Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1873-02-24
Remarks OF Mr.. Manson OF Pittstleld,

In HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES,, Feb 10th,
on the Somerset shire town question
Mr.. MANSON said,
Hr Speaker and Genhenten Of he House
Of Representatives
1t has been my province TO minister to the
physical rather than the spiritual, legal or
political ailments of mankind; consequently
it will not be expected that l shall rivet your
attention with the power OF oratory, or excite
and command the sympathy of this House by
the eloquence Of an appeal. Fully conscious
OF my own inability, tain would shrink from
the effort which duty to my constituents COM
pels me to make, and which is to endeavor to
present for your consideration.a plain unvarn-
ished statement of facts, rs they have in the
past and do at present exist, in relation to the
bill now pending before this House; but firm.
ly believing that Thrice armed is he who
hath his quarrel just" l very respectfully
solicit the undivided attention of members
present. Not as matter of courtesy to my
self, but as duty which claim due the
county of Somerset, from each and every
member of this House. In order that all
may thoroughly understand, and fully com.
prehend the length, breadth and magnitude of
this subject, it becomes indispensably requisite
that we enter somewhat into historical detail.
At the time of the original formation of
Somerset county, which was about the year
ton of the county seat; some competition
arose, Norridge wock, however, by a liberal
donation for those days, in money, land ETC.,
finally succeeded in securing it at that place,
and 1t was distinctly understood and agreed,
that in consideration of such donation. the
location should be permanent and final. From
that time the courts, as you are all aware,
were holden at Norridgewock, until by act of
the last legislature, the shire was changed to
Skowhegan. Several attempts to accomplish
the same result had been made prior TO this,
but without success. As early as 1859, or
1858, If l am correctly informed, Skowhegan
petitioned the legislature to remove the
county seat TO that place. bill was report
ed, but defeated by large majority in both
branches. Subsequently, however, during
the same session, If | am correctly informed
late in March, and while the attention OF
Norridgewoek and the towns above was en-
gagged in the county court, then being holden
at that place, and while the inhabitants of the
county were feeling perfectly safe and secure
in the recent most emphatic refusal of both
branches Of the legislature to entertain the
idea, Skowhegan influence had this subject
again called up, very Unexpectedly, and con.
sequenty unfairly, and with the evident in
tent of springing trap upon the county. But
even this effort, with all its unfairness, failed
to succeed. In Go Skowhegan again petit
toned the legislature for removal. A bill
was reported and engineered quite through
both branches, but the late Judge Tenney,
then member of the Senate, succeeded in
securing an attachmenYto the same, in the
form OF an amendment, by which the act was
to tqke effect and become law, when ratified by
the people, and not before. Consequently the
following September, the people expressed
thelr wish and desire, by direct vote upon the
question and, gentlemen, what was the re-
sul' why Tor every vote cast in favor of
removal from Norridgewock to Sknowhegan.
there were more than Ave against it. In
short, the measure was defeated by a MAORI
" OF more than five to one; thus completely
ahnlhlatlng the movement. Every one sun.
posed \ kilied-dead beyond the hope of res
| direction.
i on have all heard, or read, of striking in
dividual demonstration of "the ruling M scion
strong in DEATH" but here was a case, and the
! only demonstration Of which ever heard or
! read OF the ruling passion strong after death.
! Tor 1t seems that. notwithstanding this empbat.
&c, almost unanimous refusal Of the people, the
determination still existed, for in II Skowhe-
gan again petitioned the legislature for re-
! moyal; but the committee to whom the petit
tons were referred very politely gave the Pc
titioners leave to withdraw. In 70 this same
old ghost reappeared and during the surprise
and asionishment created by the enormity of
its "cheek," assisted very greatly by the
grossest Misrepresentation With the regard to
wish and desire of the people, it was rushed
quite through both branches and became law,
strange as 1t may appear, with the emphatic,
almost unanimous verdict Of the people in 'G5,
to the contrary, staring that legislative body
squarely in the face. thunderbolt from.a