Worcester daily spy. [volume] (Worcester [Mass.]) 1850-1888, 1872-03-02
From the State Hopse
The Town Meeting QuestiOn-The Preyi-
Gus Question and it's WOrLing-The
Springfield Bridges-The Central Dis
Lrict Court.
BosToN, March 1. 1877:

BOSTON, March l, 1872.
In accordance with the usual custom of adj
iourning over "town meeting day. the mem
Der from Swansea early to-day put in motion
in the house that the sessions on Monday be dis
pensed with, in order to allow members tospend
the day at home. 1t was apparent, however,
that the old habit of the country members has
not so many friends as it used to have, when
such motion was accepted as a matter of
course. The increasing number of cities and
the Capitalization of the population of the state
along the railroads is fast leaving the towns in
minority of power and this undouted-
ly had an effect upon the vote, which
was toleraby close. Mr.. Cogswell of
Yarmouth thought the members who were will
ing to stay ought to be permitted to 20 on with
The business, and he called for the yeas and nays
on the question. The most emphatic advocate
OF the adjournment was Mr.. Faxon of Quincy.
who said that in his town he expected an excit.
ing time, and he wanted to be there. Mr. Fax.
on is the gentleman who has oferss
gift of $4,000 if a vote in a ST. - -. ~"
can be secured. The reyyl.cal, shonna On,o,'on
still closer than SSIo-to4 70 1oo n. '~ 49, WY
49, - :, seeing the way the vote was going,
~ the affirmative, in order TO move a re-
-nsideration for tomorrow, and as many of
the country members will probably 20 home to-
night, it is quite likely that we shall have ses-
sion on Monday.
The previous question has come to be de-
cided feature of the debates in the house, and
generally it is used with the happiest results to
shut off tiresome takers. 1t has been moved
probably more frequently than ever before in
any Legislature in Massachusetts. In four cases
out of 1--WE the house is ready for an expression
oil opinion on the matter after hearing two or
three speakers. 1t is surprising that members
viii talk just for the sake of hearing themselves,
but there is scarcely any subject on which at
least I'VE times as much as is necessary will not
DC salu aiter the house has made up its mind.
Another good practice which the house has
adhered to so far, is to avoid all special assign
ments. This excellent habit is mainly dino IN
the efforts which were made carly in the ses.
sion. 1t was.urged that the habit of making
special assignments is one Of the most fruitful
causes OF the delay and length of the sessions
believe not single matter has been specially
assigned as yet, and that the house intends IN
stick to such good resolution was eyinced to-
day when an attempt was made to postpone the
Springfield free bridge bill until Tuesday
These bills excited considerable discussion. es
pecially the one 10 authorize the construction of
a new bridge above the present one, which was
amended so as 10 give the county commissioners
liberty to build the bridge when the public
necessity and convenience requires The other
bill If adopted will make the present bridge free
next July
The unusual number Of reports from the rail.
way committee swelled the orders to-day to
twice or three times the usual amount The
reports were all but one accepted. The bill to
unit the operations Of the act relating to
slaughter houses was laid on the table, and
resolve relating to American seamen, against
"hich 'hecommittee on federal relations reported