The true northerner. [volume] (Paw Paw, Mich.) 1855-1920, 1877-01-19
TIE STATE CAPITAL.

Letter from Our Regular Correspondent.
LANSING, Jan. ID, 1876.
The oft-repeated saying, that large bodies
move slowly" has not thus far been verified by
the experience Of the Michigan Legislature.
The organization has been perfected and the
work of the session entered upon with vgor
and esrnestness which pro misses the dispatch
of large amount of business in the shortest
possible time.
The announcement of committees seems to
have been very satisfactory to most, il not all,
members, while, in the House, Speaker Rich
is winning many compliments for his thought
full and judcious selections.
There are very many young men in the House,
and their claims TO consideration have not been
disregarded. The five youngest members are
placed at the heads of important committees,
and we are confident none Of them will disap-
point the expectations OF their friends.
The Committee on State University have
been empowered and instructed to make a
thorough investigation into the financial affairs
of that institution, with view to ascertain
who Is to blame for the recent defalcation in
tho accounts Of the laboratory. The committee
to whom this work is intrusted are we'll fitted
for tho arduous task, and we have no hest
fancy in saying that they will go to the bottom
Of the affair. Railroads are offering the 'pipe
of peace to the Legislators, in the shape Of
little cards, which are good for a large amount
Of free riding, unless reUoked. or course
members in voting will have the fear OF God
and their constituents in mind rather than the
fear Of reUocdtion on the little cards in ques-
ton.
The Democratic Senatorial caucus placed in
nomination, to receive the votes OF Democratic
members when the vote for United States Sena-
tor is taken, Hon. Chas: s. May, formerly Of
Kalamazoo, but now OF Detroit. MIR. May has
once been Lieutenant Governor Of the State,
and has been prominently identified with Michi-
gan politics for many years past.
Thureday last, within half an hours time,
there were presented by members OF the House
about forty petitions, GENEROUSLY signed, pray
ing for reduction of the fire test in kerosene
or petroleum oils. The general desire
Of the petitioners seems TO be to
reduce the standard to 100 degrees flash
test The standard is now $50 degrees. Bills
have already been introduced to make the de-
sired change. Thureday Gill was introduced
TO restore the system Of county superintend-
ents OF schools. The county superintehdensy
system was abolished as a measure OF economy,
yet the present law providing for township
suoerintendents is quite rs expensive and in
many counties more 30. Ii the county super
intendency law is restored 1t should be with
some important notifications.
To relieve the tedium Of legislative labor
Lansing duOfQb very mohBer supply VI Gil
tertainments, about the only thing thus far
presented being second-class operate con-
cert aud walking match. To partially make
up for this lack Of amusement the House,
yesterday, INDUCED in a first-class hllibuster
over the question whether or not tobacco |
smoke should be allowed to vitiste the pure CD |
air of the old Representative Hall. The anti |
at length cornered their less
numerous opponents and brought them J
TO square vute. As result the |
lovers Of good Havana will have |
to seek some quiet nook which the Sergeant
at-Arms does not invade, and waste the per- |
fumes which have been enjoyed % second |
handed by less luxurious honorables.
The old State House at Lansing will, Of |
course. by the time another Legislature con-
venes, be superseded by the elegant new
structure now building. There are some things |
N the old house which are worthy Of preserva-
ion "a relics. For instance, tue canepy over
he Speakers chair is an ancient production. lit
as first used in the old State House at Rich