The spirit of democracy. [volume] (Woodsfield, Ohio) 1844-1994, 1853-02-09
Columbus Correspondent

Supreme Court ConstitutionaIity of tie
Tdr on Banks--Legislature-T Trip to
Zanespiile-New Code-Publicalion of
La,cs-School La,c--Blind and Deaf
and Dumb Asylums-Penitentiary-
Wing State Convention Candidates.
Cabinet OGcers--Erpenditures, &c.
COLUMBUS, Feb. a, 1853.
DEAR SIR:-There are several cases
now pending in the Supreme Court, where.
in the constitutionalty OF the tax law Of
last winter, SO far as it is applicable to
banks, is raised. The argument Of the
questions involved was commenced on
yesterday. Mr.. PuGH, the Attorney Gen.
eral, made the opening argument, and was
followed. for the banks, by Judge JAMES,
Of Cincinnati, who gave way for an ad-
journment until Monday morning, when
the discussion will be renewed by HENRY
STANBERY, Esq, Of this city. and V. WoR.
THINGToN, Esq. Of Cincinnati. for the
banks. and by Mr.. PuGH, (who will close
the argument in reply. have no doubt
but the court will hold that the law is valid
in all its parts.
Both branches Of the Legislature have
accepted an invitation to visit GAINESVILLE.
They left on special train this morning,
at half after seven o'clock, Tor that city,
and will return this evening. They gen.
orally have a rare time upon such occa.
sions. and the present will scarcely be an
exception. The expense TO the State is
trifing-only about six hundre dollars
perhaps little more.
The bill establishing a Civil Code has
passed the Senate, and it will pass the
House without material amendment, so
that it will pass into law nearly as re.
ported by the Commissioners. There is
much difference Of opinion as to the utility
Of the change. I have no doubt but it
will, next Session, be amended in many
respects; but whether it can ever be chang
ed so as to be, as whole, an improve.
ment upon the present system, is, to me,
a question Of much doubt.
The subject Of the publication Of the
laws in newspapers has been under con.
sideration. There seems to be disposi.
lion, on the part of some members, to re.
peal the law, but they will scarcely sue.
ceed in this. 1t is but proper that all laws,
Of general interest, should be published,
and that fair compensation should be
paid therefor. An act, for instance, like
The contemplated school law, which should
be read by all persons, could not be circu.
lated in better way than through the col.
umns of newspaper. Speaking of the
school law-it has not yet passed the
House, but it doubtless will before long.
I'have glanced at the reports from the
Blind and Deaf and Dumb Asylums. This
is the sixteenth annual report made by the
officers of the Institution for the Education
Of the Blind. Atpresent there are SO males
and 80 females in the Institution. RUFUS
g. HARrE, M. A.. is Superintendent. Miss
ANN M. BURGUNDrHAL. of Monroe county,
ormerly a pupil. is now employed as one
,f the teachers Of Music. Collins STONE.
N. A.. is Superintendent Of the Institution
or the Education Of the Deaf and Dumb
This years report is the twenty sixth.
There are at present IS male and "a fe.
male pupils in the Institution. 1t is my
intention TO bestow some time upon the
affairs OF the several Institutions, and give
you more extended notices, as soon as
yet time.
You have, doubt not, visited the Peni.
entiary while in this city; though not
,flen, ! will venture, for man of feeling
loes not take delight in witnessing such
scenes. At a distance the building has a
gloomy, forbidding appearance, and even
On nearer view this is not removed; but
he grounds in front Of the prison have
'een cultivated and planted with ever.
green's. and vines have been trained there.
10 that in Summer the odor Of flowers and
he sight of green leaves must do much to
,nliven the sadness Of prison solitude.
These cultivated grounds are in front OF
he prison, and can be viewed by each
prisoner from his cell.
have observed that the sight Of flowers
md green leaves and fields naturally leads
,ur minds back to our earlier days, when
more Of our time was passed with those
beautiful works OF the Creator. So it is
doubtless. with these poor convicts. They,
90, can remember earlier and happier
lays; and having SO few things to delight
hem. they must enjoy flowers and green
caves and vines much more than we who |
ave liberty, and while they gaze upon
hem better feeling takes possession Of
heir thoughts and desires.
Tell me not that there is no good and |
lealthful influence in forests and fields and |
lowers and vines. Generally il is only |
lher men cease to love those glorious and |
beautiful works Of God, and dwell con-
tantly among bricks and mortar--in dusty
ireets and more disagreeable alleys--that
hey are led estray and given to peculation |
ind vice and crime. A glance at any Of
'ur Penitentiary reports must lead to this
conclusion. BY the late report Of the
Trustees and Warden II appears that there
we're, on the 30th Of November last. in our
State Prison. 508 conyicts. or these 1876
L. - r. \