The spirit of democracy. [volume] (Woodsfield, Ohio) 1844-1994, 1871-02-21
CoLUMuus CORRESPONDENCE.
COLUMBUS, O., Feb. Is, 1871.

COLUMBUS, w., Ccu. 1'3 1o'A'
EDS, SPIRIT: Friday last being the
time for the three week adjournment (ss
it is called) the Legislature adjourned
over until Tuesday. Most of the mem
hers went home to visit their familes.-
What few remained looked as. !. if they
were lonely, and no doubt they felt as
they looked know of one at least that
dill. Yesterday most of the Senator'S
were in their seats again, but the House
spent all afternoon under call, and the
Sergeant -at arms was busy about the
hotels hunting up absentees; at late
hour they adjourned without a quorum.
By this morning nearly all had returned,
and there was q full House, or as full as
usual this winter.
On account of sickness of members
neither party in the House can pass any
bill that is of political character
Young died, Winslcw has gone blind,
Hill, Of Erie; Ward mot Durbin Ward)
and Marshall have all indefinite leave on
account of sickness, neither OF whom
are expected to be able to again occupy
their seats this session.
Baber's primary election bill, which
has passed the House,has received some
consideration in the Senate, but for want
of constitutional majority failed to
pass. Its friends are hopeful of it yet;
aud il Baher does not run some Sena-
tors to death about it, it will probably
become law.
q The object of this bill is 20 protect
primary elections, on the popular vote
system of nominating candidates, from
fraud and corruption. 1t is voluntary
on the part of those counties where this
system of nominations is had. The
central committee of the party deter
mines whether the convention shall be
held under it or not. The penalties
against fraud are similar to those OF the
general election laws.
The Senate has passed a joint resolu,
ton to adjourn, sine die, April 4. Nc
action has yet been taken on it by the
House
The bill authorizing the Board oi
Equalization to reduce the valuation oi
real estate $2O0,0O0,00O is now in the
hands of the Senate Committee on Ag
riculturc. An unsuccessful attempt to
take it from that committee and refer II
to the Committee on Finance, on Fri
day, indicates that it will pass in some
form.
The committee to-day determined te
report an amendment reducing the limi
to $I45, 900, 900, which will probably bt
agreed upon by both branches, when j
will become law.
Two fires occurred here on Monday
one in some small wooden buildings neaI
the corner of High and Gay streets, do
ing considerable damage to some groce
ries. 1t is also intimated it was quite {
disturbing element to the "social evil
located in that vicinity. The other fir
was in the American Hotel building,an
at one time looked as if the best bust
ness partof Columbus would be destroy
ed, but the facility and convenience fo
extinguishing fire here soon reduced i
with comparative small loss.
The Board of Equalization to-da,
passed the assessment Of Monroe Coun
lty as returned, without any increase
This will be satisfactory to our citizen
and is justice to our Taxpayers.
The convention of County School Ex
amlners met here to-day, and there is
tolerable good attendance. Several i'm
portant topics are before the convention
relative to the educational interest of tn
State, but as it is still in session for
bear to give any until my next letter