The true northerner. [volume] (Paw Paw, Mich.) 1855-1920, 1881-03-25

in the Seventh district, returned last Monday
evening n salute OF thirteen guns was fired.
The desks in the Senate chamber were nicely
trimmed with flowers, and some very pleasant
speechifying was done both by tho Senators
and by Mr.. Rich in reply. The occasion was
pleasant one, but did not compare with the
pleasant presentation that took place thismor
ing. The members and pant OF the officers OF
the two houses had purchase d n beautiful and
elaborate solid gold watch. chain and charm,
and, without MIR. Richs knowing why. the
House came in in boiy, with n large number OF
spectators when he was called TO the chair by the
President and the presentation address made
by Senator Epson, OF Branch county. Both the
address and the reply were well-worded al d SEN
sibe, and the fact that he was to leave the Legs-
lature after nearly ten years as Representative.
Speaker aud Senator, made the occasion one
never to be forgotten by the audience OF inter-
ested spectators. As Mr. Rich il so well known
in Michigan we give his reply entire, as follows:
"FELLow-MEMBERs OF THE LEGISLATURE II
IL hardly necessary Tor me 10 say that this is
an unexpected event. During my connection
with this Legislature for the last two months
and n half, my assoca ton with you has been
OF the pleasantest kind. In my long Legisla-
tive career, becoming more or less Intimate
with upward of 500 men, L have, without ex-
ception, been treated with the greatest kindness
and goodwill. Coming here, as felt, unwor-
thy the position which was called to occupy,
have l., en- continued from time to time, aud
have received several promotions to places
where 1t seemed to me other men
were more deserving. Why this was
so cannot tell. / have been indebted TO you
before this In an amount greater than l WAS
able to repay but this last presentation, it seems
TO me, renders me hopeless bankrupt. While
there was an indebtedness OF kind words, kind
deeds and generous action there was little
hope of some return, but for these substantial
tokens the assets are nothing beside kindness
and good will. wish that in your future life
you may meet with friends who can contribute
TO your happiness as you have toward mino in
making my Legislative life pleasant. No words
can express my feelings this morning."
The watch Is engraved with the monogram
81. L. Il. on the trout case and the coat of
arms of the State on the back and in the inner
case the words: "His Colleagues OF the 3lst
Michigan Legislature 10 Hon. John L. Rich. A
token of personal regard and recognition OF
faithful services Representative, Speaker,
Senator, 1881. MIR. Rich has resigned his
Senatorship, to take effect next Monday.
ODDS AND ENDS.
When the bill Introduced III the House emit
tied "A bill to pro hit charivari parties and
prescribe the punishment thereof" passes.
people can take some sort of comfort in get
ting married.
AZ usual at this time of the year, both
houses arc full OF would-be Supervisors, and
they will soon go home in force to look after
their "fenccs."
The Six or eight bills in relation to the school
system OF the State have been boiled down by
the committee of the Senate, and reported a.
one grand combination, but whether II will pass
depends upon whether it IL better than the
present syctem. Michigan certainly don't
need poorer one. OBSERVER.