The Portland daily press., 1863-01-28


Hallewell.
Papers from the House were disposed of in
concurrence.
The use of the Senate chamber was granted
the Board of Agriculture Wednesday afternoon
and evening, for general discussion on the sub
ject of fruit and fruit culture.
Mr.. Wiggin presented the following order:
Ordered-That Joint Select Committee be
appointed to enquire into and investigate the
proceedings of the several departments of the
State Government for the last two years. SO far
as relates to military purchases, contracts, sup
plies, money and articles furnished volunteers;
and that the Committee have the power to COM
pei the attendance of witnesses, and the produc-
ton of papers.
Mr.. Wggin said he had no idea of asking any
investigation, or legislative proceedings, not
proper in themselves, and just to the people of
the STATE. He did not know that any wrongs
had been committed, but the idea has been thrown
out that some things had been done not author
lied by law and which will not bear the scrutiny
of a searching investigation. II is only just to
past officials to investigate the matter, and, if
incorrect, to relieve them from the odum some
how cast upon them.
Mr.. Spring favored the investigation, but was
opposed to SO many Special Committees. He
moved to substitute the Committee on Militia
and Military Affairs.
Mr.. wiggin thought it would not be just to
that Committee. They had enough without this,
and even now will be occupied until the last of
the session on matters already referred. This
does not come within their province
After some further discussion by Messrs. Mer-
row, Spring and Wiggin, the amendment offered
by Mr.. Spring was adopted, and the order, as
amended, was passed.
Mr., Spring, from the Committee on Banks
and Banking. on the order relating to shnplas-
tiers, reported that the present legislation was
sufficient if enforced, and, therefore, legislation
was inexpedient.
HOUSE.
Prayer by Rev. Mr.. Bailey of Gardiner.
Papers from the Senate were disposed Of in
concurrence.
Richard Y. Watson, representative elect from
Trenton, appeared, was qualified, and took his
seat.
Various petitions were presented and referred
Mr.. Turner of Augusta introduced bill, an
Act to amend Sections and 4, Chap. 81, Reyis-
ed Statutes. relating to auctions and auctioneers
Referred to Committee on Mercantile Affairs and
Insurance.
An order, directing the Clerk of the House to
furnish each member with the laws of 1862, was
taken from the table and refused a passage
Mr.. Cony, from the Committee on Finance,
reported that the resolve in favor of William T.
johnson ought to pass. Report accepted, re-
a,l ~,
Mr.. Stetson of Bangor, from the Committee
on Frontier Coast Defences, reported the follow
ing resolves relative to the defenses of the North
East frontier.
Resolved, That the State of Maine expects and
demands, that measures be taken at once by the
General Government, for the prots ction of its
NORTHEAST frontier and that this can be accom-
plished only BY military railroad from Bangor
to ST. John river
Resolred, That our Senators and Representa-
tives in Congress, be instructed to use their ut
most efforts to obtain the necessary legislation
at the present session of Congress; and they are
authorized and requested to use such measures
as they may deem necessary to enable them to
make an adequate presentation of the case to
Congress and the Departments.
Resolved, That the Governor of this State be
requested to forward copies of these resolutions
gress, and that he be authorized and requested
to cooperate with them, as may be deemed by
him expedient.
The resolves were once read, and Mr.. Blake of
Bangor supported them in able and interest
ing speech Tomorrow was assigned for their
second reading.
On motion of Mr.. Parker of Gorham, the
Senate order, directing the Committee on State
prison to visit that institution, was taken from
the table.
Mr. Parker moved its indefinite postponemenf
He thought it useless expense, which ought to
be cut off.
Mr.. Lyman Of Machas followed, in favor of
postponement, and the order was indefinitely
postponed.
Mr.. Cony of Augusta, from the Committee
on Finance, reported bill, an Act to amend an
Act in aid of families of volunteers, approved
March Is, 1862. The bill provides for the pay
ment of money instead of script. Read twice
and, on motion of Mr. Crosby of Dexter, laid
on the table,
Mr.. Cobb of Rockland. from the Committee
on Finance, reported a resolve authorizing
loan in behalf of the State Read once and, on
motion of Mr.. Cony, laid on the table. This
resolve authorizes loan of S550,OO0.
On motion of Mr.. Hopkinson of Fort Fair
field, the order calling on the Adjutant General
for information relative to the non-commission-
ing of officers in the ununiformed militia, was
taken from the table and passed in concurrence
Passed TO be engrossed.-Resolye in regard to
trespassers on public lands; resolve in favor of
Margaret NJ. Darling; resolve in favor of Amos
NJ. Roberts, assignee of Franklin Adams; act
to change the names of certain persons; act ex-
tending the time for presentation of bills for
State add all in concurrence with the Senate.
Passed 10 be enacted.-Resolve providing for
payment Of bounties to volunteers.
Adjourned.
BOARD OF AGRICULTURE.
Tuesday. On motion of Mr.. Chamberlain,
the report on Agricultural education was taken
Al 4. l.