New National Era clipping

On Saturday morning the members drifted toward the Capitol with a rather melancholy countenance, and but little business was transacted. We got the wind of a grand token to come off at the closing hour of the session, and we knew that all parties concerned would do honor to the occasion. It was proposed by one or two members that a present be made to Hon. John R. Lynch, Speaker of the House, as this would be his farewell to the Legislature, he having been elected to Congress from this State. A watch and chain was decided upon, and every member - Republicans and Democrats - contributed towards it. The watch is a beautiful stem-winder, and engraved upon the back as follows: "Presented to Hon. J. R. Lynch, Speaker of the House of Representatives of the State of Mississippi, by the members thereof." And the chain is thick, handsome, and full one yard long.