Burlington free press. [volume] (Burlington, Vt.) 1827-1865, 1865-10-20
FROM MONTPELIE X.
EXECUTIVE CHAMBER,
Montpelier, Oct. 18th 1865. (
MONTPELIER, Oct. u, 1865

MONTPELIER, Oct. u, 1865.
Dear Free Press:
You have received before
this the main facts in reference to the open
ing OF the Legislative Session, and no very
extended comment is needed to Eli up the
outline.
The organization was effected with the ut
most promptness and unusual harmony
There was a lively canvass, but all pleasant
and without bitter feeling, over the Speaker
ship, on Wednesday evening, and for time
the friends of each Of the rival candidates
we're sanguine Of success. 1t became eyi-
dent, however, as it went on. that the East
side of the Mountain. as such. was not dis
posed TO inslst on It's claim to the Speaker
Had it done so, the election of Major Rounds
would have been certain, for he bad many
strong friends and supporters on the West
side of the State. Chittenden County was
for him to a man, and he drew votes even
from Mr. Stewards own county. Mr.. Stew
art and his friends had, however, done by
far the most preliminary work. and 1t told
effectively. If any doubt remained it must
have been dispelled when Mr. Waite Of Brat
tleboro rose to nominate Mr.. Stewart, show
ing how Windham County was likely to go,
and very few. If any, were surprised at the
result. The vote for Major Rounds was
highly complimentary one. He would have
made an excellent Speaker, if chosen, and
should have been glad to see him in the
place but the House has also an excellent
Speaker in Mr.. Stewart He has all the re-
quisite experience and ability, and we doubt
not, will prove a fair, correct. courteous and
popular presiding officer.
The House was called to order by the new
Secretary of State, DR.. Geo. Nichols of North
field, who administered the oath of office to
the members, and presided during the hrst
hour of the Session with dignity and ease
which won him many encomiums.
The re election of Mr.. Flagg, the capable
Clerk of the last House, was by rising vote
and was unanimous.
The resolution offered by Mr.. Brown, OF
Vernon, constituting four of the clergymen
of the House as Chaplains, to ofhciate In ro-
tatiou, was adopted without discussion or re-
hection, and on second thought is exceeding
" distasteful to very many. The various
clergvmen in the House are there not as MI
nisters Of the gospel but as legislators, and it
seems quite unnecessary, not to say impro-
per, TO call them from the caucus or commit
tee room, 10 officiate for FIVE minutes in their
sacred character and then drop back, In the
next five, into the whirl Of business and po-
htics on the floor. This - new way will
doubtless be reconsidered.
The Senate was called to order by
Governor Dillingham;, and reelected at once
and with absolute unanimity, its excellent
and capable Secretary for the last four years,
Mr.. Henry CLARK, of Poultney. Over the
Assistant Secretaryship there was little
contest, for the most part OF interest only
to the individuals desiring the position. Tie
must be rry unpopular assistant who can
not secure single reelection, and MIR. Lam
son. who has held the place but one year,
secured the necessary majority on the hrst
ballot, the vote standing 10 for Mr.. Lamson,
to for Major Merritt Barber, Of Benning-
ton, formerly of the 10th Vt. and late A
A. G., of the Old Brigade, and ) for Mr.. d.
L. Mllliken, of the Brattleboro Record.
The Senate unanimously elected Rev. z.
II. White of Coventry, Chaplain. Lieut..
Governor Gardner is unwell, and it is doubt
full if be will be able 70 be here to take the
chair of the Senate when Governor Dilling-
ham leaves it. II not, Of course the Senate
must elect President pro TEN at once, and
will be likely to confer that honor on Senator
w. C. Smith of ST. Albans, who, if chosen,
will fill the chair with distinguished ability,
dignity and courtesy.
Gov. Smiths farewell message, delivered
this afternoon, will reach you by this eve
ning's mail. The substantial close OF the
heavy military operations of the State, made
such resume of the proceedings of the year
entirely proper on the part OF the Governor
on leaving bis responsible charge. de may
congratulate himself on the fortune which
connects his name with the proud record OF
Vermont in such memorable time and OF the
conceded fact that the honor and interests OF
the State have suffered no detriment in his
care.
Some of the leading topics of the session
begin to loom up distinctly. There will be
an onslaught on the Militia Law. The Ag-
ricultural College question will again occupy
attention and the corporal's guard Of Dem
ocrats will, of course, air their eloquence in
favor of taxing q. S. Securities. In refer
euce to all which we shall see what we shall
see.
Yours. G..