DES MOINES, February 13, 1862.
MR. EDITOR: – I see your correspondent ‘Union’ is calling upon the Legislators in poetic strains, for a stringent bachelor law, if I may be allowed the expression for a heavy tax upon bachelors. What an idea! Would she compel them to marry? (I say she because no single man would write thus, and the married men have too many trials and afflictions not to envy those who are free.) Let me ask her to advocate another bill introduced some time since. It is stiled [sic] an act to protect young men’s rights. That sounds like it. Woman’s rights have long been talked of and now it is a pleasing sight to see a Representative rise in his seat and speak for the young men. He would except a certain amount of their property from execution. How does this measure strike our friend ‘Union?’
Since last I wrote you the Legislature has transacted some business of great importance. First and most prominent is the passage of the Jury Bill, as it is styled. This bill originated in the Senate, and has passed both Houses; but not without strong opposition. The bill provides that the per diem of the Juror shall hereafter be but $1.50 instead of $2.00, as at present. It further provides that the losing party on each jury trial shall be charged a jury fee of $6.00. At present the whole expense of the juries in the District Court is paid by the county. This expense in some counties amounts to thousands of dollars, and is paid from the money raised by a direct tax upon the people. Any sound measure which looks to a reduction of this tax should and will meet with general favor. The author of this bill estimates that by its provisions there will be saved to the State annually, through its county taxes, at least $80,000. Such a retrenchment at a time like this is of vast importance, and I venture the assertion that no law enacted by this Assembly will meet with a more hearty approval from the people. What could be more just than this bill? Especially the last mentioned provision. Who should pay the cost of litigation, if not the men who engage in it? Shall the thriving farmer who avoids all complications, all legal snares, and who as a consequence seldom sees the inside of the Court room, and then only as he is called there to help settle other men’s difficulties – shall he be compelled to pay the expenses of this constant litigation? So thought not the author of this bill, himself a farmer, if I mistake not.
And now, since full justice should be meted out when it is deserved, it is but just that I make a passing notice of the father of this bill. And I do it with greater pleasure because you are so familiar with his name, and will be glad to hear that he is reflecting credit upon the county he in part represents.
Mr. Gue, one of the Senators from Scott, is the author of this measure, and he deserves great credit, both for the perfection of the bill itself, and for his untiring efforts in sustaining it and bringing it safely through to its final passage against a very bitter opposition. Few men better understand the business of legislation than he; none are more faithful and earnest. A Young and unassuming man, he watches attentively the business of the Legislature, and the interests of his constituents and of the State will never suffer through his neglect. A member of the House during the last regular session, he won for himself an enviable reputation as one of the leading members of that body. His speech, delivered at the extra session, of May last, was regarded by many the most telling one of the session. With this reputation, he has been sent by his constituents to represent them in the Upper House. In that body he occupies an honorable position. While other members do an abundance of speaking in favor of their cause, he is shrewd enough to perceive that more good can be done outside of the hall than in it. I notice that in his advocacy of this bill he has omitted no good opportunity to present its prominent features favorable to the notice of the members of the assembly and of the people. He understands all those little appliances, which, brought to bear in the right place, time and manner, often determine the fate of a bill. This characteristic will give a man greater influence and accomplish more than logic and rhetoric combined. With this shrewdness, and with a goodly supply of the last named accomplishments, your young Senator is eminently fitted for a legislator, and will ever take a high rank in that capacity.
Another measure which will be hailed by the people is the passage of the Bank Note bill. Its opponents in the Senate fought it to the very last, and will a determination which at times made its friends doubt their ability to carry it through. It passed the Senate this morning by a larger vote than was expected. It is amended somewhat, but not to such a way as will induce the House to refuse a concurrence. The notes of our State Bank will be received for taxes. All the tax-payers may rejoice at this, especially those who live so far from the banks that their gold would cost them a premium as great as the taxes themselves.
This is only a temporary measure, something to meet the present necessities of the people. There will be much legislation of this character during the present session. There seems to be a current desire among the members from all sections to make the necessary burdens of the people in this crisis as light as a prudent regard for the interests and financial reputation of the State will admit.
It is with pleasure that I notice your member, Mr. Lane, in his seat once more. He looks hale and hearty, as the ride over the prairies and a brief visit to his home invigorated him.
The township collector bill was discussed all this afternoon, in the House, but it is hard telling what will be done with it. It meets with a determined opposition. Messrs. Lane, Lake and others strongly urged its passage, but for the present it has gone to the committee of ways and means.
We are greatly cheered by the war news. But one item has saddened us somewhat. It is the reported disgrace of the Iowa regiment. A resolution was introduced to-day calling on the Governor to demand an investigation. I hope justice will be done the brave boys without this action.
J. R. C.
– Published in The Davenport Daily Gazette, Davenport, Iowa, Tuesday Morning, February 18, 1862, p. 1
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