The Tiffin weekly tribune. (Tiffin, Ohio) 1859-1868, 1860-02-17
CoIumbus Corrcsponacnce.



CoLUHBus, Ohio, Feb. is, 1860.
EDirohs TrrFn TRmUNE:-In my last
I complained and protested against ne
unnecessary wsste Of time IN disposing
Of simple questions relating to the ordin-
sry duties Of Legislation. For the past
week, a frir amount Of business has been
done. Early in the week the "previous
question" was applied to close protracted
discussion, and the hint has been sensi-
bly, remembered ever since. The most
important measure, acted on last week,
was senator Hanison's "SedaiiUs BHlo
which was indefinitely postponed in the
Senate, by vote Of 1s 70 10, five Rerub-
licans voting against postponement. Il
requires very bright eyes to see the nc
cessity Of such a law as this bill contom-
plates. Ohio has ever been and will
continue to be loyal to her constitutional
obligations. Ohio will protect her own
citizens, II her duty to do 60. She ac-
knowledgos this obligation to lie fullest
extent, and viii also act the part Of a
good neighbor, in the confederacy. Her
sister states are abundanily able 70 take
care ofthemsolyes,and Virginia has shown
her power in the summary manner in
which she has disposed Of her invaders,
in the deplorablo affair at Harper's Ferry.
This bill Of Harrison's made It Poni-
tentiary ofenae to begin, or set on foot
or provide, or prepare the means for any
military expedition, SC. What would be
a beginning deserving Of such punish
mentsl This is underlined in the bill;
but the punishment is clear and unmis-
taxable. The object seems to be a con-
cealed but doadly blow at freedom Of
speech and the freedom Of the press.-
This is demanded by the Slave Power,
but il eanI be granted
A number Of unmportant bills Of To-
cal nature have passed both branches Of
the Legislature. A bill condemning
school house sites, in certain cases, by
Boards of Education, in the usual manner
Of condemning property by corporations,
has boceme law. The main provision
Of this law is intended to apply to ohurlish
land.holders,who'll not grant school house
sites on any terms. ltwos asked for by
central and southern members, A bill
repeating part Of an act concerning fugi-
tlves from justice, passed the lower house,
A bill, increasing the pay Of Jurors be-
fore Justices to one dollar per day, has
passed the lower house. A bill, making
the parties litigant pay all jury expenses,
in the niger courts, has also passed the
House. A bill, limiting the fees Of coun-
ty treasurers in certain cases, passed the
House on Saturday. II seems that treas-
urers have been in the habit Of charging
double percentage on certain school
funds; this will put an end to that abuse.
A bill repeating section six Of the act in
relation 10 the Board of Public Works,
passed April 18th, 1868, has passed both
houses. This repeal places the Public
Works under the control Of a majority Of
the Board. There is a bill before the
Senate, giving power to the judges of
courts to sentence criminals, In lieu of
confinement in the Jail, 10 hard labor, and
extending Jail limits to streets, roads,
stone quurries and work houses. A bill
reducing the salaries Of certain county
officers, originating in the Senate, will
probably pass both houses.
Tho Legislature will probably adjourn
about the 18th Of March, Ifso il will be
necessary to hold an extra session. This
is not desirable and, ! think, should be
avoided if possible, Southern members
are cl0moring for an extra session; North
ern and Eastern members are decidedly
opposed to it. Tho question will be set
tied this week. In great haste, yours,
GIDEoN JoNEs.
Zee