HISTORICAL ENCYCLOPEDIA OF ILLINOIS.
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Characterized by a vast amount of legislation, not all of which was well considered. By joint resolution of both houses the endorsement of the Wilmot proviso at the previous session was rescinded. The first homestead exemption act was passed, and a stringent liquor law adopted, the sale of liquor in quantities less than one quart being prohibited. Township organization was authorized and what was virtually free-banking was sanctioned. The latter law was ratified by popular vote in November, 1851. An act incorporating the Illinois Central Railroad w-as also passed at this session, the measure being drafted by James L. D. Morrison. A special session of this Assembly was held in 1852 under a call by the Governor, lasting from June 7 to the 23d- seventeen days. The most important general legislation of the special session was the reapportionment of the State into nine Congressional Districts. This Legislature was in session a total of sixty days.
EIGHTEENTH GENERAL ASSEMBLY. The first (or regular) session convened Jan. 3, 1853, and adjourned Feb. 14. The Senate was composed of twenty Democrats and five Whigs; the House; of fifty-nine Democrats, sixteen Whigs and one "Free-Soiler." Lieutenant-Governor Koerner presided in the upper, and ex-Gov. John Reynolds in the lower house. Governor Matteson was inaugurated on the 16th; Stephen A. Douglas was re-elected United States Senator, Jan. 5, the Whigs casting a complimentary vote for Joseph Gillespie. More than 450 laws were enacted, the majority being "private acts." The prohibitory temperance legislation of the preceding General Assembly was repealed and the license system re enacted. This body also passed the famous "black laws" designed to prevent the immigration of free negroes into the State. The sum of $18,000 was appropriated for the erection and furnishing of an executive mansion; the State Agricultural Society was incorporated; the remainder of the State lands was ordered sold, and any surplus funds in the treasury appropriated toward reducing the State debt. A special session was convened on Feb. 9, 1854, and adjourned March 4. The most important measures adopted were: a legislative re-apportionment, an act providing for the election of a Superintendent of Pub
