIC

In looking over and perusing the return of the committee of last session of Assembly, held for the state of Kentucky, who were appointed to prepare and report the probable annual amount of the revenue and expenditures of this state, I find that the present mode of government and some of the laws made under it, are likely to become very burdensome & oppressive to the citizens and inhabitants who reside in our state. With submission to the public, I shall take the liberty to make some observations and remarks, and state such part of expenditures as I conceive to be, not only burdensome and oppressive, but very unjust and insufferable; and after the candid reader has also perused and reflected on my statement and observations of matters he then will judge for himself "whether I have been busying myself on
matters of importance for trivial and frivolous causes, or not," from the small acquaintance I have acquired of the honorable gentlemen who preside as Judges of the court of Appeals, I flatter myself, they will not scruple to have joined to their court and for them to take cognizance thereof, the business set a part by law for the court of Oyer and Terminer, without augmenting their present salary. that being the case the statement of unjust expenditures per annum, will stand thus,

3 Judges of the court of Oyer at 30 each 900

The Clerk and other officers 600

Electors. (very unnecessary) 66 11 8-2

3 Judges of Quarter Sessions in each county to sit 6 days each court; I will state it at 4 days at 9 dol. each judge per day 3 Commissioners to take lists of property in each county about 30 days each, at 2 dol. per day. 378

22 Assembly men last session, 48 days, at 4 dol, each 316 16 0

£1316 15 8 2

And now to make it appear to the public, that the expenditures are unnecessary and unjust, our Justices under the former government answered to our satisfaction, the purposes of the present Judges of Quarter Sessions and Commissioners, which services they performed with cheerfulness and readiness, and were fully satisfied by having the office of Sheriff given them in rotation; but under the present government, our Sheriffs are to be elected by the people at large in each county, which mode draws on us annually the unjust burthen complained of, and the fees to Justices and Constables on Warrants are now very oppressive to poor people, which I am certain must appear in every neighbourhood throughout the state. The Representatives of our state are double the number we formerly had, which I conceive to be another unnecessary tax. One Senator and two Representatives from each county, as usual, I think is a sufficient representation, and them to be chosen by the people at large in each county, which would be putting us on a much more equitable and just footing, without the expense of paying Electors &c. Now as the Constitution is the basis and ground work whereon to build and compose our laws from, so it is certain that we cannot be redressed and relieved from the above enumerated impositions, unless we can have our Constitution amended, and our government reformed ; to avail ourselves in those special instances, I beg leave as a friend to the community at large, to recommend that they be very circumspect and judicious in their choice of Representatives at the ensuing election, and to instruct their members, when elected, to use their utmost endeavors to bring about a reformation of government. " The Constitution in the twelfth article set forth that all power is inherent in the people, and all free governments are founded on their authority, and instituted for their peace, safety and happiness, for the advancement of those ends, they have at all times an unalienable and indefeasible right to alter, reform or abolish their government, in such manner as they may think proper. Now by the concurrence and agreement of both houses of Assembly, an amendment may be brought about, and until that can be done, we must suffer the impositions." I have not the least doubt but the honorable members of the Senate will, not only consent but exert themselves on such salutary principles and beneficial purposes, as to relieve from such an exorbitant burthen.

I am with sincere Regard, the public's Most obedient servant.

REUBEN SEARCY.

Fayette, March 4, 1793.