The Portsmouth inquirer. [volume] (Portsmouth, O. [Ohio]) 1849-1855, 1851-02-10
COLUMBUS, Feb. l. 1851


COLUMBUS, Feb. /, 1851.
They are putting down new carpets to-day
In the Senate chamber, and otherwise renova-
ting said apartment; consequently, the Hon.
orables ofthe upper. branch have play spell.
In the House, the day has been consumed in
considering the claim of McCune. From
full history Of that claim, which obtained
to-day from one fully conversant with it,
but in no wise interested, think it is foun-
ded in justice. The fact is, that so many
unjust claims are preferred in this body,
prejudice exists against them from the first,
and just one, in addition to all other OBJ
stacles, has to encounter this prejudice.
l find many changes, have taken place,
within few years, in the manner of doing
things in the Legislature. Formerly, mem
bers waited upon themselves, handed up
bill, resolution, or amendment to the clerks
desk now it is done by messenger-boys OR
pages, of which there are dozen or more all
over the hall who, in many respects, are a
perfect nuisance, though in others, Of some
use. Instead Of each member folding up his
own documents and sealing them, they are
now all neatly enveloped by the boys and
placed on his desk. This is a decided i'm
provement. Another very decided improve.
ment is that of lighting up the halls with
gas, instead Of candles. 1t quickly done
and fine, full light is thrown over every
part Of the room so that one can see 10 read
or write at any place or in any POSITION
Formerly, twas the custom for the Speaker,
when member rose 10 call him by name;
now, tits the gentleman from Hamilton, Sci
oto, or whatever place he halls from. AS fal
asetiquette is concerned this may be an i'm
provement, but as far as the sovereign peopl5
who COME here to get acquainted with theil
servants, are concerned, it is like doctors
latin names for diseases and remedies, meth
cd Of keeping common folks in the dark
When officers are to be elected, it was for
merly the practice for the Senate to CONF
down and take seats on one side of the rep
resentative hall, and have known Honora
BILE Senators to bring their chairs along will
them. Now, both branches mix, not indis
criminately, but according to politics, til,
wings being on one side and the democrats
on the other-the free -soilers betwixt and be
tween. In these bargaining times this is no
bad amendment.
The new State House is getting SO far "
as togive some idea of what it is to be whel
finished. A considerable number Of convict
are at work in the yard in dressing and pre-
pairing stone, to be laid next season. Thi
will be a very costly building, Thoughts grea
ornament to the city, and credit 10 tn
State.
The effects Of the cholera here last summe
are perceptible TO me in the loss which ex
perience of several friends and acquaintan
ces, such as Joseph Ridgway, Jr., and m
old Landlady, Mrs. Russell.
It must be confessed that Columbus is e
ing ahend, in the wayo growth, with raj
road speed. a very great amount Of retO
business is done in this place TO suppl
the rich agricultural district in all direction
Such district is Of itself sufficient 10 bui
upa fine town. But manufactures are all
fourisbing, There are few finer stores
larger stocks OF rich and varied wares in Gil
cinnati han are to be found in this place.
The Judiciary committee are ready to re
port back the railroad bill, and as l unde
stand, favorable TO the views of the Irc
company, This is, however, no certain i
dication oI the final result. But should tn
company succeed indeieating our claim
the Jackson county subscription, we oug
10 cut loose from them at once, build o.
track 5 ft4 and thus forever preclude
junction. They are certainly acting in Il
flce and eyes Of their own interest by
course they are pursuing. Yours, G.