The weekly pioneer and Democrat. [volume] (Saint Paul, Minn. Territory) 1855-1865, 1861-02-01
Legislative Topics.

O91SASSAVO 1ORAOUs
SALE OF TIE SCHOOL LANDs.--This sub
jet is assiduously pressed before the Legis-
lature. Some one makes resolution, or
introduces bill for its accomplishment in
one or the other of the Houses most every
day. The two bodies are approaching it
cautiously, however, as it is believed to be
bad time to sell now. ~
BANKs.--The securities, circulation, and
standing OF the few banks still alive in our
State are to be overhauled. A bill is soon
to be reported to one Of the Houses, requir~
ing them all to have central and accessible
points for redemption, &c. o l
PAY OF OFF1cERs.-The House had q
windy debate Saturday, on the per diem to,
be allowed its officers. Some wanted to
give the Chaplain $3.50 per day, and others
the same per diem as the members receive,
$3. The other officers were all disputed
over in the same manner. Finally, the per
diem of Chief Clerk, the most arduous
and responsible Office In the House, was
fixed at IS, and all other officers shared
alike. The fireman, who works about five
hours per day, thus gets as much as the
Chief Clerk and his assistant, who work
twelve and fifteen hours. This is go unjust
as to be absolutely laughable. The Office of
fireman requires no education or ability.
The post of Chief Clerk requires peculiar
business talents, and unremitting industry.
A distinction in the remuneration should
evidently be made. The House have the
right to fix the pay of their officers as low
as they choose, Of course, but the amount
and nature of work should be considered in
fixing it, it occurs to us.
CHANGES IN THE TAX LAw.-Some
changes in the Tax Law are proposed, max.
ing it the duty of the assessor to place val
uation on the visible property. 1t was
stated Saturday in the House that under
the operations of the law as now existing,
men worth many hundreds of dollars of per.
sonal property manage to come under the
exemption of 5000, by making out that they
are so "awful poor, The amount exempted
is also to be reduced. a .f1
A ST. PAUL REAL ESTATE DEALER ON
THE UN1oN.-Our fellow citizen, Mr.. 81. S.
FA1RcH1LD, appeared Saturday before the
Senate in petition asking the passage of
some resolution to assure the citizens of
Southern States who may have property in
Minnesota, that their property will be re-
spected and protected, no matter what may
ensue between the North and South. Mr..
F. says that from very extensive business
correspondence with Southern gentlemen,
he has ascertained that it is believed by
many of them who have investments in
Minnesota, that in case of open hostilities
between the two sections, their property
will be confscated in retaliation for some
reported injuries committed against the
persons and property Of citizens Of Minneso-
ia in the South.
Mr.. F. reverts to the fact that Minnesota
had many friends in the South when she was
applying for admission as State and ev-
cry year hundreds of them with their fami-
lies seek our borders, to escape the sickly
season at home, and numbers of these are
so pleased with our fine climate and beauti-
full scenery that they make investments be-
fore returning South. '.+.i '-a.''' ~,
Mr.. F. further says that if the present
troubles continue many of the Southern PEG
pie will make investments here, since Min
nesota, farthest removed from the scenes Of
the probable border conflicts and troubles,
will offer the most quiet and safety. The
passage of resolutions, therefore, to assure
them that they and their rights will be re-
spected, IS asked 10 the petition. .n.s..., (
The STATE SWAMP LANDs-The swamp
lands which Congress granted the State
will ultimately be very valuable, and should
be carefully guarded and protected from
being squandered and lost. Almost every
day measures are brought up in the Legis-
lature, bestowiDg swamp lands by the town.
ship to this, that and the other enterprise,
and were they all passed our State would
soon be left without an acre to bless herself
with. ...'..1 a,,
The UNIVERSITY CHANCELLoRsHIP.-N
provisions for they payment of the Chan
cellor of the State University have yet been
made, but Senate Committee have been
instructed to report bill for the purpose.
The Chancellor is er ofieao Superintendent
of Public Instruction. .laH M
A New LUMBER D1srR1cr.-It. is pro.
posed in bill going through the House, to
octo hlioh q 1pnnhor unrvovnroh;n IN fho Min