The Caledonian. [volume] (St. Johnsbury, Vt.) 1837-1867, 1860-12-07
The Last Legislature.

AS was noticed last week, the Legislature
Of Vermont adjourned On Tuesday morning
after session Of seven weeks lacking t@o
days. The term was few days longer than
the average, and was exceeded only IN length
by the memorable assembly of 1853. Among
the noticeable measures or bills that have
come before the Legislature, We will mention
few
The State House claim, or the bill releas
ing the Montpelier signers from their oblisa-
ton, was lost; so this promises to DE the
vexed question for at least one more legisla-
ture. The bill to pay DIR. Powers $1,000 for
his services as superintendent of the build
ING of the new edifce was amended so as to
reduce the sum to $1,000 and passed.
The bill repeating the grand jury system,
after passing to its third reading was defeat
ed. A bill was passed exemptihg from at
tachment one musical instrument and Sew
ing machine.
A bill repeating the personal Liberty
Law" introduced by Judge Thomas, the
democratic gun of the legislature0 was re-
iected. On motion to dismiss the bill, the
vote stood l2j to IS so at least 80 Repub
leans voted against Diminishing. 1t is gener-
ally believed that there is something Of a
change of sentiment upon this subject among
the people of this State as we'll as in other
States. since the ''liberty bill' was first pass
ed yet it would go against the grain of
Vermonters to repeal it just at the present
time when threats and intimiGations are re-
sorted to by our Southern brethren in so free
a manner.
The circus bill passed the House, but had
only one vote in the Senate to twenty-nne
against it. \ bill passed both branches pro-
viding that victualling saloons can sell strong
beer and cider if they can get license but
as We understand the bill it is one that tenn
perance men need not fear.
A bill providing for commissioners to set
tie with the bondsmen of ex-treasurer Bates
passed both Houses-the Senate unanimous
". This measure originated with the bonds
men, who have rendered all their property to
the State, bat ask to be relieved from any
contingent responsibilities which may arise
hereafter. This is reasonable, and we are
glad the bill passed. The commissioners ap-
pointed are Lieut.. Governor Levi Under
wood of Burlington, ii. W. Heaton of Mont
pelier, and John i. Page of Rutland, our
present treasurer. Mr.. Bates has signitied
his willingness to appear before the commits
sioners and make clean breast Of all his
transactions. \ bill was passed exempting
him from arrest while in attendance for such
purpose. Mr.. Bates is at present in Cara
da.
The dog bills all went by, as did also all
attempts to amend or repeal the liquor law.
All through the session it was evident that
the Senate and House would not ''pull to-
gether"-whether this did not result in more
good than evil is an open question. Among
measures that passed the House but were
stopped in the Senate, was an act providing
for supporting our public schools entirely by
taxes raised upon the grand list an act re-
pealing the act granting bounties to county
agricultural societies the act increasing and
multiplying the causes for which divorces
may be granted the act in relation to wills
providing that no person who has certain
near Kin who survive him shall bequeath OF
devise more than one-third of his estate tC
anv corporation, association or institution ir
trust or otherwise. On the other hand bill
providing for an agricultural Bureau" pass
ed the Senate but met with very little favor
in the House. Speaking about agriculture
bill was passed establishing the standard
weight of Timothy or herds grass seed at Al
lbs. per bushel. In regard to the Orleans
County shire, a committee was appointed to
investigate and report to the next Legisla'
ture.
The "mock session" was INDUCED in the
last night, much to the disgust of everybody
The Burlington Times says that aside from
one or two witty hits. it was "just simple
pin-feather nonsense, including the solemn
singing Of old songs by one of the Che