DES MOINES, March 4, 1862.
The weather is so stormy that it is impossible to tell at what time my letters will reach their destination. Probably, however, our persevering stage company will make a way through these deep snow drifts in the course of a week.
The Senate has acted upon the bill of Senator Hatch, providing for the permanent location of the Deaf and Dumb Assylum at this city. Without altering the essential features of the bill, it was ordered engrossed for a third reading by a fair majority. The Senate very wisely concluded to ignore all competition between the citizens of different places, and to consult alone the interest of the State, in the location of the institution. Such will doubtless be the action of the House, notwithstanding the opposition of some interested parties. The Senate also passed yesterday, by a vote of 26 to 13, Senator Teter’s liquor law bill. It is intended to make the prohibitory law more efficient. It provides that search warrants shall be issued, on the written information on oath of one credible person instead of three, as at present. It also gives to the County Courts of the State the same jurisdiction in all cases, under the present act and other acts now in force, in reference to the keeping and sale of such intoxicating liquors as Justices of the Peace now have. The restrictions placed upon those who have permission to sell for chemical and medical purposes are more rigid, and such that the community cannot easily be imposed upon the improper sale of liquors under cover of complying with the law. The bill met with a determined opposition from a few members. The discussion continued most of the day, and was perhaps the most animated of any that has yet arisen in that dignified body.
To-day another liquor bill has been discussed in the Senate, and ordered engrossed. It is a prohibitory law, like the bill of Senator Teter; it is more specific in some respects.
The House had under consideration certain bills for the relief of the sureties of James D. Eads and Mr. Frederick. Nearly all these sureties claim to be insolvent, and ask to be released on condition of their paying their pro rata of their bonds. The State will lose heavily on its school fund through the failure and dishonesty of certain parties who have managed it. Some have failed to meet their obligations through no fault of their own, while others have placed their property where it cannot be reached. The House seems disposed to examine this matter fully before granting release to any parties from their just obligations. Probably in some of these cases it will be a gainer by compromising with the parties. In such cases, when it can be done without making it a precedent by which the integrity of the State in the future will be prejudiced, the Legislature will adopt the policy of a private individual – accept what it can get, and release the parties. It will not, however, be done without an investigation so full and satisfactory that all parties are convinced that the State could gain nothing by instituting legal proceedings.
Yesterday the Income Tax bill was under consideration all day. It was finally ordered engrossed for a third reading. It was agreed upon by the joint committee of ways and means of the two Houses. As amended by the Houses it provides that all incomes and salaries exceeding $500, the sources of which are not taxed, shall be liable to taxation. – Those exceeding this amount and under $1,000 shall be taxed 5 per cent. on their excess above $500, and those exceeding $1,000 shall be liable to an additional tax of one per cent. on every $100 excess above $1,000.
Mr. Young and others urged their objections to the bill with much force, arguing that it was unjust in its provisions. But the bill will pass, as it reaches a class of person who now pays no taxes, but who ought to pay their full share. This consideration will insure its passage notwithstanding the injustice it may work upon some parties.
Today Mr. Stanton’s railroad bill, as amended by the committee, has been under consideration. It is an important bill, defining the duties of railroad companies very explicitly. It was finally ordered engrossed for a third reading, with one important amendment, striking out the provision obliging the companies to fence their roads, and inserting a section providing that they shall pay for all damages done to live stock through neglect to fence. I append a sketch of the Scout county delegation in the house.
J. T. Lane was born on the Blue Juniata, Penn.; graduated at Lewisburg University at the age of 21, read law with the Hon. Sam’l A. Purviance, and came to Davenport in 1854 to practice his profession. He is but 31 years old, already holds the office of City Attorney in the flourishing city of Davenport, and has been elected by his fellow citizens to represent them in the popular branch of the legislature. He is one of the strongest men of the House, and holder the honorable position of chairman of the committee on military affairs, which position he fills with marked ability. As a legislator, he is earnest, watchful and efficient, looking well to the true interests of the State. In person he is tall with a fine form, prominent features, a good eye, and agreeable manners. When fully roused his eye lights up beautifully, and the real vigor of his mind manifests itself in an unmistakeable manner.
Dr. J. R. Porter is a native of Ohio. He is a graduate of Starling Medical College, and came to this State when quite young. At first he settled in Jackson county, but since 1853 he has practiced is profession in Blue Grass, in Scott county, from which place he was sent to the present legislature. He is not a speaking member, but is always attentive to the business before the House. He is a very agreeable bachelor, as he has a right to be, of medium hight, possessing a good head, dark hair and eyes, and a gentlemanly demeanor.
J. H. White is a Massachusetts man. He is 33 years old, and has lived in the State about eight years. He attended medical lectures in Michigan University – one of the first institutions of the country – and has since 1853 followed the occupation of druggist in Le Claire, Scott county. The citizens of that place, judging from his New England habits and manners that he would prove faithful to their interest in the General Assembly, sent him to the House as a Representative of their part of the county. He is one of the quiet members; has little to say, but is ready at all times to do the one important thing – vote. He is of medium hight, rather slender, with dark hair and a mild eye, and is modest and unassuming in his manners.
J. R. C.
– Published in The Davenport Daily Gazette, Davenport, Iowa, Saturday Morning, March 8, 1862, p. 1
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