The weekly pioneer and Democrat. [volume] (Saint Paul, Minn. Territory) 1855-1865, 1864-03-11

generally indicatingzhis interest in pendino
matters by the modulating of his voice in 70
spending yea or nay, particularly DISTINGUISHED
himself in debate on the militia law whom no
annihilated friends as well as foes of tho hill
hitting every head that rose above the level
with protest against interference of civilians
in military affairs. Mr.. Commit served we
are told, in the Mexican war, and makes mill
tary matters his speciality.
Il. II. F1TZ, OF RAMSEY
Mr. Fitz had little to say on almost every
question that came up, but only set out for a
speech on the last night of the session. at too
late an hour to be permitted to finish it. iHe
was CHAIRMAN OF the important Committee on
taxes and Tax Laws
MIR. GATES, Or GOoDIUF.
unlike Mr.. Fitz, Mr. Gates made his sneecb
iii the early part of the session. His combino-
ZION OIL argument and documentary and other
testimony against the Gaenic Institute cbortor
cannot soon be forgotten by any of his late
a'eocIA'c'. MT. GateS made himself obnox.
louS 10 inc good sense of the House for tma
oy much talking, but gained rapidly in its
good will towards the close of the session
MR. HILL, OF M'LEoD.
MIR. Hill, as chairman of the Committee ~,
Agriculture and farmer, should be remarked
for the prOmptness with which he killed off
agricultural humbugs of legislation. and the
earnestne5s with which he advocated sucb
measures az he thought would advance tbe
farming interests of the State.
MR.. KIDDEH, OF RAMSEY
GOV. kidder presented his business early in
the session and had it out of the way before tbe
cioSe AS chairman of the Judiciary Commtte.
HIS committee work was heavy, and the House
sustained his recommends ions with unusuo,
confidence. His part in debates was GENERALLY
llSht, but not often unimporiant. References
10 ramsey county or the member from Ram.
sey never disturbed his cquanimity and his
personal influence increased rather ,bon do
creased as the session progressed. For n oen-
tichan who appears so good-Datured. and
imperviously Indifferent to personalities. he
has voice that is contradiction for on occo
SONS 1t became puggaciOus, bullying kind
OF voice, that roared its way to Mr. Sneaker
above the feeber din of other voices. "a brood
shouldered rowdy might crowd his wav
through mob of feeber humanity.
MR.. KIEFER, OF RAMSEY
Mr.. kiefer, as Chairman of Committee or
Military Affairs and of Committee on Emiora
ton. introduced the new militia law and the
emigration bill, which will soon be put to the
test. he was apparently watchful of the infer
ests OF his county, and frequently took part
IN DEBATES, but not so prominently as the other
two members from Ramsey.
Mr. RICHARDSON, OF SrsARNs
Mr.. Richardson was a fair representative of
the old time legislators of Minnesota usof,,
MEMBER but devoted principally to Stearps
county An Old wheel-horSe of legislation he
filled the responsible position OF Chairman of
enrolment Committee, and had an active part
III expediting the general business of the
House. In Messrs. Richardson and Ripbv
Stearns county had working representatives.
MIR. SMITH, OF CHIsAGo.
Mr.. Smith took the floor on nearly every
important question. Not by any means n
graceful speaker, Gin gesture, position of BODY
and action OF face,) he vet enforced his views
oy statinS them squarely and intellgibly in few
words. AS Chairman of Committee on Fed
eral Relations and member of the Committee
on Banks, he occupied all important position
in the House.
MR. wISwELL, OF BLUE EARTH.
Mr. Wlswell's familiarity with legislative ac-
ton, his position as Chairman of the Commit
tee on Railroads and member of the Judiciary
COmmittpp upifn6 wifi
debate to give him a large share of influence
upon the action of the House
MR.. YOUMANS. OF wINoNA
Mir. YOumanS took an active interest in
every question before the House, and perhaps
debated more than any other member.-if our
memory is correct he made the only set speech
or the session, on the Normal School questions
Whlie, perhaps not as close Il reasoner as
MIR. Armstrong or as cool and collected
i'll debate Mr.. Wiswell, he has more
of the debater's fire than either. OF an
independent way OF thinking and full cour-
age to express his belief at times he seem.
ed to constitute an opposition by himself alone
Familiarity with parliamentary rules and readi-
ness to take hold of any subject made him q
useful and active member of the uonse As
Chairman OF the Committees on Education and
the University, he introduced several imDor-
tant bills, which he sustained zealouslv.
THE CLERKS AND OTHER OFFICERS
Mr. Dunn. Chief Clerk, is rapid reader.
quick to understand, gets into no confusion,
and makes an excellent clerk Mr.. Snow As.
slstant Clerk, and Mr.. Stark. Engrossing Clerk
were models of punctuality and Industry, as
we'll as civility. The other House officers,
who came under our observation, deserve equal
commentator.