Daily Democrat and news. [volume] (Davenport, Iowa) 1859-1864, 1860-01-27
/, A II EN- E w S.
Iowa Legislature.
FROM OUR fPHcIAL CORRESPONDENT

FROM OUR fPHcIAL CORRESPONDENT.
DEs MolNEs, jan %, 1860.
EDS. DENocRAT AND NEws:-I have not
written you before this week and for the best
Of r asons. there was nothing to write. The
fact is legislation has become ''stale." and if
not fiat withal, the Republicans have found
it decidedly Improbable" The Democrats
have go terrified them that the thought Of the
record" is sure and powerful motor and the
truth is, there is but little to do.
Day before yesterday in the House, Bsal of
Boone Co, a sterling Democrat and one Of the
best tacti,isns We have in the Legislature. Of
fered a bill by which the Board Of Education
was requested not to meet until 1865 So
used had the dominant party become to voting
with the Democrats when the yeas and nays
were called. that with the least opposition the
Bill passed. 1t is referred in the Senate to
Special Committee, and hope will be con-
Cured in. A more arrant humbug does not
exist than this same baes- wood Board Of Edu
cation.
said in the commencement that sparring
had become bore but there vas "brush" in
the House Saturday afternoon which lightened
up the horizon for some time: Claggett was
speaking on bill regulating witnesses fees.
and when he had concluded Caldwell, the
member from Van Buren-a second Hotspur
in the political field-followsd in a very abu.
sive strain, whereupon Clsggett rstorted mag
ni6cently. Such a raking down has not been
heard before, and Cald well. fcelt like linked
sweetness, was too much drawn out to hazard
reply. Claggett is good lawyer, > refined
debater, not personal in the least except when
intruded upon, and his age should entitle him
to more respectful treatment than the spruce
and conceited Caldwell can command think
tho lesson he learned To-day will be power,
ful educator.
After the storm was over Jennings Of Du-
buque. in q short speech mildly proceeded to
cut up what there was left of Caldwell, and to
tue entire satisfaction Of the House temper
ate, judicious, yet as keen as one OF John
Browns pixies, Mr.. Jennings proceeded; when
he was in the middle Of the first sentence he
before he was half through the young aspirant
from Van Buren differed with his friends ma
terialy If he did not consider his best fortune
would have consisted in All utter defeat last
October.
County organization is the prevalent topic
Most of the Legislators thin! the present .ys-
TEN is wrong one, but what projec. to
adopt is still more vital question. Some go
in for the Supervisor and others for the 'Com-
missioner" forms Of government, aud no two
alike Should this indecision continue the
zone man power" will hardly be abolished this
winter.
The last thing up is dog law; all dogs
whose taxes have not been paid are to be sub
ject to the devastating elements of strychnine
rifle balls and bludgeons The tax raised 10 to
60, one half to repay the losses incurred by
the killing Of sheep, and the other half to 60
to that private institution Of the State ofices
the School Fund.
see that many of the papers outside Of this
place are attempting the portraiture Of the
others abased The fact is, about the ablest
man the Republicans have on the floor Of the
House, is Goodrell, Of Polk. Tall, spare, and
unprsposssssing not good speaker, but q
fine tactician-he leads the grand armie" in
it's heaviest assaults. Gurley, Of Scott, aspires
to the command Of diyision-dresses in good
taste, cutiva;es a good style Of whisker, 10 re-
m0rkab!y susceptible Of female presence.-and
is passable debater. Claggett lie fiery, snsr-
getic, and efficient carries Damescens sword
in argument, aud generaliy-on questions Of
law al least,-comes off victor.
Bakeris Fremontish looking man, has .
heavy beard, and quick eye. which is good
index of his character. He is restless spirit
but is valuable member, good party leader,
and fair. companionabls man.
Bsal, Bobb. Bennett and Williams Of Du-
buque. are the young men Of the House. Beal
is q good fgurer. Bobb is a fine and sharp
speaker. Bennett saucy..and to the point, and
Williams candid and forcible.
But enough for this time; will write again
whenever anything interesting turns NJ.
Yours. ViDoc