Worcester daily spy. [volume] (Worcester [Mass.]) 1850-1888, 1872-01-31
From the State House.
The Railroad Bill Debated in Earnest in
the House-Ehe Debate UnGmished-Ii-
nor Matters iia the IaOuse and Senate
Committee Hearings.
BosTox, Jan. 30, 1872

BosroS, Jan. 80, 1872.
The house discussed the railroad bill until
five O'Clock to day and heard long speech on
each side Of the question. After the offering Of
an unimportant amendment by MIR Phelps, Of
Springfield, Mr.. Towne, of Fitchburg, took the
floor aud spoke for nearly an hour half in his
characteristic style and with more than usual
adrotness. He began by describing til, bill in
its present form as a constitutional humbug,
but said he should vote for ii in its present form
because there was so much cheap talk about the
necessity forsuch legislation which he wished TO
silence. He argued that it would be danger
Gus rhing TO allow small number of men
to construct railroad anywhere. that the law in
its original form would enable the great cor
porations Of New York and Vermont to get the
advantage of their present connecting lines He
also attempted TO prove with facts and figures
that the length of the recent legislative sessions
was not due TO railroad legislation, and that
even if it were, such law would not materially
diminish the railroadbusiness of the legislature.
At the close Of his remarks the speaker remind
ed members that they must address their re-
marks 10 the chair, and tacitly reprimanded
MIR. Towne for addressing the house as if it were
popular assembly, instead of legislative
body. Mr.. Thompson, of Gloucester, second on
The house Judiciary committee, then took the
floor, and in a powerful speech upset oil Mr.
Towne's specious arguments, and with consid-
cradle humor and the best OF reasoning, argued
in favor of the bill in lis original form. Once
the members broke out into applause, and
the speaker raped them to order With
out going over the arguments adduced
by Mr.. Thompson, | will say Mat bis
speech was the ablest one yet made in either
branch, and undoubtedly carried conviction TO
the minds Of any Of the members who may
have been influenced against the bill vote
WAS not reached, as the house adjourned immc-
datefstupon the close of Mr.. 1hompson's re-
marks.
There was swarm Of petitions to-day on the
usual subjects Of Brooklinc annexation, exami-
nation Of railroad engineers, the bank tax, etc,
and one for ten hour law for factory opera
tives. The judiciary committee reported bill
for the protection Of libraries, by the provision
OF fine Of eve dollars for every DETACHMENT OF
book or paper belonging 10 such libraries
The same committee was instructed 10 consider
the expediency Of law 10 provide longer terms
OF Office for selectmen, similar to the law con.
ceruing assessors, recently passed.
Mr.. Hoyt Of Athol procured the passage
OF an order calling upon thc committee Il
consider the expedency Of an amendment TO th,
constitution limiting the length OF the sessions
of the general court TO one hundred and twent,
days. Mr.. Winsow, Of Newton, whose hobb,
is the enforcement Of the liquor law, offered Al
order which calls upon the police commissioner
TO inform the house about the service done b.
the police ont Of the state, or at nusters
Another order looks 10 the prohibition of tn
collection OF fees from visitors az the state prison
During the discussion Of the railroad bill II
the house the senate Is holding very short SEES
sions, and the senators attend upon the debate
In the other branch after doing The br,et or,orr
OF work that comes up. Petitions were prcsen,
ed to-day from II. c. Rice and others of wo,
cesler. for the incorporation Of a lam
association Of George T. Lord, "a
the incorporation Of the New Englan
mutual insurance company, and Of Il
assistant clerk Of the courts of Worcester for q
increase Of salary. The judiciary committee !