The weekly Ottumwa courier. [volume] (Ottumwa, Iowa) 1857-1872, 1858-01-14

We are unable to say when we shall be in
receipt Of the Message and Inaugural; but we
are hoping to be so in time LAY both Of them
before our readers in our next issue. The In
a'gnral, we see, was to be delivered yesterday:
the Message probably on Monday.
The present Session Of the Legislature is a
very important one, and ITS proceedings will
be looked for with unusual interest by the
people throughout the State, but especially in
this portion Of it; for in addition to the cleo
tion Of Senator, and general legislat on, such
as the Inauguration of banking system, they
will be called upon to take some action in ref
erence to the River Improvement, in view Of
securing, if it can be done, the diversion of
the grant to the purposes of the Valley Rail-
road, a scheme which has been considerably
agitated of late, and in behalf of which petit
tons have been circulated to some extent.
While we are writing this article it is highly
probable that the Senatorial question ha. been
settled by the election Of a good man and
true Republican to that high and responsible
position. Whether this has already been done,
or not, it is unnecessary to speculate any more
about result which will be made public in
few days at farthest. We have such couh-
denee in the integrity and fidelity Of the
Legislature, that we look for selection that
will reflect honor upon that body and up
on the State. ..s.r a..s .... '..-
The subject of banking system is one
which will be likely to occupy good deal of
time, and give rise to considerable discussion.
The peculiar aspect Of the times-the crisis
through which the country has recently pass
ed, in which banks have played so conspicu-
part as to direct an unusual degree of atten-
ton to the workings of different systems, will,
independent Of the intrinsic importance Of the
subject, render it prominent and interesting
portion of the business of the session. That
system of banking will be enacted for srb-
mission to the people, is foregone conclu-
sion, we suppose. We hope it will be such
system as, while it will command the capital
to carry it on, will be practicable, and con.
tain provisions to protect both bill-hoders
and depositors. Having these objects in view.
with all the lights which recent experience
has thrown upon the subject, we have every
confidence that the Legislature will inaugurate
a law which will command the approval Of
the people, and furnish the State with sound
and safe currency. -.a....-..... -.... .....
In relation to The River Improvement, it is
hard to tell what can and ought, much less
what will be done. For one we must confess
that we are tired Of a subject which for more
shan ten years has been source of hope al
ternating with disappointment, to the people
living in this valley. So far as the Lesisla.
ture may have power over the matter, we hone
they will exercise it, and settle this vexed
question in soma way, efectually. ..-. ....
A strenuous effort will be made this winter
to pass stay law, bat we hope very sincere
" that it will fail. We should regard such
Q law, in the present condition of things, as
exceedingly detrimental to the interests Of the
State. We don't believe that i. would pre-
vent litigation, but on the contrary promote it.
besides, if we can't pay our debts now, it is
difficult to see how the ability to pay will b.
increased by accumulated interest and bills of
costs. Good prognostcators are confident
that the panic Is measurably over, aud that
business will revive in short time; If so, we
can easily pay our debts, which we had better
do at the earliest practicable moment