The Eaton Democrat. (Eaton, Ohio) 1875-1903, 1877-02-08
COLUMBUS LETTER.
COLUMBUS, ONO, !
February End, 1874
'ditor of the Democrat:

February End, 1871
Editor of the Democrat:
The resolution offered by me at
the last session of the General As
sembly, requesting the Committee on
Finance to so change the time of
semi-annual payment of taxes, is in
corporated in amendment to the tax
law, and which l trust will become q
law. The change is Feb. 20 and
Nov. 20, instead of June and Decem
Der 20. These dates may be changed
before its final passage, but in any
event it will, 1 trust, be assimilated
more in the agricultural interests Of
tue State than the present Law.
The bill which l introduced at last
session to preserve the purity of the
elective franchise, and which was
laid over for want of time to consid-
er it fully. is still in the hands of the
Committee to be acted upon, so soon
as my health will warrant it's advo-
cacy in the Senate. On more mature
reflection l have concluded to recall
the bill and report a substitute, to
which the Senate has agreed, with
an understanding that the substitute
shall maintain its place on the calan-
der, but read as the original bill. In
a short time l hope to be able to call
up this important measure for the
consideration of the Senate. At the
proper time 1 will press it, and hope
with some success.
On Tuesday the contest case from
Hamilton county, in the election of
Common Pleas Judge, was taken MP.
The ground of contest is alleged
fraudulent votes at the October cleo
tion, and two preliminary motions
were interposed by the contestee. /.
To the jurisdiction of the Senate not
possessing Judicial power under the
Constitution to hear and determine
the contest. 2.-That the Senate of
the 62d session of the General As
sembly was not the proper tribunal
to hear and determine the contest,
as the statute provides that it shall
be heard by the Senate of the Gen
eral Assembly neat after the election,
and this being an adjourned session,
consequently the Senate had no ju-
risdiction of the case.
These preliminary questions were
very ably argued at the bar of the
Senate, by Judge Hoadly and Mr..
Butterworth, on the part of the con.
tester, and Mr.. Campbell for the con-
testant. Each afternoon, until yes
terday evening, was set apart for
the argument of counsel, who were
heard by the Senators with marked
attention. 1t being the second case
of contest before the Senate of Ohio,
it attracted much attention. Last
evening a vote was reached, and the
Jurisdiction of the Senate was affirm
ed by a considerable majority on the
first preliminary question, and by q
majority of two on the latter, and so
the Senate retained jurisdiction of
the contest and set the case for hear
ing, on its merits, on the 10Th Of
February next.
There is a bill pending in the Sen,
ate to increase the salaries of SUI
preme Judges one thousand dollars
each, making the compensation four
thousand dollars per annum, instead
of three thousand dollars, as the law
now stands. This measure will meet
very persistent opposition on the part
of many Senators. The General As
sembly has received no petition OF
intimation from the people request
ing any legislation of the kind, and
in the present prostration of the in,
dustrial pursuits of the State, I in
tend to oppose the measure TO the
best of my power and ability.
Preble county is at least respecta,
bly, represented in several depart,
ments of the State government
There is Judge Gilmore on the Su-
preme Bench, who has sustained him.
self well in that high and honorable
position, and is no dishonor to the
county. As to the Senator from Pre-
Bile, modesty suggests that 1 pass
him in silence, leaving his constitu.
ents to form, as they should, theil
own conclusions as to his merits OF
dement's. Mr. Hawley, of the House,
makes q creditable representative,
and in that department of the State
government reflects no discredit on
the county. Thos. j. Larsh, CHIEF
Clerk in the Treasury Department
is a faithful end honest officer, and
commands the confidence and respec'
of the public. And last, but moi
least, there is Capt. Shaw, Superin
tendent of the Orphans Home, al
Xenia, who has, with his estimablt
lady, already established a fine repu'
tation for his administrative ability
The Committee who visited the HON,
gave a good report of its condition
and discipline, and speak highly o
the management Of the Superintend
ent and his wife.
A. HAINES.