Oxford Democrat. [volume] (Paris, Me.) 1833-1933, 1877-02-06

The attack on Hon. Joshua Nye, State
Insurance Commissioner, but better
known for his efficient woik in the tenn
perance cause, has created considerable
feeling here. That it was conspiracy
to break down his influence is so apparent
that scarcely any one attempts to deny IL
The attack was first commenced through
the columns of the Argus, and was then
followed up in the House oil Representa-
tives. But whatever its object may have
been, it has signally Jailed. To avoid
| suit for libel, Mr.. Adams disclosed the
name of the writer of the libelous letters,
aud made satisfactory explanation In
his paper. 1t now remains to be seen
who was the ins,igator of the conspiracy,
and is possible that the Grand Jury may
have something 10 do with the case before
| il is settled.
The Savings Bank bill is still undis-
posed OF. 1t was amended in the House
from A TO =. and sent TO the Senate
That branch took it up to-day and reject
ed the amendment fixing the State tax al
one per cent. and tabled it. very
stringent law TO protect farmers against
dogs has passed the House, and will prof.
ably pass the Senate. 1t has been asked
tor by those engaged in sheep husbandry
for several years. and if it becomes law
il will doubtless prove effective.
The Resolve in favor OF the State Agri-
cultural College came up in the Senate
to-day. There has probably been more
lobbying TO secure this appropriation than
on any other business which has come up
this session, and it was carried through
the Senate by decided majority. and is
now before the House. There are many
who doubt the propriety of voting such
large sums 10 this institution every year.
1t is almost an elephant on our hands ;
but it must either be supported or aban-
doned.
The House voted almost unanimously
iustructing The committee TO report an
amendment 10 the Constitution, TO be sub
mitted to the people, providing Tor bien'
NAL elections aud sessions, and such Il
resolution has been reported, but the ses-
sion is so near its close, AMI The local
influence here is so potent against it. that
it will hardly be put through al this ses-
sion.
The act against pool selling and loser
les. when on its final passage IN the 81 L
ate was amended by striking out the arti-
Gle which prohibited lotteries by religious
societies, and was then passed, aud goes
back to the House tor concurrence. 1t is
a some hat remarkable amendment, ard
one which was not asked for by the par
ties who would be most affected by it,
Nothing is TO be done this year tor the
enlargement of The State Nouse. The
/ Legislature is very conservative in money
matters, aud reuenchmen! Is the order OF
the day. Warden Rice has asked Tor an
appropriation to enlarge the State Prison .
+ He has accommodations for orly loO con-
yicis. and estimates that before the close
of the present year. be will be called up
on TO take charge OF at least 200. The
prison is no longer selt-sustaining; the
deficiency the past year amounting to
something over $4,000. Toe inspt ctors
estimate the deficiency the present year
at - 900.
Among the most deservedy popular
members of the House is Henry b Cleav-
es of Portland. lie speaks rarely but
always efficiently, because always on The
right side. lie seldom takes q position
without beng able 10 carry the House
with him. He is well read in law aud in
parliamentary rules. and well deserves
the position as leader OF the House. to
which he is entitled as chairman OF It's
most important committee.
Hon. F. A Pike. with his long legisla
tive experience, is a most valuable me- m
Der. and 10 House composed OF 50 many
new members. be finds plenty 20 do. lie
closely scrulinizes every measure, parlc-
ularly those OF public nature, and his
opinion carries great weight.
The resolve approaching the action oil
our Senators 10 voting against the com
promise bill. to which | referred IN my
last letter. has not been called up, and
probably will not be. Nobody doubts
that our Senators acted conscieatiously
in so voting, and even the friends of the
compromise find no fault with them. and
believe that the resolution was uncalled
Tor and unnecessary. OCCASIONAL.
Augusta, Feb ,. 1871
Washington Correspondence.