Edgefield advertiser. [volume] (Edgefield, S.C.) 1836-current, 1866-12-05
Columbia Correspondence.
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES,,
Cn1uunII Nnx 9th l2R2

HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES,,
COLUMBIA, Nov. 2Sth, 1858.
Dear Adrcr,iscr sRelf knowing tho general
desire Of tho people to be informed in reference
to the proceedings of the Legislature, shall du-
ring the session give you weekly epistle TO
keep the soveregns" Of our good old District in
formed rs to the progress of event, at the Capt.
tai.
Both branches of the General Assembly met in
their respective Halls on Monday evening, the
25th. Nothing WAS done in either House over
and above tho usunl proliminuries.
On Tuesday, the 27th, nothing was done but
the reading of the Governors Message and noti-
ces Of various Bills, the Presentment of Grand
Jurors, the Rcfs-riag Of Claims, &c. The Mes
sage wasread in bolh Houses, and its varied con-
tonts referred to The appropriate Committees. 1t
Is rery comprehensive document, and doubtless
contains many wise and judieious recommcnda-
tions, while somc Of its suggestions are not adapt
cd to our condition.
On Wednesday, the 2s;A, the various notices Of
Bills, Petitions and Memorials were presented in
numbers, and direct vote was had Vn Mr.. Rus
sells Bill, of tho Extra Session, giving the Elec-
tion of Masters and Commissioners in Equity to
the people; this Bill was lost in the House by .
decided majority. That matter consequently has
les quietus for the present.
A Bill is before the House, originating in the
Senate, investing in married women all the prop
erty they had previous to marriage, not subject
to the contracts Of husbands, without the wifs'a
consent I think this Bill, with some amend
ments, will pass the House.
The House adjourned Oh Wednesday evening,
to meet on Friday, the intervening Thursday be-
ing Thanksgiving Day.
have thus given you all that has has been
done up to this timo. And now I will vouture o
few thoughts of prospective character in refer
encc to tho progress Of legislation. The Debt
Question will be up again, and stormy time
will mark the discussion. Several Of tho Dis
tricts Of our State have recently held elections
to fill the place of Senators and Representatives
who have accepted disqualifying Offices in nenr-
ly every such case tho candidates favoring reme-
dial Legislation were elected by overwhelming
majorties have no doubt but that some fur
ther remedial Legislation will prevail, as the Re-
lief party is strengthened, and the Anti Relief
party weakened iu the samo proportion. What
manner of Relief will be adopted no one can tell,
as there arc many plans to be submitted. think
tho mos. popular plan is to call a Convention Of
the people, and submit the whole matter to the
people. This certainly is the most rational and
republican scheme that has been suggested.
Some in favor of postponen,snt Of the sittings
of the Courts, for all causes Er COntractu, until
1888; while others are for throwing open the
Courts and submitting everything to their deci-
sion.
The District Courts, which arc so justly OBJ
no1ious to the people, will be thoroughly ovor-
hauled and were their creation not engrafted
upon the organic Law Of the State, they would
be abolished
The Pentcntiary and its details will occupy
some timo
The Amending of the Criminal Law will like
wise receive considerable attention at the hands
of tho present Legislature.
The procuring Of Corn for the INDECENT of the
State will again be thoroughly discussed. firm
in Charleston proposes, If the State will loan them
$4,000, to bc acSured by personal security and
mortgage on city property, to furnish 10000
bushels of Corn per month, and larger quantity
if the State will furnish them means in proper
ton, charging q per cent. commissions; invoices
to be inspected by C. mmittse appointed by the
Legislature. think this the most practical thing
that has yet been proposed on the subject.
The Tux Bill, when it is reported by tho Com
mittce of Ways and Means, will create much dis
CUSTOM as there ia great diversity Of opinion iu
reference to the commodities to bo taxed. Nearly
all professions and calings, Farmers, Lawyers,
Merchants and Mechanics, wish to protect their
respective interests. think eau safely premise
that the Dog Tax, which was always uneonsttu-
tional, will be expunged from the now Tax Bill.
By an examination of the cOmptrollor's Report,
find the Tayos have not been much moro than
half paid in many of tho Districts; but am proud
to inform you our District in the way Of prompt
tax paying Will compare favorably with any Dis.
trict in the State.
Discussion rs to the finishing, temporarily, Of
one wing Of th. ncw Capitol for the preservation
of tho archives of tho State and tho aocommoda-
ton of the Legislature, will occupy some of tho
time Of the pre&cnt session.
Our old fellow ctizcn, CALEs WATKINS, Esq,
has proposition before the Committee on Public
Buildings 10 perform tho work.
Adieu for The present. In my next I hope /
will bc able !e give You something more definite
and entertaining.
TnoS. JONES'
Ps. Tho Constitutional Amendment do not
believe will find single friend iu either branch
IL. II