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VIII

in many important particulars. My predecessors in office here at different periods invited to this subject, the attention of the Legislative departments, as being worthy of their especial consideration. There may be some sufficiently skilled in the exposition of statute laws, to overcome the defects of several amendatory acts which exist upon this subject. I feel confident nevertheless, that to most of our fellow citizens, many of the provisions which have been engrafted upon the Act of eighteen hundred and twenty one, relating to the organization and discipline of the Militia, appear extremely intricate, if they do not deform the original which they were designed to improve. Permit me therefore to suggest for your consideration the expediency of so modifying our militia laws, as not only to remedy any existing defects in their provisions, but also to reduce them to a more intelligible form. In this connection I cannot forbear to remark, that the utility of legislation, under our popular form of government, depends in a great degree on its adaptation to the understandings of those, who are to be affected by it. It is not sufficient for the people to be assured, that they have laws framed with the design to secure the greatest happiness of the greatest number; they require also, that they be so framed as that all, who are bound to obey, may readily understand them. In proportion as our laws are simplified, will the administration of government in each of its departments, be brought within the capacity of a greater number of our citizens. To none ought such a result to be a matter of uneasiness or regret. It is in accordance with an important principle of our republican