Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1871-01-12
House.
"WEDNESDAY, Jan. /

WEDNESDAY, jan IL.
Prayer by Rev. Mr.. PENNEY of Augusta.
Papers from the Senate disposed of in con-
currence.
The following gentlemen were Joined to the
Senate committee to see what measures shall
be taken to obtain titles of the lands of set
tiers, who under authority of the Land Agent
have improved them and paid the price as pro-
vided by Statute; and which lands have bee
conveyed to the Eastern North American
Railroad Company:
Messrs. Reed Of No. IL, Hammond, Clark
of Lincoln, Ray, Hobart and White of Win
terport, and Goodrich.
House order appointing select committee
to which shall be referred all orders or Pc
titions for amendment of the valuation of 1870
came from the Senate indefinitely postponed.
Mr.. STlcKNEr moved that the House insist
upon its former vote giving the order pas
sage. He said the valuation is very erroneous
in some respects and bears heavily upon many
of the towns in Aroost0ok county. He I'M
derstood that the members of the Senate adj
mitted that there are grievances which ought
to be corrected, and they were willing that
our particular grievances should 60 to the
committee on State Lands and State Roads.
We have no objections to that if it can be
done. He urged that something should be
4
are taxed in the ten years to come on the val
uations that have been returned it will destroy
the value of their property and almost depop-
ulate them.
Mr.. CARLETON concurred in the remarks
of Mr.. Stickney. The commissioners on val
uation finally reported on the heels of the last
session conglomerate mess which no one
could understand The question was sought
to be reopened but it being late they decided
almost by unanimous consent to let it remain
until this session. The complaint of wrong
comes from almost every section Of the State
and he hoped the motion Of the gentleman
from Presque Isle would prevail.
Mr.. KEEoAS was surprised at the action of
the Senate. He thought disposition existed
on the part of a great many members to choke
down any examination of the matter, and he
wished to give the House notice Of his intention
to ask not merely for reduction of the valua-
ton Of his district, which is so excessive. butfor
the abatement of at least one half of the State
taxes. The valuation of his district 10 double
what it should be, and he thought the Com
missoners when they made the valuation were
wholly ignorant of the circumstances of his
constituents, or, did not care.
Mr.. BoNSEr saw no disposition in the
House to choke down anything, at least those
who had spoken had favored the motion of the
gentleman from Presque Isle. He remarked
that the last legislature considered that, all in
all, the result arrived at, was as equitable and
just as could be reached by any commission.
The order under discussion is a standing in
vitation to every discontinued town from Kit
terry to Madawaska, to come here and present
their grievances. He doubted not that inc
qualities existed in the matter of State valua-
ton, but he was in favor of referring them to
appropriate committees as they are presented.
Mr.. MOORE of Buckfield said that his sec
ton understood the matter settled last winter.
The valuation of his town was too high, and if
the water was to be troubled he should wade in.
Mr.. KEEGAN said it was immaterial to him
which committee the matter went to. All he
desired was a hearing in the matter.
MIR. SMITH of Parsonsfield as a member of
the last legislature, and one having frequent
opportunities to be with the Commission,
knew their task to he very difficult one.
Mr. Smith gave some of the rules which
guided the commission in their work. He
thought the commission did the best they
could, and probably as well as any new COM
mission appointed could do.
Mr.. CARLETON was well aware that the
gentleman from Portland (Mr. Bonney)
might consistently object to the re-opening of
this question, for the large ciheshave wonder
fully escaped this heavy burden in proportion
to the small country towns. Mr., c. advo-
Gated the appointment of tribunal where the
wrongs Of these small towns may be re-
dressed.
MIR. BoNSEY said the gentleman last up mis-
understood him. His only objection TO the
proposition of the gentleman from Presque
Isle, was that it would encourage the people
in their dissatisfaction. We have committees
fol to- ttn Al
grievances Of all, and If any man or town
comes here and presents their grievances he
had no doubt but that an impartial hearing
would be had.
Dir. CARLETON thought it shenld be special
committee as other committees would have
enough to do without attending to this mat
ter.
Mr.. SEwALL remarked that under the pre-
sent motion he did not see that result would
be obtained which would fix the opinion of
the House. He thought it important that it
should express an opinion, whether il will re-
open this question. If his friend from
fresque Isle presents grievances of plan
tations in his county they can be corrected
without opening the whole question generally.
Therefore he moved that the House recede
and concur in the action Of the Senate, and
that the question be taken by yeas and nays.
MIR. STIcKNEY had no wish to open the
whole question. He presumed all complaints
would go to some committee and he had no
choice.
MIR. CARLETON said the result of <eceding
and concurring deprives and denies any right
ofinvestigation to all towns In this State :.
He opposed the motion OF the gentleman from
Oldtown for he believed the investigation
should be general.
Mr.. kEE0As moved that the motion to
recede and concur be laid on the table.
Mr.. BURGESS moved and the House ordered
that the question be taken by yeas and nays,
and being so taken, resulted in the negative,
- follows: