DES MOINES, Feb. 25, 1862.
You will not think it strange, Mr. Editor, that our citizens are very proud of the achievements of the Iowa Second. Your city having two companies in that regiment, will feel even a greater pride than we, (if that were possible). We feel now that the regiment has vindicated its bravery, and have so fully that it is place beyond the reach of the vindictiveness of petty officials; that all orders designed to disgrace it will, like that issued by one Hamilton, in St. Louis, disgrace only the man who issues them. The name our boys won at Donelson, by hard fighting and unflinching courage, will forever place them above the reach of petty malice and official jealousy. Their fame is national, and wherever the victory at Donelson is proclaimed; there will be applauded the heroic daring of the sons of Iowa!
In the House yesterday, the special committee to whom was referred the Senate bill in reference to Eads and his sureties, presented a majority and minority report. The bill relates to transactions in Lee county, and the Senate and the majority of the House committee are satisfied that the State will gain by not being too exacting of men who are overtaken by misfortune. It appears that nearly all the parties are insolvent, but some are willing to mortgage their homesteads for a certain amount, provided they can thus be released from their obligations. The majority of the committee recommend that the State make as favorable an arrangement as possible with these parties, rather than hold them to their obligation and attempt to collect of men who have no more property than the law exempts from execution. The minority of the committee recommends that the State try the efficacy of the law first, and compel these parties to testify as to the disposition made of the property in their hands when they became sureties, and some of which has doubtless been put out of their hands in order to prevent it from being levied upon.
The Senate was engaged most of yesterday and part of to-day on the bill authorizing the Auditing Board to audit and allow certain claims. The bill authorizes them to audit the claims of individual or corporations for furnishing volunteers with arms, clothing etc. not arising under any express law, but rendered necessary from the comfort and convenience of the troops; also the claims of persons who have served upon the border, and of those furnished subsistence, etc. to volunteers thus serving; also the claims of officers who have become personally responsible for clothing etc. for their men; also such claims as come under the provisions of the law enacted at the extra session, but were not presented with the prescribed time. The committee of the whole just finished the bill, and after striking out all but the provision recommends its passage.
The bill introduced by Mr. Hatch providing for the removal of the Deaf and Dumb Asylum to this city was under consideration a while and finally recommitted.
The House has to-day been in committee of the whole on the dog bill. It is to be the special order again to-morrow and will receive due notice in my next.
The Railroad and Land Grant Committees are in daily session in the afternoon.
I append a sketch of such Editors as have found their way into the Hall of Representatives.
Mr. Stanton, of the Washington Press is the only professional printer in the House. – He is a young man of good ability, has lived in the State from his youth up, and is well posted on matters pertaining to the interests of Iowa. He is a faithful member, and his action is dictated by principle rather than policy. A member of the railroad committee he has drawn up an important bill, defining the duties of railroads, which is now printed and awaiting the action of the House. He is not a ready speaker, and wisely abstains from occupying the floor; but he is an earnest worker, a good writer, and is right on the record. The republican doctrine, undiluted and without curtailment, is his rule of political faith. By it he lives, votes, and swears. He is quite young yet (the ladies will also be glad to hear that he is single,) and has a long future before him, and in that future we bespeak for him an honorable career, whether on the tripod or in the legislative hall.
When I say Mr. Stanton is the only printer in the house, I mean the only one among the members. Charles Aldrich, Chief Clerk, is also one of the editorial fraternity. Everybody who has known anything about the Legislature for the last few years knows him. – He is known as the editor of the Hamilton Freeman, and is an energetic, prompt, and efficient Legislative officer. He is a favorite with all parties, and gives perfect satisfaction in his present office. No man could dispatch business with more promptness, accuracy and general satisfaction than he.
J. R. C.
– Published in The Davenport Daily Gazette, Davenport, Iowa, Friday Morning, February 28, 1862
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