Vermont watchman and State journal. [volume] (Montpelier, Vt.) 1836-1883, 1857-02-27

frcemcn's meeting.
Mr.. Merrill of Montpelier regretted there
is no provision for filling vacancies though
there was no occasion for especial regret on
this question. as there arc certainly four va
cancics in the House in towns on the east
side of the mountain, and two in the Senate.
senators being absent There was wisdom
in heprovisions of the constitution, IL is safest
TO abide by them.
Mr. Stewart of Middlcbury did not attrib-
ute much consequence TO discussion about
town representation. For sixty years there
has been a settled practice Of the state and
he did not think it cxpcdcnt to change the
practice in this case where, everybody must
confess, there had been no election according
/ to law In the contradictory cases Of '9S, the
fact was that the questions were simply party
cases, and If either is authority. the last
against admission was the correct one. The
right of representation should De exercised
strictly according 60 well defined rules, for
the safety both of the Legislature and the
people The latest authority is recent one,
in the late constitutional convention. and was
adverse to the claimant Practically. the
people have never, within this century. claimed
the right now assumed by Rupert and he
thought it never should be exercised unless
under proper regulations by statute II the
House admits Mr. Harwood it viii make that
law which was not law-an ex post facto law.
Mr.. Colby of Hatland opposed the a.
mcndmcnt. observing that for fifteen years re-
peatod efforts had been made TO change the
mode of clocting representative. and uniforms
ly in vain. Now it is proposed, in an indi-
rect manner and without law. TO mako am inn
portant innovation, contrary TO the practice of
half century. and without the consent of
the Senate IL was worse than an cr uoN fn,to
low-somethng very like a trick VI tho
House begins this mode of tamnoring with
the rights of towns, where will IL stop -
Now it is proposed TO admit a man elected
without law next we may take one against
law-on mere plurality clection--or ON any
prctensc that viii suit majority of the House.
Mr. Colby compared this case 70 that of Yer
mont in the 4. S. Senate. when the State
went unrepresented ON account of failure
TO fill the vacancy occasoned 10y Nh Up
ham death
Mr.. Spencer observed that the State vol
UNFAIRLY declined TO elect
The amendment was reioctcd--ayes 10,
noes 1873
The resolution declaring that Mr. Harwood
of Rupert is Not entitled 20 seat. was passed
Mr. Cfoss of Wa.tham introduced rcso-
luton for a session at seven O clock this eve
ming; laid ou the table under the rules
Mr.. Howard of DanyilIc introduced reso-
linton 60 pay debouturc TO Mr. llarwood of
Rupert; adopted
Mr. kiurodgc of Fuirhaycn introduced a
resolution, TO pay the Librarian and his assist
ant - per day during Tins session adopted
The House again went into Committee of
the Whole, Alr. Ktuedgo in the chair
Mr. Spencer of Casncton. after aliuding to
the great interest felt in the question. and
dsayowing any dislike TO Montpelier, or TO
It's people. argued in favor of d removal of the
capital The location at Montpelier iu 1882
be did not regard as of much weight. as be
thought it was mingled somewhat with party
feelings, then prevailing between the masons
and tho anti-ma-ons. and was not approved
by a large proportion of the people. His
constituents certainly desired a change then.
and desire it now. AS % places he said no
place had q claim upon him, unless that place
would best suhserye the interests of the State.
As to the claim set zap by Montpelier above
other towns, on the score of obligation, he
could sec no obligation What do gentle
men mean by the implied obligation TO re-
main at Montpelier They admit the legal
right to remove whore is the moral objoc-
ton If there is a moral objection. it will
exist half century hence, and tho capital
never can be removed. ID the argument Is
good i'm this case. IL win be- In others and IL
manufacturer makes o thriving village by
drawing people around him, and inducing the
investment Of capital, he viii have no right
90 remove DIS factory Perhaps some would
attempt 20 make a distinction between the
case Of Montpelier and this individual case;
If so, it will be time then for him 90 answer
1t. lie loved Montpelier, which is "a part of
Vermont, as Burlington, and Castlcton. and
Rutland are parts of Vermont; but ne could
not locate at Montpelier unless it is the best
place Rcpudiatng tho exquisite nicely which
spoke of the offers of towns as brides. he de-
MED the proposition of the gentleman from
Burke, that Montpelier stands in different
position from other towns, or so far different
as to make an Offer from Montpelier right.
which in Others is wrong. True. Vermont
has got property at Montpelier. fiji 10 20 into
a new structure and he thought it is right
for burlington or Rutland to contribute in
offset to that property; and while he said
thls' he protested from his heart against the
States depending upon either of tho towns
for state-house. He would not accept
dollar beyond the value Of the property at
montpelier 1t would be a stigma upon the
Legislature and the State It's said that the
capital and political influence in any one place,
but rather to distribute, as far as possible, to
all our villages and this was an argu-
mont IN favor Of Montpelier but he bad
heard complaints that our capital and our
young men are flowing out Of tho State
IT, then, we can concentrate capital and
population anywhere in the state. it would be
positive advantage. lie lived in Rutland
county the people asked for the capital at
Rutland-and that, he believed. is the very
place where this process of Capitalization
would be most successful Though a little
Jealous of Rutland, he would say this. and
would go for Rutland if consistent with the
interests of the State. The capacity of Rut-
land for business is immensc--her stride has
been acknowledgement heavy sources of
wealth, besides marble, remain to be deyel-
'ped and if the capital would add anything,
t Is best 10 give her the capital Looking
It the West side of the mountain from st.
Adams down, and to the resources of that
county he regarded Rutland as the spot
or the Capitalization Of business and capital