The Perrysburg journal. [volume] (Perrysburg, Ohio) 1853-1861, 1857-04-02
Interesting Letter From Our Rep
rcsenfntiVe.
CoLuMBus, March 28, 1857.

III NY IhSts WTOtC JOut ~ ASSOlicShg thh'
we had proceeded as far as number four oi
the amendments to the Constitution, and that
this week we should probably close them up,
and the contracts by a final vote. But SItur-
day, l regret to say, has come again and
nothing has been done. The fourth amend
ment has been adopted, but the fifth and most
important one is still TO be considered. That
provides for single legislative districts. and
the whole subject of legislation.
| On the contracts, an innumerable number
Of speeches have been made, and several
members, who heretofore have been silent,
have taken the opportunity to spread them
selves, and let the world and their fellow
members know how they stood, (as they say
on this vexed question. If members would
stand up 10 tbs rack and vote according to
the evidence before them, l imagine all would
be right. But long session has caused a
little weakness in the back, and secret cir.
culars, plasters, or lniments, has but little
effect upon those who fear reputation, Ny
opinion now is that neither Mr. Cadwelps bill
nor Mr. Parsons amendment will pass, but
that on the final vo.e, both will be lost.
The constitution requires that all amend
ments to be submitted to the people shall be
published in some newspaper in every coun-
ty in the sta:e six months previous to cleo
tion. We have only little over two months
to adopt and publish them according TO law,
and if not done soon, they also will fail.
A large number Of bills have passed du
ring the week, should think from thirty to
! fifty, and nearly as many more are now en-
crossed for third reading, the week to come.
A bill TO amend the ditch laws hope to get
| through before adjournment
The different committees are rushing their
business through with railroad speed, and it
is rather amusing TO see dozen members on
the floor at once, crying at the top Of their
voices, "Mr. Speaker" Mr.. Speaker :"
each one anxious to be recognized, in order
10 take some bill from the table to refer to a
select committee to report it back and recon-
mend its passage. The noise and confusion
at such times is 80 great that stranger
would think he was any where else but in the
Legislature of the great state Of Ohio.
The committee on Claims, of which I am
a member, have large amount of busn' IS
still undisposed Of, and more accumulating
every day. The memorial Ct John W. Allen,
of Cleveland referred to us a few days since,
involving a claim against the state for large
amount, was under consideration last night.
1t seems that the General Assembly of the
State of Ohio on the l5.h of Feb, 1856,
pass ed the following resolution, to wit:
ResolUed, That the Governor is hereby au-
thorlzed to employ such means as he may
deem best for the interests OF the state, to
obtain from the Government of the United
States any lands to which the state may be
entitled under the grants heretofore made by
Congress for canal and other purposes, and
also any balance of money that may be due
to this state from the sales Of public lands,
under the laws admitting the state of Ohio
into the Union; provided, that no charge
shall be made on the treasury for carrying
this resolution into effect" Acting under
this resolution. Governor Ssabury Ford ap-
pointed John W. Allen agent for the state to
carry out the provisions contemplated by this
reso ution; gave him power of attorney to
settle anu adjust with the proper officers all
claims for moneys due to the state on account
of the three per cent. fund, that may have
been withheld in settlements heretofore made,
from the organization Of the state govern
ment, down to the last current settlement,
with full power to give receipts and acquit.
tances for the same. Mr.. Allen, after spend
ing great deal of time and money, succeed
ed in obtaining from the United States Gov
eminent, one hundred and twenty thousand
eight hundred and ninety-four acres. one
third Of which. by the contract, belonged to
him, making small farm of only 40, 300
acres. The legislature of 1859 repudiated
the contract, and the ma jority OF the commi tee
to whom it was referred reported resolution
which WAS adopted in substance as follows
hat Governor Ford had no authority 10
make such bargain, and did not recognize
his right. so to dispose Of the public lands
belonging TO the slate. Mr. Allen only asks
the right of an individual TO come into cour
and subsanliate his claim, and be has nc
doubt as to the result, which we as an act OF
justine shall report aud the recan b. no doubt
of the validity of his claim
The prospects for ad joulnment next weeI
are not very good, and | am fearful We shall
be obliged to stay at least ten days longer
| am exceedingly anxious to leave, but de-
sign to see the busines finished up. The pc.
liuon In regard to protection for our citizens
in Kansas was duly presented, read and re-
fered to the committee on Federal Relations
What they will report am unable 10 say
The subject is exciting considerable interest,
and several petitions of similar kind have
been presented since, from different parts oI
the state, This letter will close my cores
pondence with your paper, and now make
my bow to you and my constituents, consti
tuency, am proud to say, not surpassed
in intelligence by any in the state. If l have
added anything of interest, either to you ol
them, shall be amply paid, If have not as
your Representative, made as much noise
as some, have endeavored to do my duty
and watch your interests, and my only am
bition has been to merit your appreciation,
and receive the welcome plaudit OF well done
good and faithful servant. l can only say
examine the record and you will find me