Nashville union and American. [volume] (Nashville, Tenn.) 1853-1862, 1860-01-19
CORRESPONDENCE
FRANKFORT, KY, January Is, 1860.

FRANKFORT, KY, January IL, lobO.
Editors Union and American:
Presenting an item or two from the seat Of gov
errment Of this gallant and conservative Common
wealth, would not be uninterestng to the numerOu;
readers Of your Journal, avail myself Of leisure
moment to give them to you for what they are
worth.
This city contains population Of some four thou
sand; It's site is in valley skired on the East and
West by ranges Of rugged hills. The Kentucky
river-which at this point is about one-fourth less
in volume than the Cumberland, at Nashvile,-ser.
pentnes its way through the western borders Of the
town, and when taken in combination, gives to the
location quite picturesque appearance
The Legislature is in session, and was pleasingy
impressed with the dignity and decorum. which
from indications, seem at all times to prevail in
both branches Of the Assembly. The average age
Of the members appears to be considerably the SEN
Tor Of the members of the Legislature Of Tennessee
Many silvery-headed and venerable looking mon
are nterspeTsea throughout both the Senate and
the House presenting quite contrast with the
numerous youthful members in your Legislature.
Order and courtesy towards each other seem to be
the accustomed sentiment Of a large majority and
hence a rapidly and dispatch Of business may he
Witnessed here, not always so plainly diseoverable
in Legislative bodies elsewhere.
The term Of the session is limited to sixty days
but may be prolonged by a two-third vote; It is
evident therefore that but little time can be devoted
to windy and unmeaning speeches. Bills are being
passed in both Houses upon one reading, the second
and third being dispensed with altogether or restrict
ed to the reading of the titles simply. This mode
of proceeding appears generally to prevail. with
but occasional exceptions. 1t is presumable Of
course that legislation Of this character must relate
to matters wholly local in purpOrt; not involving
interests deep and vital to the people, or where
there may be liability Of unfavorably affecting one
class Of citizens more than another. But 1t is indI
cave of another consideration. that is the implicit
reliance in the competence and integrity, by the
Legislature. in their various standing and select
committees to which all their business is referred
for investigation
Far greater interest is manifested by the citizens
here in the transactions of their legislative agents
than with you; the galleries in both Houses at
all times filled with an intelligent audience. inter
mixed with not a few ladics-all appearing more or
less absorbed in the proceedings Transporting before
them.
CAssUs NJ. CIAT's speech made here a few days
ago is a prominent topic at this time. lt was de-
lycrcd in the entrance to the Capitol, both Halls
being closed on him. he Is represented as having
been more moderate in his remarks than was gen
orally anticipated. although it was autisouthern,
anti-savcry throughout Ills object seems to have
been to say something with view to publication,
for his speech is to be printed either Tor the diu
sion Of his private sentiments in lis native State.
Or for the promotion of the interests OF the Repub
licans elsewhere; probably both. Il is understood
that he is aspiring to the Presidency, and confidently
expects TO enter the White House as its chief tenant
at no distant day. Some thought that the delivery
of a Republican speech at this point and atths par
ticular juncture. even when proposed by a son Of
Kentucky would not be tolerated by the people: but
no assault o. i-feeling was exhibited towards the
speaker. The audience which was large. many
strangers being present attracted here by the lie
gislature and the Democratic State Convention. as
sembed to hear what he would presume to say-uot
to sympathise in his sentiments, nor to attack him
for entertaining and giving uttcrancc to them GAYS
mother has long resided in this city. and is highly
esteemed for her many good qualities by every one
and this fact may account in part for greater de
gree of courtesy which was shown him than other
wise might have been witnessed.
The Democratic State Convention was in session
here on Monday last at which sentiments of harmo-
ly and unity prevailed to the entire satisfaction Of
most participants. The resolutions passed by that
body were highly conservative in character, con
trasting forcbly and ftvorabiy with similar re
solves by similar meetings on smaller scale held
elsewhere in several of the Southern States. These
you have doubtless seen. and viii have published,
ere this reaches you.
Independent military companies are forming in
many Of the counties in this State. The Harper's
Ferry onslaught is doing much towards gniting the
patriotic fire Of the Kcntucldans. and it is to DC
hoped that the flame will be sufficiently enkindled
and partae enough of the genuine ardor, to induce
a continuance Of these organizations until some
good practical result may avail to both officers and
soldiers The State Arsenal 1t this place is receiy
ing orders daily for and equipments Of various
kinds, to perfect these military arrangements
Rain, snow, and all sorts Of bad weather, seem to
be the order of nature in this locality.