Vermont watchman and State journal. [volume] (Montpelier, Vt.) 1836-1883, 1857-02-27
LEGISLATURE OF VERMONT.
EXTRA SESSION.
SENATE.

SATURDAY, Feb. 81, 1857
Prayer by the Chaplain.
Bus introduced. BY MIR. Marsh, to ostab-
lish the seat of government at Rutland.
On motion Mr.. Marsh it was referred TO
the Committee of the Whole.
The hour having arrived for the House to
go into the Committee of the Whole, Mr..
Hotchlss was called to the chair.
Mr.. Hunton asked leave to withdraw the
amendment proposed yesterday to the bill to
establish the capital of the State at Burning
ton, and the same was granted,
Mr.. Marsh proposed to amend the bill by
striking out the words Burlington wherever
it occurs and insert the word Rutland" Also
strike out the word "Chittcnden,' wherever
it occurs and insert the word Rutland"
Mr.. Underwood thought the amendment
entirely unnecessary. He thought that facts
and statements should be presented first.
Mr.. Marsh Thought that the town of Rut-
land offered as many inducements to locate
the seat of government in that town as Bur
lington. The people of that town and county
claimed that the town of Rutland presented
better facilities for travel than either of the
towns of Burlington or Montpelier.
Mr.. Hunton had thought that the town of
Rutland would not present her claims lie
had considered the whole matter as an issue
between the towns Of Burlington and Mont
pelier. lie thought that Rutland must be
preferred TO Burlington, from the fact that it
was nearest the contre of the State, lie cited
different States which had seen fit TO locate
their seats of government at the geographical
centre Of their States. He thought that the
line of travel indicated Rutland as the most
central town n the State.
Mr.. Pierpoint said that the seat of govern
ment of the L. S. was FAR from being in the
centre Of the nation, but was located in the
extreme eastern part of the country. Boston
was far from the centre of the State of Mass.
He thought that the different towns should
present their respective claims before the
Committee, before any bill to establish the
capital of tho State was considered
Mr.. Hunton said that the advantages OF
the different towns could be discussed as well
under the amendment as in auy other way.
Mr.. Underwood asked leave from the Com
mittee to present testimony in favor Of Bur
lington.
Mr.. Pierpoint moved to lay the amendments
on the toblc.
Mr.. llunton rose to a point of order lie
thought that the amendments could not be
laid ON the table without laying the bill also.
Tho Chairman decided that, as the Commit
tee was not entirely restricted in its action
by the rules Of the Senate such a motion
might be in order; and the amendment was
laid on the table by vote of the Committee
Mr.. Underwood presented resolution that
the Committee grant leave to the friends of
the several bills and petitions now before the
Committee to introduce testimony in relation
thereto, by counsel or otherwise
On motion Of Mr. Hunton, the Committee
rose, and asked leave to sit again to consider
the Message of the Governor and the leave
was granted by the Senate. Mr. Hotchkss
took the chair, in committee again.
Consideration was resumed of the resolu-
ton presented by Mr.. Underwood.
Mr.. Converse moved to amond the resolu-
ton by striking out all after the word 4" Re-
solved, and inserting the words That the
Committee now proceed to the consideration
of the bill locating tho Capital at Burlington"
Mr.. Underwood asked leave to withdraw
the resolution, aud leave being granted, he
offered resolution that the Committee re-
ceiye such testimony upon the subject now
before the Committee as may be offered, and