Kenosha tribune & telegraph. [volume] (Kenosha, Wis.) 1856-1859, 1857-01-29
Madison Correspondence.
MADISON, January 25Is!

MADISON, January IS, 1857.
MEssRs EDIroRs:-On Friday last was
accomplished Tor it is supposed at least
the great business of the session, the
choice of Z. S. Senator. As, no doubt
you We're previously informed. Judge
Dooiittle was nominated in caucus. This
result surprised many here, as probably
it did a few elsewhere. 1t has been M,
own opinion for six months past that i
the Republicans proved to be in the as
cendancy in the state at this time, Judge
HOWE would be chosen United States
Senator, which opinion | held until Doc
little was nominated. Beyond question
he would have been, had it not been fol-
the publicity given to his opinion that
our State Courts were subordinate to the
United States Court, in the final decis.
ions of such questions as are involved in
the application of the fugitive law. This
arrayed against him most determined
opposition, strenuous in its efforts to pre-.
vent his success. Holton, at first, was
his principle competitor, hut he becom.
ing satisfied he could not unite major
ity of the vote declined. At the next
meetingthereatter, the opposition though
number of baliotings gradually con-
centrated on Doolittle till he received al
votes to 40 for all others, and was de-
clared duly nominated. He encounter
ed much opposition because ofthat clause
OF the constitutionwhich prohibits Judges
or person elected Judge whose term
of election has not expired, from being
elected to any Office of trust either by
the people or the Legislature This point
W as much discussed in caucus, and the
m ajerity it seems came to the conclusion
that the clause did not refer to this of.
flee. The grounds ofthe conclusion were
hat the Constitution Of the u. S. and
not of this State prescribes the qualifica-
ion of Senators, and that it is not com.
petent for this State to add to or
detract from such qualifications; and the
case of Trumble was quoted with effect
as applying to the case in hand. In Joint
convention, Doc little got 79yotes, Chas.
Dunn SO, and 2 scattering. The Lieu
tenant Governor, however, as President
Of the Convention refused to declare
Doolittle elected, pronouncing the votes
east for Doolittle void, under the consti-
tuition. From that decision an appeal
was taken and the Convention overruled
the decision of the chair by large ma
iority, when the Convention after stor-
my session of four hours, dissolved.
OF course much speculation is afoot
as to the eventual result. The better
opinion appears to be that Doolittle will
take and hold his seat without any trou-
bic. Whether the Legislature should
have elected him under the circumstan-
ces is anotherquestion about which there
is at least difference of opinion. The
position Of the Lieutenant Governor
however, in refusing to declare the re-
suit, was scarcely warranted, as / can
not conceive that he had any discretion
in the premises, being only a minister
iM officer to declare the action of the
body and not judicial officer to Judge
of the legality of its action. The mat
tiers is over however, and l apprehend
Judge Doolittle will serve his six years
without his right being called into ques
ton.
| am not aware of any Legislation of
Importance being yet before citherhouse.
There seems to be every disposition to
make the session short and | think it
will be. The Revision of the Statutes
will be had during the summer, and it is
felt that the amendment of old laws or
the making of new ones, had better be
left for the revisors. The last of Febru-
airy or first of March will probably ter
inmate the session. The weather con-
tinues uninterruptedly cold here, as no
doubt with you.
Horace Greeley lectured here on Sat
urday evening to a full house. Iunder-
stand he lectured the night before at
Kenosha. He must have made good
use of his time to set from there here in
the time he did. The Milwaukee and
Mississippi road is almost impossible it
taking all day, even under favorable cir
cumstances, to run train through.