The spirit of democracy. [volume] (Woodsfield, Ohio) 1844-1994, 1854-03-29

A large majority Of the bills still pend
ing are almost ready for final action, and
the committees are working with an ener-
here until May.
In Senate, on Tuesday. March 21, the
temperance bill Of Mr.. Foot was up, and
was discussed at much length Pending
a motion to strike out all after the enact
ing clause. it was laid on the table.
Mr.. Townshend endeavored to get
resolution passed to admit a colored indi-
vidual on the floor to present petition
and to make a speech in favor OF negro
rights. The President Of the Senate de-
cided the motion out of order, without a
suspension OF the rules. Mr.. T. took an
appeal from the decision of the Chair. but
after discussion, finally admitted the de,
cision to be right, withdrew the appeal,
and so the matter dropped.
In the House, bill was introduced by
Mr. Parrott to regulate railroads, requiring,
under suitable penalties in case of VIOLA
ton, that tracks shall be fenced, crossings
and switches properly regulated, &C., &C.;
making companies both criminally and
pecuniarily responsible for loss Of life, as
we'll as fully responsible for negligence Of
employees. The bill also provides that
the annual reports of Directors shall be
made under oath.
Our railroads call loudly for Legislative
interference, and Mr.. PARROTS bill seems
well calculated to accomplish the desirable
end of protecting the citizens from sys-
tenn of corporate monopolies, whose tyran-
mic encroachments, If permitted to go un-
checked, would ere long become unendu-
rable.
Mr.. Egly introduced bill giving JUS
tees of the Peace cognizance in civil cases
involving an amount not exceeding $500.
Several bills OF a general character pass.
ed the House yesterday.
Mr.. Brown introduced resolutions ap-
proving the prompt..ac of the President
in the affair Of the Black Warrior.
In Senate, on Wednesday, March 22,
Mr.. Folle,t, from the Committee on Mu-
nicipal Corporations, reported back the
bill supplementary to the act to provide
for the creation and regulation Of incor-
porated companies. Ordered To- third
reading tomorrow.
IIoUsE.-IIouse bill No. "a, to regulate
the sale of nostrums, was passed-yeas sc.
nays 10.
Mr.. Ross offered resolution for the
appointment of committee to investigate
the flogging and cruel treatment OF con-
vict in the penitentiary. n
Mr. Ross said he had this morning been
informed by an officer Of the Prison. that
convict had been incarcerated in dun.
geon and fed upon bread and water for
twenty three days-ffteen days OF the time
with the light of heaven excluded from his
cell. and during that time had received
frequent and severe foggings with "cat. ;"
an instrument of torture used in the pris-
on. The object of this barbarous and in
confession Of having stolen sum Of mon
ey that appeared TO be missing at the pris-.
on. This convict, "a colored waiter) had
been denied clothing to lie on during the
most inclement weather, and his sufferings
from this cause alone had been most in
tense. Mr.. Dimmock, the Warden. had
ordered that clothing be supplied him, bu,
the orders had been countermanded by
Watson, the Deputy Keeper. Mr.. R. had
visited the prison with the other gentlemen
OF the committee under the resolution OF
yesterday, and had there learned tale
at which humanity would shudder. He
dwelt upon these circumstances with much
warmth, and his statement excited mani
fest indignation in all parts of the Hall.
He said he would hold himself fully re.
sponsible for the truth Of all he had utter.
ed. The truth had not been half told. re-
garding the infamous conduct Of officers
Of the Prison. During the discussion of
yesterday, it had been stated that the Of
ficers of the Prison courted investigation;
yet man had been sent to his Mr.. R.'s)
room to endeavor 10 dissuade him from
offering that identical resolution. He had
also been threatened with assassin alton
If he persevered. When the committee
visited the Prison to investigate the case
of the woman, they learned that her cell
had been entered between six and seven
o'clock in the morning, when she was in
formed that resolution would be offered
that day in the House. No doubt she was
also instructed as TO the story she was to
give, but he could not speak positively on
that point.
i uo tCSOluuOu WoS tICu oOOPtCu
imously, and Messrs. Ross. Dean, Pruden,
Taylor and Goudy appointed committee
Of investigation.
In Senate, on Thursday, March 90. Mrs
Severance read to the Senate memorial
on women's rights, which was ordered to
be printed.
The temperance bill was discussed al
length and laid on the table.
The bill to prohibit the circulation oi
foreign bank notes Of less denomination
than ten dollars, was passed.
Mr.. Sinclair introduced bill relative to
Probate Judges.
In the House, long discussion was had
on the bill to reduce the salaries ofthe State
officers, Judges. &c. The question being
on ordering the bill to be engrossed, was
lost--yeas 81, nays 80.
In SENATE, on Friday. March "a, the
Militia Bill Of Mr.. Anderson was up, and
after being amended by striking out sec.
tions Is and l6. was ordered to be en-.
crossed for third reading on Monday
next. ~ gas 81
The Penitentiary Bill was also up, and
/ . y