Savannah morning news. [volume] (Savannah) 1868-1887, 1883-01-11

with the proposed ship canal through Florida
nave arrived, doubtless for the purpose of
asking legislative aid and sanction to their
gigantic undertaking. Win forward informa-
ton on this subject as it is developed.
TALLAHASSEE, Jan. 9.-Thus far there have
been but Few bills introduced for relief. They
were numerous last session. In the way Of
memorials to the General Government for the
establishment of post offices, new routes, etc.,
the applications have not been frequent.
So too, IN petitions for appropriations
Tor dredging out spring branches two-inch
creeks, etc, which came in thick and fast two
years ago, there has been decided lull
Ihe sum of 5000 was voted in the last river
ana harbor bill for the improvement of the
CaloOsahatchie river, and this appropriation
has lately been reported to the department at
Washington, together with several others of
similar character, as being unnecessary and
uncalled for. In view of the DrOsDectiye inn
pOrtance of this river as being the Gnlf 0utlet
of the kissimmee valley and Lake Okeechobee.
particularly since the completion of the canal
connecting the river and lake, memorial
was introduced by Senator Greeley praving
that the sum specified be still made ayailablP
and urging our representatives in Congress 10
nave the appropriation continued. This en-
terprlse Will bare scrutiny, and as a large and
increasing commerce will soon be floating
upon the CaloOsahatchie, that section is fully
entitled to government assistance
An additional standing committee has been
appointed IN the Senate, as also in the AS
sembly, to whom all propositions for holding
a constitutional convention, and all amend-
ments TO the organic law, and everything re-
latlng TO the question, are TO be referred This
Is a very important committee and already
are up To their elbows in business, as a great
abundance of matter has been placed in their
hanqs Tor consideration. DR.. Grill, Chairman
OF tl1e Senate committee, is q gentleman of
cool head and clear Judgment and will faith
fully perform his responsible duties. This is
the question OF the session, and will demand
the utmost caution and deliberatiOn
So, too, there have been committees on tenn
perance appointed in both houses, and the
subject has many and warm advocates.
powerful effort has been made bv some Of the
religious bodies in this State to effect a reform
In this respect, and memorials on the subject
VIII soon be falling upon the Legislature like
leaves in autumn.
\ bill has been introduced with regard to
public printing, which provides that in all
counties where there are two or more paDers
proposals shall be invited by the County Com
ms: mlssIoners Tor doing the public printing, and
that IT shall be awarded to the party making
the lowest bid. This to include tax sales, etc.
A proviso declares that the bill shall not con-
hlct with the right of private parties to con-
trol legal notices. None of the Journals in
Florida are mints at the best, aud II is a hard
life for their pTOprietors. If the public print
ing Is cut down to the lowest possible figures,
ii Will operate seriously against the very ex
lstence OF some of the papers in several cOun-
ties, and may threaten their continuance
The Senate and Assembly rooms are very
badly arranged for the accommodation of Wis
u0rs. The space for outsiders is ridiculOusIv
limited, and whites and blacks, ladies and
gentlemen, are all crowded together in nm
comfortable proximity. As a result very few
OF the fair sex ever visit the Assembly hall or
Senate chamber, when their presence might
have the effect of melting the younger Solons
of the body to unusual flights of eloquence.
1t must be admitted that the State House
building Is quite an antiquated structure and
very far behind the requirements of the age.
The number of lobbyists around the capitol
is small compared with the thrOng in attend
ance two years ago. Most of the State land
has been disposed of in aid of the various in
ternal improvements finished, or in progress,
and the loaf has been exhausted. The few
crumbs, scattered here and there, can be gath
cred at leisure.
The Judiciary Committees in both houses are
hard worked bodies. About tWo-thirls of all
the bills presented are referred TO them, and
they are required ta do three times the work
OF any other committee, Senator Mallory,
Chairman of that committee in the Senate, is
industrious and thoroughly competent He
has inherited much of the ability and talent of
his distinguished father, Secretary of the Con-
federate navy.
Col. Mcclellan, of the Houza committee.
compiled the digest that hears his name, and
OF course is at homo IN his position,
Colonel gentry, the ubiquitous, irrepressi-
bic, loquaclOuS and versatile agent eff the
MORNING NEWS, is buzzing around the city in
his usual energetic manner, and gathering IN
the subscribers, ~
Committees from both houses have been
appointed to visit the Lunatic Asylum.
1t is understood that at the caucus last night
of the Democrats and Independents it was
resolved to call convention by the t'short
cut method by a vote of forty-seven to ten.
The weather is horrible, and threatens to be,
come cold w II