Fremont journal. [volume] (Fremont, Sandusky County [Ohio]) 1853-1866, 1857-01-16
ANAMosA, Iowa. Dec. 2s. 1856.


FRIENp KEELER:--We are just now hav-
ing great diversity of weather in this
State. First, VIC have rain, then snow, then
curious commingling of snow and rain;
then general thaw, after which the clerk
of the weather accommodates us with what
the "Hawkcyes" term "gentle breczes," at
2.40 speed. AT present, everything is 'friz'
with about four inches of snow on the
ground, furnishing the best of sleighing;
and also demand for furs and Wrappers
But, alas the merits of the pure white COW
ering of 'mother earth," are compelled to
pass by unavailed, for there are neither hori
ses nor "cutters" in this far western country.
If any country possesses natural advantages
favorable to all classes of working men,
that country is Iowa. The whole State,
from East to West, is one successive field of
the most beautiful plains and undulations.-
No part Of the State that l have seen, is
hilly. The lack Of timber is the greatest
disadvantage, and this inconvenience is al
ready beginning to be felt by farmers and
builders, who are however, very careful and
saving of their timber lots. The absence
of wood for buildings, is supplied to great
extent by that of brick, which is now almost
universally used.
The legislature of the State is now in
an unusual amount of business is beford
that body the present session. The message
of Gov. Grimes is universally admired and
esteemed by the Freedom-loving portion Of
the people Of Iowa. His position on the
affairs of Kansas, of course called forth all
the venom and slang of the pro-sIavery press
throughout the State. Their howling how
ever, is all to no purpose, as his position has
been sustained by both branches of tho leg
islature in the shape of series of rcsolu-
tions, introduced into the Senate by MEN,
Der from Muscatine, denouncing the Kansas
outrages, and sustains the Governor in his
position as to the protection of former citi-
zens of the State now in Kansas.
! A new State constitution is to be framed
this winter to be presented TO the people of
the State at the next election for their con-
sideration. Members of convention for
that purpose have been elected and will con-
vene at Iowa City on the first day of Jan
uary next. A large majority of them
are Republicans. We may of course,
look forsomething humancfrom them. The
present constitution is so defective in many
of its parts, that it has become altogether
inadequate to the wants of the rapidity in
crcasing population of the State. The pres
cnt constitution was framed by the humbug
Democracy, and consequently, banks, and
the system of paper money was not engraf-
ted in it. This has long been source of
dissatisfaction to merchants, farmers, me-
chanics and many other classes of the State,
and the convention is expected TO supply
their wants. Petitions are being circulated
throughout the State, praying for the inser-
ton of a clause in the new constitution gran
ting the right of suffrage to free negroes
These petitions, believe meet with general
appreciation from the people. AS to tho
probability of the insertion of this clause by
the convention, | think there can scarcely bo
a doubt. One thing | am certain of; if tho
clause is inserted, the people will ratify it,
or else [ much mistake the political aspect
of affairs Of this more hereafter. II.