Burlington weekly free press. [volume] (Burlington, Vt.) 1866-1928, 1866-11-23
.r9nlence d the - - |
FROM MONTPELIER.

MoSrrElIEY, Ncy- Il, 1866.
1ae House had up for discussion this morning
the bill increasing the salary Of Judges Of the
Supreme Court to $500, AMI there was tbun-
dering all along the line, (to borrow a phrase
from the late George B. McClelhn) Ia fact
this Was the only bill that has called cut an
earnest and prolonged debate in the House.
The large special committee to which the bin
was referred, reported unanimously in its favor.
and tie chairman, Mr.. Park Of Bennington,
made clear and forcible presentation Of the
facts upon which the report was basel On o,-
binary principles, this should have secured the
easy passage OF the bill but there were 4 few
members Of the House who could not or would
not see that it mus; needs costr Judge Of the
Supreme Court more to live than it costs farm
er or journeyman shoemaker
tn, burden Of debate in support Of .he bill
wss borne by Mr. Park Of Bennington and Mr.
Rounds Of Chester. Mr. Ballard Of New Haven
opposed it with grOat yehemence and small 10
gc. Mr.. Hubbard Of Stockbriige opposed it,
mainly on the groand that be and many other
ministers are obliged to live and DO live, on less
than third Of the present salary Of a Judge ;
as # the fact that one class Of public servants
were kept on starvation salaries wers good
reason why the same injustice should be done
to another class. Billy" saIl a mistress TO
her servant, chow can you be so cruel as to skin
those ee,s aliye'' Sure, ma am, it don I hurt
them any," WIS the reply, ''they're used to bein
skinned Sc" Ministers are usei to tine skinung
process, and it does not hurt them so much but
thSt they can live through it; but the judges are
are not used to it, and ought not to be subjected
to it. Mr.. Brigham Of Hydepark male good
speech in ayor Of the bill Mr.. Van Scklen Of
Burlington also spoke in favor Of the bill, in a
practical business like way. But the best speech
was made by Mr.. Thomas Of Orwell, who said
he voted against similar bill last year, but had
gained informstion on the subject, and was
glad Of an opportunity to repair his error lie
appealed to his brother farmers to vote with
MIN for the bill The bull was finally passed,
with not more than dozen dissenting votes,
and those very family uttered
While the bill was under the discussion in
the House, the Senate was considering bill re
laung to the compensation Of States Attor-
neys. 1t proposes to reduce very considera-
bly,, but gives fees for each item of business ac-
tualy performed. The bill passed by yea
and nay vote of ii to Is. The objection urged
against the present law, giving salaries but no
fees, was that it encourages negligence of duty
on the part of attorneys, who if they receive
just as much for doing little or nothing as for a
thorough and efficient discharge of their duties,
are likely to neglect the prosecution Of large
class of crimes, those namely, which are created
by statute and in regard to which public opin-
ion is divided, This has been found TO be the
case in a great multitude Of instances
The present law adds the stimulus Of fees TO the
stimulus Of a sense Of duty, and between th'
two it is to be hoped that the criminal laws Of
the State win be administered with increased
yigor and efficiency.
The Senate to day passed without discussion
| bill increasing the number Of the Board o
Education to six, two from each CongressiOnal a
District, three of the six to be practical teach.
ers, and all to be appointed BY the Governor
The House, by a vote of l13 to 81, passed
law similar in all respects, except that tn
Board is 10 be elected by the General Assembly
Which house will yield to the other, in the man
mar Of constituting the Board, remains to b
determined. W.