Bellows Falls times. [volume] (Bellows Falls, Vt.) 1856-1965, 1870-06-17

sion on biennial sessions, now equally
vigorous against abolishing this old and
useless appendage to the constitution.
During the session of Monday eve
ming, the monotonous hum drum OF
speeches was continued without result
This Convention has given me new
insight and better understanding as to
the manner in which our legislatures
dwaddle along and spend the time of the
people. For instance it will adjourn
when it could just as well sit an hour
longer. Take stronger case. On as
sembling at Saturday afternoon, mo-
ton is Immediately made to adjourn and
then follows wrangle of an hour on
this question, resulting finally in adjourn
ment. aud the members scatter and loaf
about the streets and boarding places.
Monday morning comes and very little
business must be done lest we fail Of
being duly polite to absent members.
AT an evening session no vote must be
taken, because some members are absent,
perhaps attending social parties, sup
posing no vote would be taken And
SO business is delayed in frivolous man
ner, and even economical men, OBJ,
serve, will sometimes engage in these de-
lays.
After all, there is more favorable
view. The Convention did tolerably
well as a whole, though it might have
done better in the promptness of its
work, and, only give the above specimens
for the people to consider when they
elect their legislature.
There will be some surprise among the
people, l apprehend, when they learn OF
the establishment of Biennial Sessions
and how it will be received remains to
be seen. A single annual session costs
over $4,000, and the friends of the
measure claim that large portion of
this will be saved. | think no one had
any idea that it would be adopted when
they started for this place, but ON their
arrival were surprised to find so many
in favor of it. A large portion of the
"small towns" which were so often ano
so tenderly appealed to during the ses-
sion, stood bravely for the measure, and
by their votes it was carried, entirely on
the score of economy. The passage of
this amendment has effected the minds
of many who intended to vote for the
abolition of the Council of Censors, and
who will now vote against it, thata soon.
er opportunity may be afforded to repeal
biennial sessions, and at this time of
writing it is doubtful if it prevails.
A large number of the members came
here with the word "no" indelibly stamp
ed upon them and "no' it has been with
them all through.
The President of the Convention, the
Hon. Geo. Nichols Of Mortified, has
presided during the session with perfect
acceptance and dignity. As presiding
officer he will rank among the best par.
liamentarians of our State, and the
Convention will long remember him with
regard and friendship. The chairmen
Of the committee of the whole, Messrs
Bingham of Stowe, Powers of Morris
town and Hyde of Castleton, also did
their duties to the entire satisfaction Of
the convention.
To MIR. Hyde of Castleton much cred.
it is due for the progress of business
He never makes long speeches to an un.
willing audience, but all through has
been one of the most practical as we'll a:
useful men of the convention.
Mr.. Phelps of Burlington rarely
speaks but alwaysin manner which car.
ries conviction and commands strict atten.
ton. He has good voice which he uses
with considerable emphasis and which
strikes pleasantly upon the ear. His
speech in favor of biennial sessions was
strong and thoroughly convincing. We
suppose in political or party sense his
views many not coincide with those domi.
nant in this State, but we doubt whether
there would be much difference in prac.
tical sense. At all events the State may
feel just pride in the abilities of such
a man.
Hon. II. Henry Powers of Morris
town is also among the finest speakers of
the Convention, as well as of the Stat e.
His speech on backbone" on the mo-
ton to reconsider the vote adopting BIZ
ennial sessions was fine effort.
/ Mr.. Walton of Montpelier is also a
strong debater and as parliam entarian
has no superior in the Convention. He
made very able speech against Biennial
Sessions. Gov. Fletcher always speaks
briefly and directlyto the point. Charles
K. Field of Brattleboro, will in ten min.
utes stick pins into sufficient humble,
of members to keep them souirmine in