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270 incentive to upright conduct. There can be no compensation so acceptable to a public officer, as the general expression of approbation from an intelligent people. Whoever may be thus rewarded, will realize an ample remuneration for the most laborious services, and must thereby be stimulated to still greater exertions for the public welfare. Under our form of government, the interest of the officer is the interest of the people for whom he acts. Though invested with the highest power recognized by the constitution, the consequences of the laws he sanctions, are alike to him and the humblest individual who feels their operation. They are the refuge to which both resort for the protection of their dearest rights, and under which both feel an equal assurance, that the blessings they enjoy will hereafter become the inheritance of their children. We, therefore, in acting for our constituents, act for ourselves and those most dear to us; those who may be considered as pledges to society that we will perform our duty. And it is our duty by precept, by example and as far as practicable by legislation to restrain vice, promote temperance, industry, morality and all the virtues essential to the permanent prosperity of the people. The members of the two branches of the Legislature, coming from all parts of the State, must be particularly acquainted with the circumstances of their constituents as well as the operation of the laws, and the manner in which they have been executed in the several counties. Most of our Statute Law was framed during our connexion with the parent State, and has been re-enacted here after a careful