Rutland weekly herald. [volume] (Rutland, Vt.) 1859-1877, 1871-06-15
New Humps hire Legislature.
CONCORD. N, a.. June 8.

CONCORD, N. H., June 8.
Editor Rutland Herald: - Passing
through here, just as the Legislature
convened, tired, dusty and hot, I conclud-
ed to rest day or two and note the pro.
ceedings Of that notable body, and think.
ing that some of our friends in the good
old Republican State of Vermont would
like to know how matters stand here,
prompts me to send you few jottings up
to noon to-day. When arrived at IL
o'clock yesterday, everything was hustle
and confusion. The Hall was crowded to
it's utmost, with members and outsiders
from all quarters of the State.
Soon after, they were called to order
by His Excellency, Gov. Stearns, when
the usual oaths were administered, and
they proceeded at once to business.
First came roll.call, and every man
answered to his name except three. One
IA Democrat) had not returned from a
fishing excursion, but soon after put in
an appearance, and two others Republic
ans) were reported sick.
First in order came balloting for Speak
er. Considerable anxiety prevailed on
both sides, as it was known that money
would be used, if needed, to control the
ballot, but the result proved very salts
factory to the Democrats, as they found,
on counting numbers, only one vote short.
And here, let me note, how they manage
the members of their party. Each ballot is
numbered and..registered to the member to
whom it is given, SO that in case he votes
contrary to instructions he is "spotted" at
once ss traitor to his party, and in this
way the Democrats hold their supporters
firmly to the wheel.
1t was close contest as the result
showed from the following figures
Whole number of votes cast, 1876
Necessary for choice, 1854
VIM. II. Cove, Dem. and L. r. 1854
James o. Adams, (Republlcan0 1852
and Mr.. Cove was declared elected, and
now began the fercest of the battle. II
any of our sober, law-abiding, staunch
Republican citizens of Vermont wish to
know how a nearly equally balanced
House do their legislating, let them, as
did, sit from 8 p. m. till s 30 in the even
ing, and see them try to get in clerk
NJ 60 no -
Bingham IA leading Democrat) offered 6
resolution which read thus "Resolved
that James R. Jackson of Littleton be
elected clerk, and James 81. Goliath o.
Barnstead be elected as assistant CLERK
for the ensuing year." which was quickly
amended by Judge Fowler, Republican
who moved to amend, by striking out al
after the word resolved" and inserting
chat the House now proceed by ballot t.
elect clerk" A great deal of sparrine
followed on both sides, and finally The
yeas and nays were demanded, and &c
close was the vot, that the Republican,
had 161, Democrats, 100. The Speaker
claiming a vote, voted no, and so tied, anc
quashed the motion TO amend. Eight time
the oil was called, each time, the Demo
Gratis having only their two to three
majority, and when they adjourned, moth
ing had been accomplished. Both parties
held meetings last night, and net ngair
at ten o'clock to-day, and up to one P. m
had got no farther advanced. The Re
publicans are in hopes to bring in thsi'
two absent members in time, and as thu
issue is to get ballot for clerk, it is wei
understood that the Republicans viii
carry the day and get their candidate
Josiah II. Benton, jr., who has been clerl
in years past, and is fitted to fill th
positiou) if they can get a straight for
ward ballot. Many who came to see tn
new Governor take his seat are goint
away Disguised. Looking at the presen
state of affairs, there is no prospect of as
certaining for the next week who will b
Governor. The Democrats feel confiden
that they can carry the day, and the Re
publicaps feel jast as confident.
Time and space will not permit me t
give full particulars, and l have alread.
trespassed on your columns longer than
intended. The weather is excessively no
and roads dry and dusty here, and littl
rain would be thankfully received.
leave here in half an hour, 50 adieu.
NJ.