, 1867-12-27
legislative Correspondence.

EpIroR STATESMAN THE Legislative Assem>
bly, of Washington Territory has now been in
session two weeks, and In the whole of that time
have done little more than effect an orga nizaton.
The main cause of this delay has been the un-
willingness of members to proceed with the
transaction of business until the question Of con-
tested seats is settled. This more particularly
has been the case in the Council, where Louis
Mclean, defeated before the people of Lewis and
Washington counties, holds the seat that props
erly belongs to James Longmire, who the proofs
show, had a majority of the legal voters. From
the first, the democrats in the Council endeavor,
ed to bring the contest to an early decision, but
have constantly been obstructed by the radicals,
who have shown a disposition to keep Mclean
in his seat without any regard to law or justice.
The case has finally been made the special order
! for to-day. Whst the result may be is dificalt
to determine, but this thing is certain, that if
justice is done, the radicals will lose member
and the democrats gain one.
BILLS OF LOCAL IMPORTANCE.
As specially Interesting to your readers,
notice a new apportioument bill introduced by
Councilman Trip, of Clark county. This bill
gives the river counties one half the representa-
ton in the House, and of this number Walla
Walla gets seven out of fifteen. The apportion-
ment is based on the vote cast for Delegate to
Congress at the last election, and from the e1-
animation I have given it, feel warranted in
saying that it is fair and just. The bill will
pass the Council by two.third vote, and think
will get through the House without difficulty.
Mr. Vansyckle, of Walla Walla, has introduced
in the Council a memorial asking the annexation
of Northern Idaho. Some of the Sound men,
bers oppose the annexation, fearing that it will
eventuate in a removal of the Capitol, but this
feeling is not general. A count of noses shows
that the memorial will pass the Council. What
will be its fate in the House is another matter,
but the friends of the measure are confident that
it will squeeze through the popular branch of
the Legislature. memorial has already passed
both Houses, asking increased pay for carrying
the mail between Wala Walla and Colville.
The compensation was cut down by the Depart
ment to 81, 800. The memorial asks that the
pay be increased to So ,OOO Even at this figure
it is doubtful whether the contractor will be able
to make it pay. l notice that writer in the
STATESMAN advocates the passage of law per-
mitting hogs to run at large certain months in
the year. Mr.. Lamb, of your delegation, fayors
this measure, but being earnestly opposed
by a majority of his colleagues, it is doubtful
whether it will pass. Mr. Ping, who is himself
largely engaged in the business of raising nogs,
is opposed to the movement, and backed by his
colleagues is quite sure to kill the bill whenever
it comes up. Several bills have been introduced
providing for a repeal of the change of venue
law, passed at the last session. The whole sub,
ject has been referred to the Judiciary Commit
tee, who most likely will report substitute for
the present law. Mr.. Horton, of Walla Walla,
has introduced in the House bill modifying the
license Aaw, aud giving Justices of the Peace
cognsahce of all violations of the license law.
The bill when it comes up to the Council is quite
sure to be modified. The rate Of license will not
exceed S2OO per annum, and applicants will have
| the privilege of taking out licenses for any term
not less than three months. Nothing as yet has
been done in relation to "fee bills" but all the
members are agreed that the time has come for
| material reduction.
THE wALLA wALLA DELEGATION.
Old members o: the Legislature, men who have
Been here since the organization of the Territory;
assure me that Wala Walla was never before so
well represented in the House. YouI five mem,
bers in that body constantly in their seats,
and if untring exertions will accomplish any,
thing, they bound to get through the
ures in which their constituents are more imme-
diateiy interested. Four out of the FIVE are
strictly temperance men, and that fact more than
anything else, astonished the people down here,
who from previous observation had been led to
think that in walla Wala water was only used
for "culinarv purposes" Thus much of the
| har1 Of . tha MOAa yxrin %
me to repeat what is said CT the Councilmen
from Walla Walla.
THE CLARK COUNTY MEMBERS.
This letter would be incomplete if failed to
notice the Clark county members. In the Coun-
Gil, Messrs. Trip and Struve, and in the House,
Messrs. Cochran and JONES' although differing
politically, have at all times been ready and
willing to aid your members in measures of
local character. They are fast friends of the an
nexation movement, and indeed of all the measS
ures 10 which we of Walla Walla feel a special
interest. Certainly Clark county has reason to
be proud of her delegation. At another time |
| will furnish you sketch of the more prominent
members of both Houses.
THE JUDICIARY.
The Supreme Court has been in session here
for the past two weeks, aud it is thought will re.
main in session two weeks longer. l hear it
mentioned that memorial will be introduced
asking the removal of Judge Hewitt, on the
ground of want of capacity The Chief Justice
seems to be intensely unpopular hereabouts, ar,
from the feeling manifested, think his judicial
days are numbered. A movement is also on foo,
looking to the removal of Judge Darwip-tbs
objection in his case being question of morals
He is conceded to be an able jurist, but the fact
'nS' ne believes in the doctrine of free love, and
carries bis belief into practice, has given great
ohenee to the moral and right thinking portion
Oh the community Judge Wyche expresses
N''"' W Oe ':..nsferred to Zoe Sound, and the
proposition now is to transfer Judge Darwin to
the Walla Walls District. Some Of your memr
oers favor the change, others oppose it, How it