Bellows Falls times. [volume] (Bellows Falls, Vt.) 1856-1965, 1872-11-01
Notes from the Capital.

which have attracted attention and crea-
ted some interest.
CAPITAL PUNISHMENT.
Among the first of these was hear
ing before the Judiciary committee on the
bill to abolish capital punishment. II
was like an old-fashioned lyceum. The
merits of the question were brought out
pure and simple, including the old Bib.
hcal arguments of the old and new Tes-
taments, and several clergymen "squar-
ed OFF, in their Interpretation of the
Scriptures, in a manner which for while
threatened some theological points,
Among the speakers was Hon. Bliss N
Davis of Danville, and who / believe was
the only person not member of the leg.
stature, who appeared before the COM
mittee. He made strong and at times
somewhat amusing speech against the
bill. Rev. Mr.. Stevens of Westminster
West, also spoke strongly against it, de-
claring that it was bill in the interes.
of the murderer. Mr.. Buel of Middle.
town, who introduced the bill, spoke for
it as did also Rev. Mr.. Thornton of Hart
land,-Rev. Mr.. Granger of Peacham,
and Mr. Rogers of Newbury spoke brief
y against and Mr.. Field of Springfield
n
for the bill. As / propose at times to
speak of the individuality of some OF
the leading members of the legislature,
| may as we'll begin here. Mr.. r gers
is lawyer | believe, though have not
yet seen the directory as to his profession
unpretentious in manner, speaks only oc-
casionally but with excellent common
sense. Mr.. Field does not speak often, al
ways briefly and pointed, and sometimes
sarcastic On the occasion of the above
hearing the opponents of the bill were
considerably ahead both as to members
and points stated. The committee re-
ported against the bill and the House
refused to pass the same. not even call
ing the yeas and nays, but next day the
friends of the bill asked reconsidera-
ton which was granted, and it is now
the special order for Wednesday of this
week.
INCIDENTAL.
The other day, when large number
of petitions to refund communication mon
ey had been presented, Mr.. Field of
Springfield, sent to the clerks desk
bill to pay one Charles Bixby the sum
therein named" stating that said Bixby
was deserter, that he had never receiv-
ed any pay from the United States nor
the 81 per month, State pay, and that he
was not likely to get his pay unless they
passed this bill. This sarkasm" of
course " brought down the house" and
the bill was then refused second read
ing
WESTMINSTER.
The bill to divide the town of West
minister, was referred to the members
from Windham county. There were two
hearings last week, and so much interest
created that quite number of members
of both Houses we're present outside the
county. Judge Ira Goodhue, Hon. Ho-
mer Goodhue and Rev. Mr.. Stevens, the
representative from Westminster, have
mainly thus far presented the case for
dividing the town, and apparently have
made favorable impression upon the
con- mittee, as there has been very little
from the East Parish. Mr..
Davis of Reading and Mr.. Heath, an
able lawyer of Montpelier, appeared
against division and raised the objection
that legal notice had not been GWEN
The required notice is that the last pub
Iication shall be three weeks previous to
the sitting of the legislature, and it is
claimed that the notice given lacks some
'wo or three days of what is required by
he statute. Whether the legislature
will regard this as fatal, remains to be
een. A paper signed by over forty
East Parish citizens is before the COM
nittee in substance that if the division
ines, support of bridges, &c, are made.
they, the signers, will not OPP
bose division. This is sometimes called
he peace paper" | thus mention it.
because it may very likely be referred to
gain, and because apparently it has
more influence in the question than any
ther one thing yet presented. And |
'lso give these details because hundreds
+ readers in Westminster and adjoining
owns will be interested in them. Thus
ar w. r. Kimball and Fenelon Ar
odd, by their counsel, have presented
he case, briefly, against division. Mr.
kimball is known as worker" in
whatever he is interested, and will very
kelly create considerable music" in the
ase before it is settled, and am inform
d to day that remonstrance, largely !
lgned by the East Parish will arrive
ere tomorrow. On "Wednesday even +,
az of this week there is to be another
caring before the committee when it is
expected the East Parish view" will be s