Bradford reporter. [volume] (Towanda, Pa.) 1844-1884, 1857-03-05

Our friend Sco1T is the best looking man in
the Canal board. He has a good honest face.
| was sorry to learn, as every friend of the
North Branch will be, that Superintendent
MAFFEr, whose energy and skill have done such
wonders in bringing that work to a completion,
has been snagged, temporarily, | trust by some
quirk in the regulations of the Canal Commits
sioners Additional legislation will doubtless
set him with free foot and strong hand to
perfect his ork in manner as creditable to
himself as it will be acceptable to the state.
My impressions of the House are favorable
All branches and interests are well represent
ed. Our own members Messrs. BABCoCK and
NICHOLS, though young in legislation, stand
well and do credit to the county they represent.
They are clear-headed, prompt, judcious men,
and are all alive to the interests of Northern
Pennsylvania.
In the Senate chamber, our friend and neigh
Dor, E. REED MYER, already holds an enviable
position, and wields a powerful influence. AL
though | do not belong to the party which
elected Mr. MYER | cannot but feel gratifed
at his success in the Senate. Young members
sometimes soon run themselves aground by
speaking to every motion. Of this there is
more than one example in the Senate this scs-
sion This rock our Senator has happily avoid
ed. He does not speak when he has nothing
to say. When he claims the attention of the
chamber, he rewards it by well-digested tho'ts,
always pertinent Hence he is always listened
to, and his words tell Mr. MYER, from spe-
cial committee, has drawn up and presented an
extended report on the Kansas questions which
was ordered to be printed, but could not get
a copy in time for this week He has also
drawn up bill for Free Banking system,
which, however excellent it is, cannot, think,
be carried this session He also has a vast deal
of work in committee apportioning the repre-
sentation of the state according to the increase
of population These will doubtless lead to
lengthy debate.
Several local laws are proposed relating to
dogs and sheep Would it not be good thing
for Bradford to have tax of fifty cents or
dollar on every dog-the proceeds to be expen-
ded by the County Agricultural Society in Sc
curing improved stock, implements and seed
A friend has estimated that there are as many
as dogs as families ; in the older townships not
less than three hundred dogs each, and kept at
an annual expense Of SIS a year each, a low
estimate as provisions now range and very
low upon the old way of estimating the keep
ing of dog at the price of hog Now if the
5000 taxables keep only 5000 dogs, they cost
annually 1920, 600 they prevent the exten-
siye raising of sheep. After making due al
lowance for dogs really servceable, there is an
annual expense of 100000 for the ours Let
US have the dog tax at any rate in our coun-
ty In the report of the Superintendent of
Common Schools for 1856, the average number
of scholars is put at ii ,367-the average cost
of instruction at sc cents each per month, max
ing for the five months the schools are sustain
ed, the sum of $40, AGO 60. This is only one
quarter tne cost OF the d0gS.
If the tax won't do, let the tails be cut off
just behind the ears of every dog that does not
churn.
Several beautiful eulogies were pronounced
in the Senate on the death of Dr. KANE, the
Arctic explorer. 1t is happy for our state that
so many of hel favored citizens, from FRANKLIN
and RITrENHoUsE to the lamented KANE, have
ennobled themselves and her by their devotion
to science, rather than by prowess in war
Miss DIX of charitable renown, has been
enlisting the sympathies of the public and of
legislators in the founding of vast Institute
for the training of Idiotic children An appro-
pration of $50, 900 is talked of-its success is
at present doubtful The Farm School, in
Centre, is also asking $4,000 1t has former
ly received, think, $lO,OOO-but what more
it can do for Farmers sons than is afforded by
every we'll sustained Collegiate Institute, is diff
fcult to be shcwn. As whole the General
Assembly proposes great economy in the ex-
penditure of the public monies
From all that | hear, the Republicans and
Americans earnestly desire to effect the nomi-
nation of Hon. DAVID WILMoT, if he will con-
sent. The other party are talking up strongly
for Gen. PACKER. We shall see.
There is large convention of military men,
from all parts of the state, met here at the call
of the House Committee on the militia system.
Captain ELI.sBREE, of Wappasena, represents
Bradford.
The Legislature adjourns to-day to Monday,
the 9th of March Many are leaving-but