Des Moines courier. ([Ottumwa] Iowa) 1848-1854, 1853-01-27
The LEGISLATURE

The Legislature
Adjourned on last Monday, and dur
ing the sitting, passed some important
measures; though, as has been the case
heretofore, the most of the session was
spent IN making speeches for Buncombe,
and portioning out the Peoples money,
and distributing the offices in their gift,
and those under Presidential patronage,
among the favored few. Among the
most important measures passed are,
first, the act for the more vigorous pros
ecu,ion of the Des Moines River I'm.
proyemen:. This act is substantially
the same as published in our paper-as
amended only that a supplementary
act was passed, appointing Commission
ers to assist in contracting, but not to re-
ceive any salary except when on duty.
II also provides that should no contract be
made previous to the first of September,
the officers shall all be discharged ex-
cept the Register.
A law providing for the election of
Commissioner and Regis,er-by the peo-
ple--was also passed; and as that cleo
ton is to be held on the first Monday in
April. it is high time some understand.
ing was had in relation as to how candi.
dates shall be brought out, and whether
the improvement shall be inundated on
the altar o. party as heretofore. We
for one will vote for men to fill those sta.
tons with entire reference 10 their capa-
bility and location--wiihout consulting
party interests, provided our Democrat.
ic brethren can divest themselves of par.
ty prejudice for the once, and do like
wise. If they should pursue an oppo-
site course, we feel bound TO support our
own party. We are satisfied that nine
tenths of the people interested in the
work would prefer to vote for men with
out reference TO their political opinions,
because they believe that Board thus
elected would fear party dictation less.
and the will of the people more. Can
not meeting of the friends Of the work
be gotten up to take this matter into con-
sideration?
The bill permitting the people TO vote
for Convention to amend the Consti.
tuition. passed both Houses. but received
its quie:us by an Executive VETO! A
new bill. however. arranging the prelim.
inaries for the calling of Convention.
electing delegates, &C., was passed by
both branches. previous to adjournment
which bill. il is whispered, will be
smothered to death by lying in the Gov
'sernor's breeches pocket! VIVA. great
love Of the ..dear people" this demo-
cratic Governor displays!
The Revenue Law was also amended
= 10 a. 70 elect Township Assessors. We
believe this system will work much bet
ter than the old system. if the people
will only select men with reference to
capabiliiy. The Township Assessors
and the County Judge form Board OF
Equalization, which meets after the as
sessment shall have been made; thus in.
suripg a more equal and just taxation.
The Road Law has been remodelled.
Township. or district, Supervisors will
( Be elected hereafter. This in our es,i.
nation. 10 much better plan than the
late one Of county Supervisor.
The Attachment Law was SO amend
cd that writ may be issued for less
sum than Ave dollars.
The Usury Law was passed. and sc
Tar as we can learn, is much the same as
the one repealed at the previous session
Many contend that Usury Law is mo-
needed; that money, if the supply is lef
70 regulate the value, will flow into oul
State. and reduce interest instead of in
creasing IL; that if man has money b.
has right to barter il off for as much al
be can obtain, the same as his horse
farm. Or any other properly. So Gar a
the operation Of this system has worke,
among ~ il has been ruinous one.-
We are ready TO admit tina. the principle
thus, coptended for 10 right. in the alb