The Copiah Signal

Among many news papers in the State are disposed to speak in tones of ridicule, not to say contempt, of the Legislative body just adjourned.

We confess there were some members who could possibly have served their country better had they remained at home, but upon the whole the criticism is rather too severe: the acts of the past Legislature will bear comparison with any preceding body and though some wild schemes were introduced, and measures advocated not at all creditable to the State, the good sense of the majority prevailed, and no very objectionable laws were enacted; on the other hand the proceedings were characterized by a spirit of liberality and progress, especially in the enactment of laws looking to the development of the resources of our State—encouraging the erection of manufacturing establishments, the building of railroads, fostering education, and measures calculated to bring into our midst immigration.

One of the most important laws enacted by the Legislature, is that introduced in the Senate by Hon. J. McMartin, and championed in the House by Hon. Geo. S. Dodds—the Immigration Bill. The appropriation is not large, compared with appropriations for other purposes, but meager as it is, we predict much good will result. Our sister States have been rapidly filling up with a good class of immigrants for several years, while Mississippi has been passed by simply because her attractions have not been presented, nor an invitation extended. But this inaction is now to cease, and measures will at once be adopted looking to the introduction into our borders a class of immigration which will infuse new life into our people, and cause a new era of prosperity to dawn.