Eastern times. [volume] (Bath, Me.) 1846-1857, 1851-06-05
Correspondence ofthe Eastern Times.
Legislative Proceedings.
AUGUSTA. Nav 81. 1851


Notwith standing the early expression of the
Legislature in favor of an early adjournment
to winter, there has been an unusual mass of
business urged and pressed for immediate at
tention. and commendable spirit to despatch
as much of the business as possible is manifest
on the part of the members. The several Com
mittees, l hesitate not to say, have accom-
plished more within the two weeks that they
have been at work, than was accomplished a.
the close of the sixth week of the last session,
and the same industry, continued few weeks
longer, would undoubtedly transact all the
business that would be presented for action,
and thus obviate the necessity for another ses-
sion before the winter of SO. But the ques-
ton of adjournment having been settled, and
the day fixed, the members have made up their
minds to be at home early in June, and it
would be considered great hardship to be re-
qnired to spend the summer in Augusta. The
principal discussion on the question of adjourn
ment was had in the popular branch. Messrs
Sanborn of Bangor, and Talbot of Lubcc, were
the principal advocates of the measure, and
Dunn of Poland. Buz-ell of Limerick, and
Noyes of Belfast, were most conspicuous in
opposing it. The matter was pretty thorough
ly discussed, and finally decided by vote of
Sc 10 so.
The joint Committee on the Insane Hospital,
reported resolve appropriating $4,000 for
the repair of the Institution, but Mr.. Cary at
tackled the resolve as being too indefinite, and
succeeded in getting the whole matter recon-
mitted to special Committee, of which he
was appointed Chairman. This Committee re-
ported bill, containing a provision for an ap-
preparation of the same amount as the resolve,
and further providing for its appropriation
This was good move of Cary's and he should
have the credit oft. The bill will undoubt-
eddy pass both branches.
There have been several petitions already
presented, for the incorporation of Banks. In
Bangor, the Bank Capital is sought to be in
creased $4,000 Cary raised his warning
voice, as usual, against these projects, but it
had about as much weight as would that of
an antedcluvian against the Improvements of
the age.
There are two contested election cases in the
House. and one in the Senate. The latter is
in the Sth distrct-the seat of the wing candi-
date, Jeremiah Fowler, who was declared BY
the Governor and Council to have received Just
the requisite number of votes, being contested
by Hon. Geo. NJ. Chase, who represented the
district in the last Senate. The Committee
which examined into the merits of this case,
reported in favor of the sitting member, (Mr.
Fowler.) The report was recommitted for a
statement of facts. and after having been
printed, was taken up and discussed. The
Chairman of the Committee, (Mr. Bell of Pts.
cataquis,) defended his report at length, and it
was opposed by Cary, Leavitt and Others
How the matter will result is uncertain-it
may be put over to next winter for final deter
mination
The temperance character of the present Leg
islature is unmistakable. Numerous petitions
Tor the suppression of tipping houses and
drinking shops were early presented, and the
Committee had hearing in the hall of the
House at an early day. The Mayor of Port
land. (Neal Dow.) appeared before the Com
mittee,-as he has done for several Years past,
and made an eloquent appeal for the pas
sage Of bill precisely similar to that before
The Legislature of last year, and which then
passed the House, but which was lost by a tie
pote. The Committee unanimously reported
the bill, and it passed the House by an in
creased vote over last year. On Friday it came
up in the Senate. when Cary commenced an
onslaught upon it, as was expected. But the
usual luck of this Senator-that of being in
the nainority-atlended him on this occasion
and the bill passed by as fiatterinp a vote 90 :,
did in the House-ls to 10. The bill does
away with the licensing provisions, and suh.
stitutes the appointment of city or town
agent, who shall sell for medicinal or mechen;.
cal parposes only, and who snail receive rep.
ular salary, and consequently have no interest
in the sales thereof. Very stringent penalties
are imposed upon the manufacturer or common
seller Of ardent spirits, in violation of this law,
500 and costs. for the first offence, or in de-
fault Of payment, sirty days Imprisonment in