BREVIER LEGISLATIVE REPORTS.
In this submission of the Brevier Reports we have not been mistaken as to the common and growing public demand for just and intelligent public records. We have tried to meet that demand, and to provoke parties abler than we are to supply it as it ought to be supplied. And we still suppose that the representatives of the people know what they want in this matter know whether it is better to do everything here at the Capitol by memory and word of mouth than to stand upon a fair and open record for history.
We have proceeded strictly upon the presumption that the peopled representatives know what is due to the country and to themselves in this matter of a record of their legislative action. And if there is any consideration against the continuance of the Brevier except that of its cost, the same conceit is as much against the lobbies and open doors for the sessions of the General Assembly; and it is at least one hundred years too late for secret sessions.
The work can not be done by jobbers for the money that has been paid for it; and as to the standing contract price of the work, it carries that on every page: for " two thirds of a cent a page per copy" it is furnished to the proper accounting officers of the State in printed sheets, procured in every item of its cost at our own expense.
The Brevier Legislative Reports have been acceptable to the Legislature and the people for twenty-five years. The work has stood sternly on its merits with each particular session since '57 and it is offered again with the ability and desire on the part of these reporters to make such an abridgment of the State Legislative Record in the best form and at the cheapest rate.
Considering the difficulties and opposition incident to such a work; the contingencies of failing health and failing purse, and failing at length to make an acceptable offering of the work, there is nothing in the offering of it on our part but hard work, and the good name of unswerving workers, much very delicate personal responsibility, and some pecuniary hazard-(large for our means-) and, last and at the best, but small pay.
As seventeen consecutive sessions of the General Assembly have authorized the publication of the Brevier Reports, it is regarded respectful and a duty to continue a proffer of the service that has been acceptable to every Legislature for so many years.
None in the State are so competent to make a Legislative Record as the projectors of the Brevier Reports because the lives of no other Indianians have been passed in such like Service.
W. H. DRAPIER, Stenographer Indianapolis, Indiana
