Savannah morning news. [volume] (Savannah) 1868-1887, 1883-01-05
TALLAHASSEE.

appearance OF the Capttal-The New
HOtel-PensaeoIa and Atlantic Rail-
road-A Gigantic Stride-The LegIsIa-
ture-A Close Shave in the Assembly
Length of the SeSsion-The Message.
TALLAHASSEE, FLA.,Jan. 3.-Your very ex-
cellent and painstaking local correspondent
will continue to furnish the MORNING NEWS
with all matters of interest connected with
this city, so that shall confine myself more
particularly to the business Of the Legisla-
ture.
appearance that il did two years ago A no.
taple improvement is presented in the Leon
Hotel, new and imposing building erected
ON the square formerly occupied by the court
mousse The edifce is in keeping with the
spirit ana progress of the times, and must
exert great influence in attracting travel TO
this section. Indeed, one of the wants of Mid
die and West Florida has been the scarcity of
such accommodations as are demanded by the
wealthy and intelligent tourists and immi-
grants annually visiting our State in such
large and increasing numbers.
An event of no ordinary Importance Oc-
CURED recently that ushered in an era of
growth and development for West Florida.
Heretofore the members of the Legislature
from the extreme western counties were COM
PEELED to take circuitOus, tedious and expen-
slYe route through portions of Alabama and
Georgia to reach the capital A car was
placed at their disposal by the Superintendent
wv
brought them by rail to Tallahassee, with the
exception OF twelve miles staging This gap
viii be speedily filed, and continuous route
opened through Florida from the Gulf to the
Atlantic. This vast work has been accom-
pilshed III the remarkably short period of
eighteen months.
A large number of members of both branches
OF the Legislature had arrived as early as last
Monday morning. The lawmakers were re-
inforced by numerous applicants for the vari-
Gus oI1ces at their disposal, so that the scene
around the capitol was lively and interesting.
Unusual attention was directed to the As
semDly, as 1t was apprehended that a COM
binaton would be formed between the indie
pendents and Republicans, which would wrest
the organization of that branch out of the
hands of the Democrats. The difference in
the strength OF the parties was so small that
mad such a union been effected the result
would have been very doubtful.
A caucus of the Democrats held Monday
night showed that only 80 straightouts were
present Four had not arrived, and 80 votes
were required to effect an organization in the
interests of the Democratic party Matters
began to look decidedly gloomy, and con-
siderable apprehension was entertained
Tuesday morning brought with it, however.
the Tour tardy members from the south, and
the addition to the Democratic column of two
OF the members classed as Independents, viz /:
Messrs. q. 7. Canova, of Baker, and j. 5.
Calk, of Holmes, just made up the number
required 10 give the Democrats working ma
Jorltv. long breath of relief was drawn
when this fact was ascertained, and the coali-
tlon that had been formed between the Inde-
pendents and Republicans burst into frag-
ments. When the Assembly was called to or
der at u m. Tuesday, Mr.. Charles Doughertv
was elected Speaker, receiving 80 votes Mr.
j. \. Strlbling, Independent, received 21, and
5. G. Cobb, Republican, r. The remaining
ofhcers OF the Assembly are all straightOut De-
mOcrats.
Only two of the former officers of the Senate
were reelected, the Secretary and the En-
rolling Clerk. No difficulty was experienced
IN the organization of the Senate, as that body
has clear working majority over all of eight
Democrats The advantage of experience is
on the side of the Senate, as 10 of the 81 mem
bers have previously served in the Legislature
VI the 10 members of the Assembly, only y or
10 have had any previous legislative expert
ence.
Opinions vary as to the probable length of
the session. The majority incline to the view
days. The opposition in the Assembly muster
so strongly that it is in their power, if so dis
posed, very seriously to embarrass and retard
legislation.
The grounds around the capitol have been
put in nice order, and the building is now sur
mounted by stah, from which float the flags
or Florida and the United States. The new
desks and chairs in the Assembly Hall are not
only neat but comfortable, and the appear
anee OF the room has been vastly improved
Beyond the organization of the two houses
and the reading of the message nothing vet
has been done in the way of legislation The
message is regarded as entirely satisfactory
and shows progress in all the various depart
ments. The large reduction in taxation which
tary on the efficiency of the administration
Gov. BloXham has fully redeemed all the
pledges made in his inaugural address
w. H. b.