Ellsworth American. [volume] (Ellsworth, Me.) 1855-current, 1862-01-31
Maine Legislature.

| cases.
On motion of Mr.. Benson the Committee
on Education were instructed to inquire into
the expedieney OF requiring experimenting
school committees and supervisors OF schools
to hire teachers, instead of the agents.
Mr.. FArwell submitted resolutions declar-
ing the necessity Of terrifying our coast from
tiers, expressing the readiness of Name to
aid in the work, and requesting our delega-
ton in Congress to obtain the necessary leg
islation on the part of that body. Passed.
Mr.. Marshall of York spoke against Col,
Smart S resolutions, and Mr. Roberts oil Wal
do in favor Of them.
Mr.. Harlow made an attempt to have the
resolutions referred to the Committee on Fed
eral Relations, but the motion was defeated.
lIousE.-Mr. ewall, by leave. laid on the
table resolve assuming the assessment, pay
ment and collection of the direct tax upon
this State, which was twice read under n
suspension of the rules, and passed to be en-
crossed.
Bill appropriating 100 600 to meet claims
Tor recruiting and other war purposes, was
passed to be engrossad.
On motion OF Mr.. Frye of Lewiston, the
Judiciary Committee weredirccted to inquire
into the expedlency of amending the Canstl-
tuition SO that the Legislature shall have the
power to prescribe what number OF jurors,
not less than six, shall be requisite to e5nstl-
tute jury, and what proportion of the num-
Der constituting the traverse Jury, shall Re
competent to render an effective verdict, and
what proportion o. the number constituting
the grand jury, shall he competent to finding
of presentations or bills Of indictment.
Mr.. Dinglcy, from the Committee on Eau-
cation, reported legislation incxpedient ON
order relating to penalty for injury to school
houses. Accepted.
The question of bounty to volunteers
came up. and was discussed at length by
several members. but without taking the
question, the House adjourned.
ArGrsrA. Jan. 9th
Mr.. Sweat Of Cumberland made his long
promised speech yesterday. in opposition T.
the resolutions introduced by Mr.. Smart
The Senate chamber and galleries were
crowded with visitors, who listened patiently
with interest for about two hours and half
to hear what could be urged against the
sensible proposition of using the negroes to
crash the rebellion in the same manner that
We should use anything else belonging 70
them. Mr.. Sweat is very agreeable speak
er. and his rhetoric is admirable. but his
logic utterly failed. lie argued like a law
yer with hopeless Case, finding it necessary
to incorrectly state the principles ASSERTED in
the resolutions, and to make use Of argu-
ments and authorities applicable only to a
time of peace If his argument had any
force it proved that the preservation of slav-
cry is of more consequence than the restora-
ton of the MON. The prevailing feeling
of even doubtful minds seemed to be that ii
nothing more could be said against the prin-
eiples OF the resolutions. they certainly
ought to pass. We will no: anticipate the
replies to Mr. Sweat which NAV be expected
but it Is quite evident that they will clearly
show the fillacy OF his position and argu-
nents. The fact that Gen Line has been
appointed to the command of an important
expedition into Texas with permission to
carry out his we'll known views IN reference
10 the use Of the slaves Of rebels. is conc!u-
siye against the assumption of sach men as
Mr.. Sweat that the administration is utterly
opposed to such p9liry.-Cor. LeaeHtoa
Journal.
SATURDAY, Jan. -.
SENArE.-Prayer by Rev. Mr. Haynes of
Augusta.
Papers from the house disposed of in con-
currence.
Resolve assuming the assessment, collection
and payment of the direct national tax was
once read, on motion of Mr.. Blunt. the rules
were suspended, the resolve rad the second
time and passed to be engrossed in concur
renee.
Bill authorizing the expenditure of money
for Xyo pDrrnSas rcD1-tal frnr, tho Finn
Committee, was once read and Monday as
signed.
Bill to amend chapter 81 of the Public
Laws of ls6l relating u the Reform School.
reported in the House from the Committee
on Reform School, was once read and assign
ed
Mr.. Smart presented " petition of Mrs
Jane b. ThurSton and IA other ladies ana
gentlemen, relating to the administration of
estates. Referred
Mr.. Woods, from the Committee en- Banks
and Blnkin,, reported bill additional 10
chapter "a of the Public Laws of ISIS
Report accepted, bill once read, rules sus-
I pended on motion Of Mr.. Farwell, read the
second time
Mr.. Farwell called on the Chairman of the
Bank Committee for an explanation Of the
effect Of the bill.
Mr.. Woods explained, and the bill was
passed to be engrosScd
An act in relation to powers Of Judges cf
Probate in addition to chapter "a Of the Re-
ylsed Statutes, was read the second time.
The question being on the adoption Of the
amendment of the House. allowing 500 in
ste1d of $40 to deceased insovent debtors.
MIR. Granger opposed the amendment, and