Bellows Falls times. [volume] (Bellows Falls, Vt.) 1856-1965, 1859-01-14
vote, and the bill passed the House as il


pelier, In her desperation she made
higher offer, in the vain hope that Montpe
lier would quietly rest upon her dignity ant
be beaten at this transparent game. Tn
shrewd and far-sighted legislators in tn
House chose TO avoid this false issue at
tempted by Burlington, by one OF those ex
pedients that now and then must be uset
as the best weapons against such incidiou
attacks.
Let US now turn to the history Of the
contest in the Senate.
Ga the 18th of February, Senator I'm
derwood, Of Burlington, introduced bill
10 locate the Capitol at Burlington, provid'
ed that town should give site, and pre-
pare and fit the same, and construct the
foundations, and pay all claims OF Montpe-
lier under the act of 1905, but burlington
have the right to remove all materials then
at Montpelier. This was the same as Mr..
Siaey's offer in the House.
On the 23d it was offered by Montpelier,
as in the House, to indemnify against any
excess of expense of rebuilding over
$500.
On the 25th, Mr.. Underwood made the
same last desperate offer for Burlington that
was made the same day in the House, that
is, to build the State House, and introduce
j bill accordingly. This bill gave to Bur-
I lington the materials at Montpelier, and
provided that the House should be equal to
The one destroyed.
Senator Converse, of Windsor County,
moved to amend the bill so introduced by
Mr.. Underwood, by inserting the words
sand provided the same with all the neces-
sary furniture, fixtures and conveniences."
Senator IIotchkiss of Lamoille County,
said it was asking too much OF Burlington
or any other town.
Senator Underwood said he was not au-
thorized to offeranything further than what
he had proposed.
Senator Hunton of Windsor county said
the Capitol should not be struck off to the
highest bidder.
Senator Converse said he wished it dis
tinctly understood that he was against all
such proposals.
Senator Jones Of Windham County, said
THE whole bill was humbug he was
one of those who did not regard 1T magnan-
imous, honorable or fair, or ask or require
any town to erect State House and give
It to the State. He did not come here on
a begging errand. He very much mistook
the character of his constituency if they
expected him to do any such thing. He
did not think Burlington or any other town,
could afford to build such an edifice as the
State would require. He did not believe,
indeed, that they ever expected to do so.
The several towns now making these ex-
trayagant offers, were undoubtedly doing SO
expecting, and, in his opinion, nationally
expecting, that future legislatures, in their
wisdom and magnanimity, will refund to
tn in part, if not all OF the expense"
On the 26th Of February, Senator Greg
DRY of Washington County, said he was au-
thotized to say that Montpelier would do as
much as Burlington.
Senator Hunton said, "these proceedings
are another example of the same peddling
disposition
On the 9th Of February, (the last day.
the minority of the Committee (Senator
Underwood Of Chittenden County, and Sen
ator Field OF Rutland County,) to which
had been referred the bill which had pass
Cd the House TO rebuild at Montpelier, re-
ported that .the State is virtually contract
ing with Montpelier TO furnish the means
and rebuild the State House, relying upon
promise to repay TO the State, by the in
laniiants OF Montpelier, after the a0ork Is
done. Such a bond would probably never
be collected"
And they offered an amendment, requir-
ing Montpelier to proceed and build the
House: this amendment was rejected.
Senator Underwood then offered an
amendment that Montpelier should pay in
from time to time as the money might be
wanted which was rejected.
Senator Pierpoint, of Addison County
moved to add after the word ''repoirs" the
words "enlargements of" saying there was
reasonable doubt, as the bill now is, wheth-
err the Commissioners would judge them
selves authorized to enlarge it." This mo-
ton was rejected.
Senator Underwood moved to strike out
the proviso which required the bond, say
ing:
"The proviso is mere farce, and we are
getting the reputation of trying to drive a
sharp bargain without knowing enough to
carry it out. 1t is folly to deceive our
selves; and as we are to build our own
State House, let US come forward in a
spirit of liberality, and build it out of the
Treasury of the State"
Right well and nobly spoken! Honest
ly spoken too, undoubtedly, for he had
then given up the contest. Pity It's that
Burlington has not now other voices &c
give like manly utterances. And the bill
passed the Senate in concurrence.
Such is the history of the Extra Session
And we are proud Of the general tone O
the sentiments expressed. They were gen
erous, noble and statesmanlike! No pal
try, niggardly spirit prevailed. Burlington
placed her offer upon the very ground thai
she wished 10 stand equal with Montpelier
Only two persons in the Legislature spok,
favorabIy of receiving contributions from
any town-Kr. Marsh of Brandon, ant
Mr.. Kimball of Putney, and they rattle
apologetically.
As before said, Burlington, by her news
papers and some of her citizens, has beef
tttak mr. fh,. heavens reSnnnI with elarnor