The Union and eastern journal. [volume] (Biddeford [Me.]) 1854-1858, 1856-02-29
Legislative Proceedings.

No business Of general interest to this sec
ton has been completed since our last. The
Liquor question continues to be avoided by
our legislators at Augusta and the law which
was denounced by Gov. Wells rs tynnnical
and severe, still continues on the Statute
book Notwithstanding the Legislature has
been in session now near two months. The
friends of free rum are getting inpatient, but
we suppose they must now wait until after
the Spring elections. The only thing in
reference to the subject which has been done
recently is an inquiry made byan honorable
Senator, Mr.. Robinson, of Mr.. Barnes. Chair
man of the Judiciary Committee, on the e5th
inst, as to the time when the Committee
would be able to make report on the sub
jcct. We quote Mr.. Barnes answer from
the Senate proceedings.
Mr.. Barnes replied, that the inquiry was
an exceedingly proper one. lie did not
know that the Committee had any more bu-
sincss before them, aside from this subject,
than usual in other years. The Committee
were at this time actively and diligently en-
gagged in their Investigations and dclibcra-
tiOns on the subject referred to, and would
no doubt, report "a soon as they should
bring their inquiries to a conclusion suita.
bic to be presented.
lie would add, that this year, for the fnt
time, this subject takes its place in the gen
cral legislation of the session. IL Is not
dealt with az speciality, but is committed
to one of the general committees, with the
design that it should be treated as a subject
of public and general Importance, receiving
It's proper share of attention at tho proper
time, in due course with other subjects.
If cavalierly was an admissible word, we
should say this was treating the subject
rather cavalierly flour memory is not at
fault, this liquor question was the special
matter Of tho election, the main issue and Ia
place It n tho category Of the triaing mat
ter VIII c;me under the head of general
lcgisIati5h Is to say the least, cool-but Mr..
Barnes Is cool man--decidedly cool, and If
the lovers Of free rum and heads of families
can wait, Others can.
Our readers will sec by the following,
from the proceedings of the House on Mon
day, thatthc member from Union, isgetting
impatient. Here is the evidence
Mr.. Irish, of Union, by leave laid bill
upon the table for the suppression Of intern
perance which he explained to be the same
us presented the other day, with some alter
atoms and the addition of two sections. lie
moved that the usual number Of copies he
ordered to be printed. After some discussion
the matter was, for the present, laid upon
the table.
Afterwards Mr.. Irish moved to take up
the bill for the suppression of intcmpenncc.
Mr.. Dennet moved to refer the same to
the Judiciary Committee, and after lively
debate, the yeas and nays having been or
dered on motion of Mr.. Irish, the bill was
so referred; yeas So, nays 80.
We suppose after the Spring elections are
over the matter will be disposed of.
The resolves of the majority declaring the
Constitution amended, have been passed in
the Senate, l6 to 4, Senator Goodwin from
this County, voting in the negative. On
Tuesday they were under discussion in the
House. The House adjourned without taxi
Ing the question.