The spirit of democracy. [volume] (Woodsfield, Ohio) 1844-1994, 1856-04-02
Columbus CORRESPONDENCE,
CoEuMBus. March %, 1856

CoEuMDUs, March %, 1856.
Editor Spirit Of Dsnsocracy:
THE following letter was s days in
reaching us, which accounts for the delay
IN publishing it. We would be pleased
to hear from our friend agsin.-Edl
Mr.. EDIroR:-Things in aud around
the Capital City move along about as
usual. The waters run as in other days,
the Sun rises and sets as in times gone by,
and the Moon sheds her pale and silver
light upon the towering dones and gilt
tering spires as in former years: in fact
no pereeptable change is boheld in things
that are seen, Notwithstanding the Legis-
lature has been in session since the It'll
of January-that augustbody, composed
mostly of those men who made such strong
protestations and promises, under ciTcum-
stances of the most solemn character, and
in dens and caves Of the earth, that they
would effect such wonderful revolutions,
and work such mighty changes. All Of
this, indeed, SO far as law-making is con
cerned, may yet come to pass, but wheth-
er for the better or worse is yet to lie
learned.
The odious tax bill has just passed
With a large majority. The bill originated
in the Senate, and it may be said that it
was conceived and brought forth by Alfred
Kelley. After il came TO the House, some
Important and wholesome amendments
were appended; and if it had passed With
these amendments, it would have been less
Objectionable, although in my opinion, it
would still have been, as it now is, uDcon-
stitutional. When the Senate learned the
amendments made by the House to the
bin, it's progeuitors became exceeding
angry. 4 caucus was held in the evening
in secret ~conclavc, when no doubt King
Alfred expressed bis dissatisfaction, gave
his Instructions and issued his mandates,
consequently on tic following day, a mo-
ton was made to take up the bill and refer
it to a select committee Of FIVE, which was
quickly done. In due time it was reported
back, stripped Of the amendments made
by the House, and presented to thatbody
arrayed in all It's primitive glory, and
strange as it may appear, the report of the
select committee was agreed TO, aud thus
the bill passed in its original impurity.
This law, in lis practical operation, will
drive from the tax duplicate, about one
eighth of the taxable property Of the
State: to this extent, relieving Bankers,
Stockholders and Spectators, and throw
ing the burden OF taxation upon the farmer.
To make this hill look plausible, it allows
( the deduction.of indebtedness from credits;
but its injustice is in the fact that it ex-
enpts millions of dollars held by the priv
legged order. It is a law most truly for
the rich man.
The Kansas resolutions were finally
passed a few days since. Mr.. Cory NOV
ed an amendment requesting our repre-
seatatives in Congress to vote for the i'm
mediate restoration of the Missouri Com
promise, which caused some squirming
among the republicans; but they refused
to vote for the measure!
A resolution also passed, requesting the
State House Commissioners to discharge
the hands at work on the State House,
and also to enter into no more contracts
for said building until ordered by the
Legislature.
1t is a maxim that charity should begin
at home, and as there is to be an adjourn
ed session, which with the present one,
will cost the people of the State about
$4,000 it would be preposterous in
deed to suppose that this valuable body
would not make ample provisions for itself,
especially as this may be the last chance
they may have for some time to come.
Hence their sagacity and foresight in their
action in reference to the State House.
The important bills for the protection
of q%uails, jay-birIs, wood-peckers, peewees,
rabbits, hares and fish, are still engaging
the attention of the House, and think
they will be passed before adjournment,
which will occur, according to joint reso-
luton, on the 9th of April.
Tt is evident to every casual observer
that members are fast sinking under the
%onerous duties of the present session;
!, hence the necessity of adjournment, that
they may have q respite until next Janu-
airy, and nave the whole of 1851 to finish
their business. Ii. I'll.
: WHISKEY RIOT.
Some fifteen, or twenty ladies of Sharon
; o few days ago, made sad hovoc in the
prospects of an old soldier in the cause