Ashtabula weekly telegraph. (Ashtabula, Ohio) 1880-1886, 1880-03-19

The Legislator and the LObbyIst-
AdiutRnt Generals Hleily's mix-Clty
Redeatricting-stnte Convention, etc.
The Legislature is about as dull as can
be. Most Of the lobbies have gone home
and the assembly as a whole appears to be
afraid to do any business. The majority
are on hand promptly when there is an op-
portunity to stir up political chaf-but
they absent themselves as general thing
when anything that concerns the good Of
the state is brought up. One reason for
this is probably because the Republican
majority realize how the Democrats rush
ed things last year, and piled blunder on
bluuder. Now out OF what looks very
much like cowardice, the majority go the
other extreme, and anything like serious
business is regarded as dangerous-some
thing to be avoided lest somebody "puts
their foot in it," It's not much wonder
that sensible men, when discussing the
needs Of the state, over that for all the
real benefit the Legislature confers upon
the State, that body might as well be at
home. To the people of the capital city
the Legislature is inclined to be closed as
one Of the necessary evils, and the hotels
are about the only places that derive any
benefit from the representatives Of the
people.
Hobbies have been more numerous this
session than for years, aud it is exceeding
ly amusing to watch the persistent efforts
on their part in "button holing" members
to lend their influence and vote in favor
Of their particular bill. Last week, this
crowd were here in full force to help the
passage Of the now celebrated "Wilkin's
school bill, " which came up for passage in
the House on Wednesday afternoon. The
lobbies Of the House were crowded with a
ferocious gang Of book agents, ETC., aud
considerable excitement prevailed for the
time being When the bill came up to be
voted on it received 81 votes, while 80 op-
posed it. 1t was lost, not having the con-
stitutional majority.
Every day or so new bills are introduc-
ed for reorganization. The latest is thai
Of Representative Locke Of Madison coun-
ty, who has bill which provides for the
appointment Of Board Of (3) Directors,
who shall have charge Of every state insti-
tuition, and receive compensation Of
$4,000 per year each. The bill provides
how each institution shall be governed,
and has large number OF members on its
side.
The late Adjutant General, l.. M. Nelly,
has figured rather unfavorably in a tran.
saction that has come to light lately and
is just now receiving considerable atten.
tion in the daily press. From all account.
it seems that man named Ross, who is
now Adjutant General Of Indiana, made
arrangement with Nelly to copy the re
cords Of the Adjutant Generals office in
this state, and get a correct list Of tho
veterans entitled to state, county or local
bounty. Nelly was to receive $500 for
this, 800 in cash, and $400 when the list
was disposed Of by Ross. Russ completed
the work and sold half interest to a
bounty and pension agency for nearly
$4,000 Every claim was worth $196
and many Of the soldiers did not know
they were entitled to the money; anC
would readily sign contracts and powers o
attorney for 90 per cent of the amount col
lected. 1t was learned by this agency that
before the courts would entertain the
claims 1t was necessary to have the certif
Gates Of the Adiutant General Of this State
to show that the veterans had been duly
credited to the counties and, were entitled
to the bounty. Nelly refused to give
these certificates unless he received the
$400 due him, and has been sending out
circulars to the soldiers warning them tc
have nothing TO do with the Indiana par
ties. OF course this proves the truth in an
old adage: %When thieves and rogues
fall out, etc"
The Republican Love Feast" as il were,
last Thursday night, was u spirited affair
aud the best Of harmony prevailed. Ii
was by far the largest gathering Of the
State Committees that has been held foI
years and indicates that every member
will do his level best for victory in the
coming contest. It was neither Sher.
man meeting nor Blaine meeting, but a
genuine Republican gathering in which
the best interests Of the great party were
discussed. The committee did a good
thing in selecting Columbus as place for
holding the State Convention, and il your
correspondent is not mistaken the 2Sth OF
April will witness one Of the largest and
most enthusiastic State Conventions ever
held.
The city Of Columbus has been redis-
tricted in manner that does not alto
gether suit the Democratic brethern who
find that they are liable to be II council
man or two short under the present ar.
rangement, and have been working hard to
get an injunction on the proceeding, but
how the matter will come out is just now
pretty hard to tell.
Mr., Kirk Hawes, speaking at Blaine
lOve-teast, at the Grand Pacific Hotel
Chicago Saturday night last, said" il
Grant was again elected It would be the
death blow to Republicanism in Amer,
lea. ~ Cincinnati Commercial.
The speaker might have said-had he
cared to--that Republicanlsm had receiy,
ed It's death blow in a considerable portion
Of America, years ago and that Grants
energy and decision did more to parry
that blow, than that of any other chiel
magistrate the country has had.
Our New York letter, would accommo-
date us better, If itcame to hand on Satur.
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