The Columbian

THE LATE LEGISLATURE.

The very general expression of pleasure at the adjournment of the Legislature, is proof positive that the recent session had earned the disapproval of the people of the State. The number of laws enacted is small and the work could have been done in a decorous manner, in less than one hundred days. Instead, however, of devoting themselves to the transaction of public business, the members frittered away their time in undignified attempts to harass Attorney General Palmer for his official opinion as to the salaries due them. Whether he was right or not, does not enter into the question—the manner of procedure adopted by the members is indefensible. It is to be regretted that the many honest and well meaning men who desired to do what was right and just, suffered themselves to be overruled by the "lewd fellows of the baser sort." Unfortunately for the people, the clique of noisy politicians known as "roosters" were quite well versed in parliamentary tactics and being thoroughly unscrupulous were enabled to shape or retard legislation as they desired. The House was unfortunate in having such a Speaker as Hewitt. He is utterly devoid of dignity and left the chair on more than one occasion to indulge in the vilest abuse, upon the floor. To him, more than all others, is the disorder and turbulence of the House to be charged. The voters of Blair county will do well to let him remain at home hereafter. Taken as a whole the session was barren of good results, its record was unworthy, and the members who preserved their reputations, ought to be thankful that they escaped defilement.