Raftsman's journal. [volume] (Clearfield, Pa.) 1854-1948, 1860-02-01
TAg RAF TsUlAN's JOURNAL.
LETTER FROM HARRISBURG.
Correspondence of the "Raftsman's Journal"
HARRISBURG, JANUARY o. 1860.

| HARRIsBuRG, JANUARY 2S, 1860.
DEAR Row Matters are moving on here
about as usual. Considerable attention ap-
pears to be given to solving the problems of
who shall be the Speaker of Congress-who
shall be the next President, and who shall be
the next Governor.
| Talking about the next Governor-who do
you think will get the nomination of the Peo-
ple's Party ? do not know who you are in
favor of, and don't care much-but without
claiming any credit as prophet, say that
Col. Curtin is the coming man. He is already
fortified with bulwark of strength that can
not be shaken. There is no question about
his nomination on the second or third ballot.
This is conceded by those who are the friends
Of other aspirants. The contest after the NOM
ination will be severe one, but Col. Curtin's
well known abilities on the stump will be
brought into requsition, and as he is perfect
ly at home there, he will make the fur fly to
some purpose.
On Tuesday last, Senator Welsh presented
memorial in the Senate, which, aside from it's
novelty, attracted some attention, because,
like the Tariff resolutions, it may be regarded
as political feeler. 1t is from j ohm II. Whee-
Ter, asking for indemnity in the sum of 81, 900
for the loss Of five slaves rescued from him BIZ
Passmore Williamson and other Abolitiontsts
in Philadelphia, in 1855, while on his way to
Nicaragua. OF course his right to recover any
damages is disputed, although he fortifies his
claim 10y long array of legal decisions. The
celebrated Lennon case, now in the Court of
Appeals of New York, is one Of the same ma
ture, and if it is there decided that slaves may
be held while in hGnsftu in free States, Mr.
Wheeler may possibly recover-but not from
the State of Pennsylvania. The municipal
government Of city which is too weak in the
knees to suppress riots, must pay for the dam
ages done by them.
There is bill before the Legislature to levy.
an additional tax. on Brokers-that is to say,
making them pay four per cent. on their prof
its, and swearing to the amount. This is right
By system OF adroit financiering they are
enabled to net much higher rate of interest
than the law contemplates. and all engaged in
the business manage to grow rich. If you
look at the total amount Of tax paid by Bro
kers: you will find that it reaches only 81 600.
while that derived from Banks foots mp at least
a quarter of million.
While on financial affairs may as we'll state
that there several applications for new
bank charters awaiting action, which l have
not noticed before, viz: one from Clarion
county, one from Scranton, one from Lewis
town, and one from Bradford county. They
will all be passed-that is to say, over tie left
There has been no action taken On the Free
Banking Law. One of these days l presume
it viii be called up, and after waste of words
again consigned to the tomb of the Capulets
at least for s'a twelve month and day. as
Lord Lowell says in the song.
The Philade!phians, who, as usual, are mo-
nopolizing legislation, have managed to get
several of their bills safe deliverance, but
they have some on which a regular Indian
talk k,must be had before they pass. For in
stance, they have bill here in relation to .in-
surance companies, intended, interested par
ties say. to crush bogus institutions of the
kind, while others say it is merely to create fat
oihces for couple Of gentlemen, who
deserve our warmest pity
And should have sittiation in the City"
l see that Mr.. Gordon has read bill in place
in relation to your borough, but did not
learn its nature.
The third House, it is Supposed, will have
under consideration the Broad Street Passen-
ger Railway bill during the coming week, as
well as some other bills of Importance. The
decree of this body is final
Yours, &C., SPECKs.
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