The true northerner. [volume] (Paw Paw, Mich.) 1855-1920, 1877-02-23
FROM THE STATE CAPITAL.


\ thOrlty, as Michigan Legislator,
hath seen fit to take away the "natural
rights of the festive tramp who delights
to beat his landlord or landlady out of
sundry meals, whereby his vagabondship
hath grown fat, etc. That is to say, the
Legislature has passed a law for the
protection of hotel and boarding house
keepers, and also private houses, against
the frauds of "hotel Jumpers and
dead beats. Any person who shall
hereafter order or cause to be furnished
any food on accommodation, with intent
to defraud, shall be deemed guilty of a
misdemeanor, and subject to both fine
and Imprisonment.
The bill 1 mentioned last week for the
preservation of the purity of elections"
will undergo some changes before leay-
ing the hands of the committee, it hay-
ing been ascertained that the Legisla-
ture hasno power to disfranchise electors
for any cause whatever. The constitu-
ton provides that laws may be passed
to preserve the purity of elections, but it
has been clearly interpreted byJudge
Cooley AZ granting no power to interfere
with the elective franchise. In some
other States the constitution plainly pro
vides that persons may be DISTINGUISHED
for betting at elections, and many of our
citizens are of the opinion that
such provision would be very
salutary i'm our own State. AS it is, the
bill, if passed, will be so amended as TO
conform 10 this construction of the con-
stitutional provisions. 1t will provide
severe penalties for betting and selling
pools upon the result of any,election.
The Temperance reform is constantly
gaining strength, and has worked quite
revolution in public sentiments here as
well as elsewhere.
The Lansing Light Guards, who have
been So successful with their series
Legislative hops" are preparing to pre-
sent series of dramatic entertainments
ut the new opera house.
The close of the fifty days, wherein
bills may be introduced is approaching,
and as result very large portion of
the tinne of members is occupied in pro-
posing bills. Up to the present time
about 80 bills have already been intro
duced in the House and about half that
number in the Senate, thus placing be-
fore the Legislature very large amount
of work A resolution was introduced a
few days since for final adjournment
on the Goth of March, but twill hardly
pass both houses, as it is we'll knoxn that
it viii be impossible to complete the
work OF the session before that time.
1t rAaEst be remembered that in
Michigan the Legislature meets,but once
in two years, and therefore much larger
amount of work accumulates,than would
be likely in States having an annual ses-
sion. 1t is probable that. the present
Legislature will not adjourn finally until
sorae time near the LIST of May. A very
great portion of the time of the session
is occnpied in local Legislation, such as
the incorporation or amending charters
OF cities and villages
Prof. Ten Brock, of the State Univer-
sity, delivered very able lecture upon
the educating influence of public
libraries, in Representative Hall,
on Wednesday evening. These
Legislative lectures seem to be
growing in popularity, and, among
others, we understand that there will be
lectures by Dr. G. Il. Wilbur, of Jack
sonville, Ill, and Rev. Dr. Gillespie, of
Grand Rapids, upon the subject of "Idi-
ocy and the Treatment of Idiots" These
lectures are undoubtedlw intended exclu-
sively for the benefit of the "third
house." and it is to be hoped that no
member of that very numerous body will
absent himself from the hall on the occa-
sion in question.
The possible contingency of another
Senatorial election has been speculated
upon by some of the far-seeing poll
ticians OF the State. Such contingency
is supposed to involve the appointment
of Senator Christiancy to the Supreme
bench as the successor of Judge Davis,
who will soon retire to take his seat in
the Senate. Should such an event Trans
pire, it is said that Mr.. Chandler will be
a candidate for his, old seat in the Senate.
OF course, all this talk is mere specu-
lation upon possible rather than prabable
events.
The contractors for the new STATE Cap
itol express the belief that they viii be
able to complete the building about the
LIST of August next, in which eNenE the
Governor may feel constrained To call an
extra session of the Legislature 10. accept
and take formal possession of the prop
erty. SUCH IA occasion would be.a very
interesting one, should it be Thought nee
essary or ADVISABLE.
Hon. Levi Bishop, of Detrsib has pro-
posed to donate to the State $4,000 for
the erection of permanent library
building Sor the State University, al
Ann Arbcr, provided that the State APP
propriates $40, 900 additionaI and with
the further condition THAI Mr.. Bishop
shall receive an annuity Of s per cent.
upon the amount donated by him, dur
ing his lifetime. Gmess not, Mr.
Bishop! 1t would hardly be proper fol
the State to pay s per cent
interest upon so large ar amount for al
object not by any means absolutely nee
essary. 1t would hssliy be pS,icy t.
borrow money at THAI rate for any pur
pose, and tits very questionable, xhethel
the Legislature will feel under any obi
cation to accept tie undoubtedly well
mtentioneapropossl of Detroit shonore,
citizen.
Friday noon the House adjourned up
, til %ossday evening, and it is not ira