The daily morning Astorian. [volume] (Astoria, Oregon) 1883-1899, 1895-01-27
From Oregon's Capitol.
Salem, Jan. %, 1895.

The capital of the state during the
session of the legislature biennially,
presents more than its usual activity
and hustle of the business affairs of
every day life, for at this time the
solons from all parts of the state are
here to make laws for the dear people
and to comply with the demands of
their constituents which In a large
majority of cases 1t would be better
for the dear people and their constit-
uents IL the sessions could be ad-
| iourned after the first roll call. How
ever the state accumulates large sums
II money, and 1t must be again re-
turned to the various counties of the
state; therefore, l presume that Il is
essentially necessary that the legisla-
ture should meet, and l guess that
there are other reacons, for almost
every senator and representative has
some pet measure, and some have them
by the score. Some have merit, and
should become laws. A large majority
have none; but as Cleeton Of Columbia,
says, ''Mr. Speaker, my constituents are
waiting while all this valuable time
Is being consumed in useless debate,
to hear from me in this house" r. G..
Smith, the wit from Josephine, mildly
suggested that he had better write
letter home and let them know that
he was here
1t has been the good fortune OF the
writer TO have the pleasure of attend
Ing almost every session of the legis-
lature OF this state for the past six
teen years, and with a great deal of
pride, | have the pleasure of informing
you that in the judgment of many, the
present membership II the legislature
Is composed of men of more than aver
age intelligence from all sections Of our
fair young state, and the young men
largely predominate. In the organi.
cation of the two houses, unusual care
has been taken in the selection of off,
GERS, and the house has been unusually
fortunate in its choice of Speaker
Moores. He presdes with dignity, and
In the rapid discharge of his duties, his
knowledge of parliamentary law, his
prompt decisions, and ever courteous
manner TO oil was only to be expected
bythose Who had placed him in the eX-
alted position as speaker of the house
The house is also to be especially con
graduated in the selection of It's clerks
Messrs. Moody, Hughes, Snyder ano
Mcclellan, and it is conceded by all
chat in ability, promptness in the dis.
charge Of their duties, and uniform
courtesy to all, they have never been
equalled, by any former employees In
that capacity in the Legislature of the
state
Of the personnel of the senate and
house | shall take pleasure from time
to time to inform you and also Of ali
important Dhls So far there have been
introduced In the senate l49 bills, ana
in the house, 2l1, and they are still !
iood.lg the clerks desk. 1t is the opin-
ION ot all here that the Republicans OF |
Ciats0p have made no mistake in the |
selection Of the gentlemen who repre-.
sent them In the senate and house
senator Smith is working strenuously |
In the interest Of his county las well
as he can in the minority, and has
the coincidence of his colleagues. Cur
It's and Lester have the respect and
confidence of all members OF the house,
and win be heard from with credit be-
lore adjournment, Curtis leads in the
house in the introduction of bills. hav-
Ing fifteen to his credit, and Some OF
them are Of the utmost Importance to
the city and county. Smith, Of Jose,
phlne, comes next ON the list with
all Important measures. /
shall have something to say In my fur
cher correspondence of the bills for the
aid OF schools throughout the state
which are epidemic, and the Clatsopl
are not to be left, hay.
ms introduced bill for state graded
school at Astoria, and appropriatlne
10000 therefor.
The appearance OF the house of rep
at this time is tragic. and
,rowded to suffocatlon In expectancy of
he first joint ballot, for the all absorb
ng question is who shall represent the
people OF the state OF Oregon in the
United States senate for the next SIX
ears, the friends of Senator Dolph
claiming certain victory. Paxton, of
dultnonah, is the leader in the house {
or the Dolph men, with McGinn in the
enate, Baker Of Linn. is the leader
n the house of the anti-Dolph host
With Burk, Of the house, and johnson,
4 the senate as the champion of the
'eople, as he adds and the last three
re host wlthin themselves,