Mineral Point tribune. [volume] (Mineral Point, Wis.) 1854-1858, 1857-02-24
MADISON CORRESPONDENCE
MADISON, Feb. y, 1857.

! OF conversation In all refined circles. That L
may not be guilty of breach of decorum, it is
then but proper to say that the roofs of the Cap
| itol and other important buildings are weeping
tears Of JOY 1T the close of another short vista
! ton Of the inveterate North Westers. and by
no people under the sun, is the clear sunshine
and balmy air better appreciated than by the
denizens Of Madison. Let us say what we
| please of the open-hearted straight forward,
| plaIn-spoken citizens OF the mining region, we
still have to acknowledge that there is more
enjoyment out of doors. and more of amusement
within, to be witnessed here than is generally
supposed by those not initiated in the social
organization Of this metropolis. 1t ceases to be
4 source Of wonder that people become so at
/ tached to this lovely spot-Iovely though en-
veioped in robes of ice and snow, when from
/ the upper windows of the State University the
whole surrounding country of wood, lake and
village scenery lies like an open scroll before
( you. The imagination becoming excited, al one
effort strips of the icy mask from the face Of
nature, and then she lies in purity and lowell
ness almost too pure for any gaze except that Of
the pale chaste Moon"
beg the pardon Of all unsentimental people
for this depression from the main subjects ofthis
communication, which are not 50 much treat
ise on the beauties Of nature, as an illustration
+ Of the unseen beauties Of Legislation. l have
time only to refer 10 several of the most prom
inent movements Of the past week, as I find
communication between here and Mineral Point
very uncertain, and must improve the first tran
silent opportunity Of sending you my scraps.
As usual, during the past week, local bust
ness has occupied most of the time of the Legis-
lature. But uuder the efficient action of Mr..
Lowell as Speaker pro t11,a the files have been
nearly cleared. Upwards Of two hundred and
fifty bills have been introduced into the Assem-
bly, alone. and one half as MANY more into the
Senate, and three-fourtLs, if not nne-tenths
come from the Northwestern Counties of the
State. We may hope for less Legislation Of this
kind when that portion of the country shall
have been settled up with permanent settlers.
County seat questions are beginning to agi-
tate and harrass the minds Of several members
some Of which have been before the legislature for
four or five successive terms. Portage Juneau
Calumet and even Iowa County, all present in
ducemcnts for action in the way Of tickle me
Tommy, and III tickle you 2" So far there
has been little expression from the citizens OF
the latter County except on the side of the ag-
itation, who have sent up to the Senate petitions
signed by some 500 citizens in favor OF removal
TO Dodgeville, on submitting of the question to
the people. Should they be successful in the
Senate it is possible it may be defeated in the
Assembly.
Mr. Barber introduced a Bin into the Senate
TO preserve the purity of Elections, providing
for examination Of persons Offering to vote, as
TO residence, defining the term residence DC
which is nearly perfected by that body, and
viii undoubtedly be passed by the House; we
have all felt the necessity of just such law
and may look forward to Il more honest express
ion Of popular viii through the ballot box
a bill to extend the right Of suffrage to col
ored persons, has passed The Senate, and viii
probably 90 through and become a law. Sen
ator O'Niell Of Milwaukee, unlike his brother
Democrats, SAID that he recognized 10 human
or divine law which made Z distinction between
men ON account OF the color Of their skin.
Several petitions from jefferson County wer,
presented, asking for an investigation Of thC
Land Grab operations Of last Session Thez
were referred TO the Committee on Rail Roads
and unless called up by special order viii re-
main II the pockets OF this Committee Sew
eraI more have come IN from Iowa County pray.
ing for the same course. What the Legislator,
viii do in the matter IS uncertain Not be-
cause there is any difficulty in getting proof
Tor it Is matter Of public no1orietv that certain
members put from one to ten thousand dollars il
their pockets rs the reward for their support
but Of what use VIII such IN investigation be tc
, the State Let the people mark the men VIII,
| have betrayed them.
j Owing - the refractory conduct of cur Lieut.
Governor in refusing TO sign the certificate o
Judge DoolittIe's election, the Legislature have
passed law authorizing the Clerks of tn,
Joint Convention TO certify the result the sam,
: to be signed by the Governor, and declaring
such certificate legal
The Old Settlers meeting was but slenderIv
attended. partly on account Of the inclemen
weather, and partly because some of the rea
pioneers like Uncle Ed. decline recognizing til,
later importations as pioneers.
Agreebly to the prayer of large number 0
petitioners, a Charter for the CITY of Minera
Point was introduced yesterday and viii be
come law, provided the people ratify the sam,
at the next election.
Gov FarweH gives large party tonight. te
which all the Members of the Legislature ar,
invited. It IS estimated that invitations were
extended to some five or six hundred. OF cours,
all will 90 merry Is 4 marriage bell"
Begging further pardon for this dry detail to.
night I must break off as the mail Is JUS
closing. ScRlrsr.
THURSDAY, Feb 10, 1857.
: Owing to the almost entire failure Of tn,
mails, commence my correspondence, earlier