The Van Buren press., 1875-03-02
From the Capital.
LITTLE Rock. ARK Feb. 10.

Dear Sir:-The political outlook is
pretty much the same as when you were
here. Almost daily dispatches from
Washington. speak hopefully OF the trl-
umph of our righteous cause; while. at
the same time, il must be confessed that
our opponents claim to be equally hope
ful. The delsy of congres. to act upon
the report Of the investigating commit.
tee naturally causes solicitation among
Our friends THE non action of congress
is to be deplorcd, for. although the pres
idcnt may not, in that event, interfere to
establish Brooks in authority, is govern
or of Arkansas, his late message to con-
gress admonishes us to look out for the
fullillment Of our worst apprehcnslons.
1t is true the expression of public senti-
ment, through the press, and other chan
nels, may have salutary effect even up
on u. s Grant But if congress adjourns
leaving our affairs unacted upon, | shall
be prepared for the worst, while hoping
that the sober second thought Of the
president may lead him to wiser conclu-
sions than those forshadowed in his re,
markable message. He has Mird term
on the brain and extreme measures, the
enforcementAact, the ku klux laws, the
suspension Oh the writ of ha6eas corpus,
and, in word, the military seizure of
half a dozen of the southern states. to
co-erce them into his support for third
term, are the agencies to be employed to
subserve his unhallowed ambition The
southern radicas-the worst type of the
republican party--seem now to control
the president. Only think Of a president
Of the United States in the hands Of
Clay ton, Dorsey, Brooks, Poker Jack,
and others like them Y And yet not
wthstanding our unfavorable surround
ings | am hopeful in spite of them.
The general assembly is now dispos-
ing Of much business We will not ad- |
journs before the 4th, and may not ad
journ before the 10th of March.
The bill on corporations embracing
about ninety sections, and providing for
the government of either of the first and
second class, and incorporated towns
passed the senate to day, after many
amendments had been made thereto, in
committee, and in the senate. 1t is,
think, decided Improvement on the old
law
The revenue bill passed the senate, a
few days ago. Under its operations, the
state tax, for all purposes, will be one
per cent, coming up to the constitution
al Limitation. The new law abolshes the
state board of equalization, leaving the
whole matter to the county court, acting
as board of equalization, as formerly.
This, think, all be pleasing to the peo
pie, as they ,su'' IN great sufferers from
the actog board, and | see
no goocg county may not
be trustee ion and eqnaliza-
ton of a9 ,or they ought to
be more comp snt than state board,
located at the city of Little Rock, be.
cause better acquainted with the proper
ty assessed
Hereafter assessors will not be paid a
commission on the amount Of assess
ments, but will be paid twenty-five (25)
cents for each tax. payers list. This is a
great improvement, in the law, and takes
away from the assessor temptation that
ought always to be guarded against.
The bill for the benefit of"druggists,"
or especially those druggists who turn
drug stores into dram-shops, is under a
special order for to morrow. 1t cncoun-
ters strong opposition, but think it will
be carried through.
Most of the general assembly are anx-
ious to get home We are, indeed, tired
down, and our pockets are becoming
sadly depleted. We cannot remain here
much longer. Whether our work shall
stand or fall, we shall have the conscious
ness Of attempted, with honest purposes
to discharge our duty.
Very truly,
T,ccr r,,p>ru