The Manitowoc tribune. [volume] (Manitowoc, Wis.) 1866-1878, 1871-03-16
MADISON CORRESPONDENCE.
MADISON, March 18th, 1871

4n+3bAoOff ON, 1Otls
Absence FROM this city prevented me
from sending any letter last week, but as
there was but little of Importance to COM
municate, its no-aappearance was of no
consequence
The appointments and Dells bill have
been the all absorbing topics of interest
tor number OF days past, and the as
senbly chambers have been the resort of
a large number Of visitors during the con-
sideration of those measures.
The apportionment bill, after being
somewhat amended, was ordered to a
third reading, and will without doubt,
pass. The only alteration made in Mani
towoc county, is the withdrawal of the
town of Gibson from the third district,
and its annexation to the second, which
will make the second district Republican
by small majority. The other two are
1rredeemably Democratic.
The Dells bill was reported back to the
Assembly by the committee who had it
in charge, on the Sd instant without re-
commentator, which course by. them
was entirely unexpected and caused con-
siderable surprise among the membe IS.
This course was probably the best and
fairest method of treating bill Of this
nature, and shows no Partially; and
gives both the friends and opponents
fair start in the contest. The bill was
made the special order of business for
Wednesday last, On which day it was
brought up, and caused quite lively
debate through the morning session, and
again during the evening session and was
finally ordered to third reading by
vote of45 to 81. This result is consider
ed by the friends OF the bill as satisfac-
tory evidence Of its final success, but the
end is not yet, During the course of
the debate, quite a sensation was created
by an announcement by Mr. Orion of
this city, that he had been offered money
for his influence aud vote; he thought
it matter that ought to be inquired into
and accordingly offered resolution which
was adopted, to the effect that a com
mittee should be appointed to investigate
and endeavor to ascertain the facts of
the matter and report as early as posi-
bic, the evidence received. 1t is rener-
ally known that numerous lobby has
been constantly in and about the Capitol
during the present session, in the inter
ests of both the friends and enemies of
the bill, and of course it is to be expect
ed that money has been used where an
idea was entertained that it would work
the desired effect. This investigation
cannot have much effect on the passage
OF the bill as there is no doubt that both
parties are guilty of similar practice, but
whether the committee will be able to
find satisfactory proof OF these facts, re-
mains to be seen. 1t has been stated that
the friends Of the bill have expended
nearly twenty thousand dollars in their
efforts to gain favor for it, but this is
mere rumor and is given only for What it
is worth.
On Friday the last the bill came I'D in
its regular order for final action but after
quite spirited debate it was postponed
until tomorrow, to await the report of
the investigating committee who are or
dered to report this evening. Considera-
bic speculation is made as to the effect
the report will have on the bill; some
contend that sufficient evidence has been
received to kill the bill, and its friends
seem to feel quite sanguine of its final
passage.
As soon as this bill is disposed of the
balance of the business on hand will soon
be completed and the session brought to
q close.
The time for adjournment is put by
me,at the end of the present week, but
it will probably be the middle of another
week before the fna, adjournment.
n L