The national era. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1847-1860, 1858-04-08
FROM IOWA.

LIZ CLAIRE, Iowa, March 80, 1853.
40 TIE Editor Of tie National Era:
The Legislature of this State closed its ses,
sion on the 23d instant, without however reach.
ing all the measures proposed for its consider
alton The Election, Law" designed to pro-
tect the purity of the ballot-box, by the intro.
duction of much-needed reforms into cur
present system, was left among the unfinished
business.
Much time was consumed by both branches
in attempts TO iegislate for the times" vari.
Gus pl,ns were proposed, to help the people
thrsue5 their financial embarrassment; "stay
laws, "appraisement laws" &C., &C., were
consids red and abandoned, and the subject
finally disposed of BY the passage of bill post
ponins for one term all suits commencing after
its enactment. 1t will doubtless be found that
such legislation viii be productive Of much
harm, encouraging litigation. and AAording
little relief to the honest debtor.
Both bank bills were passed, and viii be
submitted to the people in October next, IS
provided by the new Constitution. / will en-.
deavor 70 present . synopsis of the Estate Bank
Bill" to your readers shortly. 1t is long, con-
tanning iffy.six sections, and carefully guarded
in its provisions.
The Prohibitory Liquor Law" has been
amended so as to exempt wine, cider, and beer 4;
so the friends Of lager" are in ecstasies.
The most important measure of the session,
and that in which the whole State is the most
deeply interested, is the "School Law" By
its enactment an impetus has been given to
the cause of education which will, it is believed,
have an influence on our public school system
which will be permanently beneficial; the peo.
pie will be aroused to action, and encouraged
to tske more interest in this important work.
II abolishes the present school district sys-
tenn, and provides that every civil township in
the State shall constitute q school district.
Also, that each incorporated city or town, con.
tanning one thousand inhabitants or over, shall
become school districts. Each of these Districts
shall elect its officers on the first Monday in
May Of each year, viz: President, Vice
President, and Secretary, who with one men,
Der to be elected from each sub-district-the
districts now existing to be retained for this
purpoee-shall constitute q Board of Directors.
Each district is also 10 elect Treasurer, who
is not member of the Board.
The Board of Directors have charge of school
matters generally, and each local director has
the especial charge of school and school-house
in his sub-district, subject to the Board.
Eaca county is to elect County Superin-
tenders of Common Schools on Monday next,
whose duties will be to visit schools, examine
sites spd plans for school-houses, recommend
books, methods of instruction, &c. Also, to
appoieS two assistants, and with them examine
all VIII propose to engage in teaching in COM
mon Ashools, and give them certificates, with
out wsich it is unlawful for any Board to
employ them.
For two weeks past we have had delightful
spring weather, days warm, and very little frost
at night. Our farmers are busily engaged SOW
ing their grain; and before your readers see
this, tie wheat will be safely lodged with mother
earth. .HC.. 4
The first steamboat passed down from Ga
lena o. the 20.h instant, and the packets have
resums ID their regular trips. E.R.