Smyrna times., 1877-01-24
For the Smyrna Times.
The Legislature.
DOVER, DEL, January 23rd. 1877.

DOVER, DEL, January 23rd, 1877.
The resolution adopted by the Senate
making the lst day of February the time
for the adjournment of the Legislature
sane dte, was never intended as a fact of the
proceedings. But it has had the effect.
which the higher branch of the Legislature,
intended that it should have and that WAS
to hasten those who intended to bring any
matters under contemplation before the
present Legislature. Mr.. Messick, a mem.
Der from Sussex received the resolution
with alarm for fear that it would pass. and
It's purpose was not understood by him
until explained. As Il consequence of the
resolution the members appeared in their
seats yesterday well provided with work.
and the business of the session may be said
to have fairly opened. The gravest and
most important affairs of legislation are of
course yet to come, and the sharp tactics
thus far displayed in looking after the
scalp of the hawk and owl, the welfare of
the muskrat and the dog, are as a member
from Sussex expresses it, but matters to
practice upon.
There really cannot be said to be anv
matter of weighty importance ut present
Tor the deliberations OF the Legislators. but
as gentleman remarked to me Yesterday
I'll Is we'll that they should not be crowded
for the reason that it would outwork them
before the session was over" But Judging
from the amount OF elegant leisure they
have thus far enjoyed there is no reason for
"nXey for their physical or mental condi-
tlon. Butthrthe very praisewOrthy fact that
there are some ingenious and very indus
trlous men IN both houses, who make work
When there Is none on hand, there would
tie dearth almost insurmountahlp. |
talked with M. ID 'nney to-day i'm regard
to business before the Senate and he stated
that they had hut little business on hand
thus far, but were expecting Its accumula
ton.
y matter which seems to OUTWEIGH in
Importance anythin" of legislative char.
acter Is the appointment of Clerk of the
Peace IN Sussex county. The candidates
are Mr.. Phynter Rodney and Col. w. Fisk
Townsend. Both men are strong party
men and have the Governor in an nm.
pleasant situation. as it is said whatever his
decision may he it is bound to give diSSatis
faction and create factions in the ranks OF
the Democracy of old Sussex.
In the House yesterday afternoon the
hill extending the time for killing musk.
rats, which was offered in the Senate first
hy Mr.. Denney came up lis the special
SlderatIon was POSTPONED.
Persons contcm la ing MARI ,ge and who
are poor have reason to thank Mr.. Records
OF Sussex who has had pa-st'ti hill reducing
the marriage license from four dollars to
TWO. Whether this will be- any further in
duccment to people to marry remains to
he seen. Mr.. Records says that it will, and
also that it will indure persons to come
from other States into Delaware to marry.
The House and Senate have passed Joint
resolutions cordially endorsing and approv.
ing the bill reported hy the Joint Committee
of the National Congress regarding the
settlement Of the Presidential count. The
resolutions also hestOw praise upon Mr..
Bavard for the pIrt he took on the COM
nittee. The fir-t stock law petition of the
session came up in the House this morning
and was the cause Of considerable debate.
It was presented by Mr.. Bird, and Messrs.
l1olcOmb, Brown and Wright talked freely
on the subject of stock laws. The petition
was passed., but in the afternoon the vote
was recOnsidered, and it is thought this
will he made a test question as to whether
the Legislature shall grant anymore stock
laws.
The present Legislature will hear peti.
tions for divorce. This was virtually de.
clded by vote taken yesterday in the
reference of the petition of - man in Will
mlngtOn for divorce to the Committee on
Divorces. 1t was won by majority Of
seven and Mr.. Holcomb who is the leader
of the divorce forces in the House regards
it as a victory, and that the doors of the
present Legislature will be open to divorce
cases.