The Portland daily press. [volume] (Portland, Me.) 1862-1921, 1865-01-19
Gimp es Of the oap:to

AUGUSTA, Jan. lS, 1855.
The members of the Legislature have got
fairly settled down 10 work; and already ma
ny important measures foreshadowed in the
Governors Message, or by the exigencies Of
the times. have sen referred to committees,
aud some of them reported on. The finances,
the military, the banks, and other kindred
subj scts, are already before the two branches.
They are also occupying the minds of the
members and made subjects OF discussion,
when not in session. A good sign. Some of
the soundest views Of the public interests are
brought out and matured, in these social
gatherings of members about the freside of
the hotel or boarding house, during the long
evenings of the session. These discussions
have as much to do-and often more-with
the shaping OF the public policy, as the de-
bates in the House or Senate. 1t is here,
where members unused to speaking Ia public
Halls,i advance their ideas and sustain them
freely. No tormenting fear Of hearing ones
own voice before formal assembly--or of
breakdown in the midst of speech-enters
here. But the mind free to act, and the advo-
cate entirely at his ease, the subject is thor
oughly scanned in all its particulars. Many
important measures have taken their shape
and bias, and won their ultimate success, by
the fireside arguments of members who never
spoke aloud during the session, but who were
as capable as the best of the Demosthenes OF
the Senate or House, in uttering sound and
convincing arguments to small and appreeia-
tive audiences. This is good feature in the
social system of Legislation, and much good
comes from it. Letthe "dreside debates" 60
on. slAv
The news of the fall of Fcrt Fisher was re-
ceived here yesterday. 1t caused. great joy.
The end Is approaching. Every step 10 in
advance. Hemmed into small compass, and
ever feeling it contract, the villains who yet
survive, that projected and nursed this terri
most hearts, are casting about for way of
escape. With determined front, but with
hearts as pale as ashes, and hopeless, they
see the sublime termination OF their villainy
approaching as surely upon them as death!
God may forgive them for the appalling mis-
u lAoS las lOAtOWOO AL IuOAA GdSh Dub LuO
American people viii reach most unexam-
pied state of forgetiulness, before they can
feel resigned to letting the ingrates escape.
No part of the Governors Message was re-
ceveid with more eclat than that which dis
coursed on that guilty class engendered by
the war, styled Substitute brokers. No doubt |
these gentry will receive due attention from
the Legislature. Meantime, see that the
city council of Cincinnati have taken the
matter in hand, and have passed q law touch
ing the case. If carried out, it makes the
operators in this line somewhat respectable.
At any rate it DISTINGUISHES pick. pockets and
plunderers of widows houses, from holding a
seat at that board
The law provides that no person shall en-
gage In such business, without the endorse
ment OF at least six citizens OF Cincinnati, as
to character. If this is satisfactory to the
Mayor, he may issue license to the applicant
for one year, he giving bonds in $1,000, for
faithlulness in his vocation. Falling to do
this, the transgressor pays a flne and goes TO
prison. This is one step ia the right direction.
I am inclined to think Maine will not be quite
SO lenient hereafter, with these gentlemen,
If they incline to cut up their pranks within
her borders.
Capt. CYRUS 81. RIPLEY has been reap
pointed Messenger to thelGovernor and Coun-
cli' Inc Captain is considered model In
.nat once and they do not seem disposed to
lose Tue services of so good a man.
The Board of Agriculture convenes here
to day. Their session will occupy two weeks,
during which many subjects of interest to the
farmers, will be discussed. This convention by |
many interested, is considered yaluable ad.
junct to the Agricultural Department., natron-
lied by the State. But it is not so considared
by ALL hear the "rumblings of the chariot |
wheels in the distance which indicate that in |
due time, members intend to pounce down nm. |
on this expense as useless and wasteful, and |
do their prettiest to repeal the law When
that time comes, we shall hear spirited and
lively debate-and rousing up Of class in
the Legislature who are generally as quiet as
lambs. 'fa PELHAM
SAD OCCURRENCE. = Yestesday morning,