The Portland daily press., 1867-02-04
Liquidation nj Augusta.
[sPECIA CORRESPONDENCE OF THE PREss.1
AUGUSTA, Feb 8, 1867.

.- lsPECTA CORRESPONDENTS OF THE PREss.l
AUGUSTA, Feb. 8, 1867.
The Legislature is making good progross-
On the first of February 6S acts had been en-
acted; on the same day last year IA ac,s had
passed finally both branches. The above acts
are mostly of private character and not of
public interest. s .--.,..,t-
The special committee on the Maine Liquor
law had meeting last evening. The question
of change in the law, which would be gener-
ally satisfactory to the friends of temperance
was generally discussed, and it was finally
unanimously decided that some change was
called for. The matter was left to a sub-com-
mittee to draft a bill. There appears to be
ment of a State Constabulary, than on the
question of Imprisonment for the first offence.
Rev. Mr.. Randall of Augusta, appeared before
the committee in behalf of the friends of tenn
perance.i is7g ir.f5'is .fltf...- 80
The committee on assumption of the war in
debtedness of cities and towns have the matter
still under consideration, awaiting the action
of a subcommittee, composed of the most &C.
tive and interested friends of the measure
~AO duCSoioh 40 ouO Va SiCdt AudS iltuuc duu
difficulty, and it will be no easy matter to
frame bill, that will not carry with it its own
defeat. The Constitutional law which limits
our State debt is considered by many barrier
which cannot be removed except by a vote of
the people. The Supreme Judges may have to
decide this question.
The charters for the several railroads will all
pass This includes the Portland and West
ern railroad, which has already passed the
House and lies on the table in the Senate.
The discussion of the usnry law will be re-
sumed in the House early next week. 1t is
not expected that the change will meet the
same favor as in the Senate.
The Military Committee feel that the State
needs small, well dribled military force, and
they will carry in bill to that effect. f5.
s The army and naval Orphan Asylum at
Bath has presented petition for more aid
Mrs. Sampson, a lady of great moral worth and
philanthropy, has succeeded in establishing an
institution in that city, which is in successful
operation, though for the present on a limited
sea e. The recent fair at Bath furnished over
$4,000 for this benefcent object. .418
An attempt will be made by our eastern
friends to submit to the people the question of
repeal of the constitutional limit of the State
credit. ..---..--.-- .as
The friends of capital punishment desire to
fix day by law, when persons convicted of
capital offences shall be hung. The opposition
will go for the repeal of the present law Some
definite action will be taken.
The acts for consolidation of railroads and to
allow towns to subscribe for railroad stock are
sill among the debatable questions of the ses-
sion. A petition to allow the county commits
sioner to assess tax on the taxable property
of Cumberland County Tor rebuilding the
county buildings has been referred to the coun-
ty delegation.
The repeal ofthe law forbidding marriage be-
tween different races has created a discussion
ON a new subject, and has afforded those who
desire to ventilate on high key good oppor-
tunity. To occupy this advance guard, per-
son has only to overcome a little prejudice 1t
is pleasant to gain the summit of progress and
wait awhile There will be a lively discussion
in the House next Wednesday. Already earn
est men begin to canvass the result. 1 think
that the disability to marry on account of race
| will be removed from our statute book. Many
say that it is a dark question and needs consid-
Grafton. c
,SThe act to supply Portland with pure water
lays onthe table to be printed. 1t may need
some amendment to protect interests on the
river, already established. QUILL.
u y