The weekly Ottumwa courier. [volume] (Ottumwa, Iowa) 1857-1872, 1864-02-25
The LegislA(Ure.

We arc inclined To think from what WI
hear that we have in the present Genera
Assembly as able body of legislators a
ever convened in the State, but It looks a.
&c the exp ,ctation OF short session and ar
expidt,ous and easy solution Of the ques
tions demanding action was destined to be
deluSive. ..a gt.t .r ID
The everlasting Des MONIES Grant, j,
seems, is yet in esse, and if possible more
complicated than ever. The question is
who owns the lands above Raccoon. The
State once owned them and sold them to
the Des Moines Navigation Company. The
latter corporation sold them to settlers. The
settlers have improved them. The Supreme
Court after awhile decide the title of the
State not good. Congress granted lands to
the State for railroad purposes, and the latter
quit claimed to certain, companies on condi-
tons. The railroad on.panies say that
when the Supreme Court decided against
the claim of the State, their claim attached
by operation Of law, although At the time
these grants were made everybody suppos-
ed the lands in question to have been dis
posed of to other parties, and SO the matter
stands. It is complicated with large and
conflicting claims. The State proposes to
resume the grants, for Noncompliance with
conditions. The railroads, of course, are
resisting thus, and some of them propos to
confirm the title of actual settlers. The dis
position Of the legislature seems to be to set
tie this question finally this session. We
trust they will do SO upon such terms as to
protect all parties in their just rights.
Another question which has given rise to
a great deal of discussion, 10 the expediency
of taxing railroads. The right to do so is
conceded. 1t is commended by the friend.
Of the measure, who are generally from those
portions of the State provided with these
blessings, that these corporations are for
pecuniary profit, business enterprises, pro-
tected by law, and as such ought to share in
sustaining the government In the portions
Of the State vet unblessed with railroads,
they contend that if they are taxed no more
railroads will be built. that they are not
paying, and ought to be encouraged, that liz
view of the aid of railroads in developing
resources, and producing revenue, the State
ought to deal literally with them. 1t is a
matter of doubt how the question will be
decided, but If we were betting man we
would go our pile on the railroads. st'o-
Then again the Supervisor system is un-
dergoing an investigation. 1t is the opinion
Of many that the system, however we'll it
may work in other States, in this it is a
failure, ard an attempt is being made, back.
ed up by numerous petitions, to modify it,
at least to the extent of reducing the num-
Der to three, to be elected by general ticket.
From the workings of the system in this
county, we are satisfied the change would
be good one. Three men can manage the
affairs of this county better and more econ.
omically than the fourteen supervisors now
do. We hope the change will be made, but
it probably will not be at this session.
There are numerous other important meas.
nres pending before the legislature, such as
the proposition to have another Supreme
Judge; the disposition of the grant to Az.
ricultural College; to provide State aid to
soldiers families; appropriations to the va.
rious State institutions; the Ship Canal. &C.,
which we should be glad to notice. but can't
this week. We have not noticed that any
time Of adjournment has been decided upon.