The spirit of democracy. [volume] (Woodsfield, Ohio) 1844-1994, 1857-03-04
Columbus Correspondence.
COLUMBUS, o. Feb, 26 1857

COLUMBUS, o. Feb, 26 1857.
DEAR SPIRIT:-A few words with you
in reference to the Law making depart
ment of our State. Several days have
expired, since we last wrote you, and it
would be gratifying to us, if we could ap-
prise you of an improvement in the
proceedings of that body, large majority
of whom, were elected under promises of
effecting a reformation in those interests
by which we, as State, are most affec
ted. But still, not one of the promised
measures of so-ca.led reform" has been
passed, and it is not probable, that the
party will muster the courage now, in the
last moments of its power, to stand up for
its principles, when it lacked the requisite
backbone" in the full maturity Of its
strength.
The subject that causes the most excite
ment among the Fusionists at this time,
is the reputation of most of the canal
contracts. The smelling committee ale
ges that the contracts we're not let to the
lowest responsible bidder; and in the on
set the Legislature was called upon to repu-
diate, without even an investigation to
ascertain whether the contracts were le-
gal or not, and bill was drawn mp to that
effect, when the party were eager to
be led on to action. But circumstances
changed-their ardor was cooled-con-
fiicting opinions began to show them
selves, producing great confusion and
CONSERVATION. They began to fear that
they we're taking leap into a measure,
which would speak in language, to plain
30 be understood, that it would utterly de-
molish their prospects.
Now the question is, to repudiate, or
not to repudiate. Whether the Republi-
can party will make the most political
capitol by repudiating, or not repndiating
the Canal contracts, or by some other
dodge, has not yet been decided on
Some of them, to use vulgar phrase,
are for going the whole hog, while others
are only willing to go half the animal;
: others Jew-like will not touch the beast
at all.
Mr. Kelly has introduced kind OF
compromise bill, half repudiating, and
half not repudiating, which meets with
considerable favor. Mr.. Caldwell, ol
"what are you going to do about it,
notoriety, tells what ne is going to dc
about it by introducing q similar BILL
, and by the by, they have almost got each
other by the ears. Some of the Repub'
lican organs, are hard down upon them
Between one of the honorable mem
, bers of the Senate, and the Editor Of tht
/ State Journal, bitter words were passed
and serious charges are reported to have
been made, and kind Of "Heet me a.
the Clifton House" correspondence pas
sed between them, in which the honorable
J, Senator came off second best.
: Another Bank Bill is under considera
tion, has passed the Senate, and will NJ
doubt pass the eHouse-"Ephraim is join
ed to his Idols" A select committee t
1 whom was referred the bill for the protec
v tion of fish, have submitted an elaborate
I report, recommending the passage of th'
bill. We have also received report from
the committee on Woman's Rights, recon
mending that the Constitution be 81
amended, as to admit females to the righ
e Of suffrage, &C.; but we think the better
and more intelligent portion of the fai
sex are satisfied to remain in possession o
the suffrage which God has given them
to win the hearts of men, and by theil
smiles to command their obedience.
1 On Monday VIM. Hosea. of Hamilton
county, presented himself, and brough
forward papers and certificates setting
forth the grounds upon which he intended
: to contest the right of Mr.. Slough to his
/, seat, who received and held certificate
: of election. At the same time letter
, from Mr. Slough was presented, enclosing
= his certificate of election and stating thai
he waived all further proceedings, and
asked that Mr. Hosea be admitted to his
seat. Accordingly the oath of Office was
1 administered to Hosea, and he was led to
+. his seat by Mr.. Citizen Cory with as
e much fornality as would attend the coro-
nation of King. lie received the con.
gratulations of his Fusion friends, who
rcjolced that they had made SO much out
of such a very small thing.
> No symptoms of adjournment yet.
Yours, &c, o..