Belmont chronicle. [volume] (St. Clairsville, Ohio) 1855-1973, 1866-02-15
Letter from Columbus.
Co,,r,,pt,s Eoh OH nor

Editor Chronicle The discu ssiou on the
bill in relation to the payment of members
and officers of the General Assembly, last
week, was very general.
think all are satisfied thar the present
sum is inadequate. ra
Mr. Critchfeld (Dem.) thought it suf.
fcicnt under the present condition of the
taxes, &c. True, he paid $l2 per week,
but he spent nothing for opera or other
things, and could stand it.
Mr.. Kellogg (Rsp.) would like to know
how much he could save to send home?
Mr.. q. Not very much aud would likely |
have to draw on some Of his former re-
soui ces.
Mr.. Williamson (Rep) moved to reduce
it to $4-thiS being the sum first fixed after
the adoption of the New Constitution
was OF opinion that 81 would pay very well.
The bill was laid on the table.
| LUNATIC. ASYLUM
This has certainly become great institu-
ton, and is no doubt one of the great i'm
provements OF the nineteenth century.
A few years ago, in the memory of many
now living, the poor iundtic was looked
upon as an outcast, wild animal, a being
not to be cared for, a bewtched person, to
be stunned and avoided by all-and when
not dangerous to community was suffered
to run at large, ii so, to my knowledge
shut up in strong log pen not fl tor hogs.
Last night, Feb. 9th, was q time long to be
remembered. 1t was made the occasion of
opening or dedcatiDg new addition to the
new amusement hall. st., .. .u.y.
In tho construction of tho center wing
extensions ofthe Asylum building an area
was enclosed fliy-soven feet square. This
area has been rooted over, aud now forms
the Now Amusement Hall. sns
The dome is surmOunted by a skylight 20
feet in diameter and G2 feet from the floor.
The walls and ceiling have been beautifully
painted in frescO, every advantage taken of
favorable circumstances TO make it itattraetive
and every aPpendage twisted into beautiful
shape and made to contribute to the general
pleasantDess. 'lr... 'r
The patients entered the Hall about half.
past seven and soon after the dancing com.
menced, the outsiders. ladies aud gentlemen
joining There were present Gov. Cox and
family, the majority of the State officers,
many Of the members OF the Legislature,
and very many of our citizens Grave
Senator and fashionable belle and patient
mingled in one pleasant scene, and all en-
joyed.
The following is the general programme
for the week fnaT ~
Monday evening, Social Party, Concert,
&c .'.ts ri t4 ''mI > ! -
Tuesday evening" Chapel Exercise.
Wednesday evening. Cotillion party.
Thursday evening, Exhibition and Lee
ture. ..ai
Friday evening, Chapel Exercises.
Sabbath L. NJ, Sermon at two o'clock.
| don't know but DIR. Peck, the Superin-
tendent, thinks ho has found the remedy'
that will
| "Pluck from tho memnry n rooted sorrow
Rae out the written troubles of the brain,
| And Win some sweet oblivlous uniidote.
Cleanse the suff'd bosbm OF that peri Gus stuff,
| Whchweiglis upon tho hearl!n
"Therein the patient
| Must minister TO herself" ..'.
There are now about 27O patients in the
Asylum.
The Northern, Southern and Cincinnati
Asylums have not reported yet.
Mrs. Gov. Cox gave her first reception
last night, which was attended by members
Of the Legislature and number Of citizens,
with ladies and gentlemen. 1t was a very
pleasant affair, and the Governor and lady
made q very favorable impression upon
those in attendance.
The Legislature has been very busy since
wo got back, principally in routine business.
The bill making partial appropriations,
passed yesterday. 1t met with much on
position in the Senate on account OF what
is said to DO fraud in the printers contract.
An appropriation for the payment of Bel
mont County for the sum Of $2,S25 81, for
taxes improperly paid some time since, for
which Judgment had been rendered
MILITIA.
n bill has been introduced into the House,
OF which the following is synopsis:
"A bill to enroll the militia OF Ohio, to
organize u volunteer militia, and to repcal
certain acts therein named" Ii repeals ali
existing militia laws, honorably discharges
the National Guard, aud abolishes all com,
mutation for militia duty,
IL provides for an enrolment of all per
sons between the ages of eighteen and forty.
five, except the following, who are absolute
" exempt; /. All persons exempt hy
law Of Congress; .. All persons perma
nentiy UNITED Tor military duty by reason Of
telons. tl 90 -
In making the enrolment, two scnnrate
lists are to DO returned, one Of which shall
contain the names of the following persons,
who are exempted from military duty in
time Of peace |. Those who served one
year in the United States army or navy
during the rebellion; 2. Those who have
served five years continuously in the militia
Of this State; 3. National Guards who
served personally as one hundred days men;
4. Active members of unpaid fire companies
organized under the authority of any town
or city. The other list shall contain all per,
sons subject to enrollment, aud not included
in any OF the above classes. -''
The organized militia is to consist of vol
unteer companies, formed with such con.
tututions and by laws as they may adopt,
with the approval Of the Governor. They
are TO drill at least once in two months.
without pay, and at such times and places
as they may prescribe. The State is 10
arm aud equip these companies, and nav
each Of them one hundred dollars, annually,
Tor the care of arms, rent Of armory; and
other Incidental expenses aud this is the
ceipe. ~S '"
a bill has been introduced into the IL
y. Senate TO organize the National Militia
for which think fhia I,aa;sIa...-' All -,s,'