Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1873-02-05
The somerset County Case.

ton (Somerset county,, was shown by The
large number in attendance at the hearing al
the Representatives. hall, yesterday afternoon
before the Committee on Legal Affairs.
Hon. S. d. Lindsey of Norridgewock, ap.
peared in behalf Of numerous petitioners who
feel themselves aggrieved in the change OF
the shire town of Somerset county from Nor.
ridgewock to Skowhegan. He stated the
circumstances of the case that might seem to
have bearing on the minds of the committee
IN the discussion of the case. He traced the
history of the county from its organization.
Courts have been held since 1910 in Norridee.
wock. until last year, when they were trans
ferred to Skowhegan, contrary to the wishes
OF great majority Of the people of the
county. In 1865 the question of the re-
moval OF the county seat to Skowhegan, was
submitted to the people and they had voted
1000 to 800 against it. Only 500 votes were
IN favor OF the measure outside of Skowhe-
gan. The matter then having been settled, a
new hotel was built in Norrdgewock, the Jail
rebuilt and the county buildings repaired.
The question was thought to be settled. In
1871 petitions came to the legislature that the
Marcn term of court might be held at Show
hogan. Leave was given to withdraw. The
action OF last winter was stated Had the
question been submitted to the people, they
would have voted as they had before. But
the legislature thought that the question
ought to be considered by tribunal outside
OF the people of the county. Afterwards the
House adopted an amendment sending it to
the people, but the Senate refused passage
by tie vote. He spoke Of the railroad obi.
gatl 'ns that Norridgewock and adjoining
towns had taken upon themselves. Thought
that the benefits OF the shire town were of but
little consequence. 1t is more a matter of
sentiment than anything else. The iron of
the railroad is laid to Norridpewock which
Will make 1t as accessible by rail as Skowhe-
gan. He plead earnestly for the right of the
people of the county to pass upon this mat
ter.
tie alluded to the gift of Gov. Coburn, and
SAID that 1t did not change the principle Of the
matter, and that the people wished to settle
the case for themselves.
Mr.. Parlin of North Arson, said he had
appeared last year for a change in the shire
town on the ground of railroad commuuica-
ton; but as the Somerset road is being built.
the large majority of the people of Somerset
VIII be better convened at Skowhegan. The
desire OF the people was that the question
should be submitted to the people,
AA"4' ~ ~ OsSW dIt VI OF. Adams, appeared
for the remonstrants. Thought there were
many things that the committee ought to un.
derstand that had not been brought out The
centre OF county is the business centre
Skowhegan is the natural business centre Of
the county. More business is done there
than IN all the rest of the county We are
accommodated there and never at Skowhepap.
About the only objection that has been urged
has been the matter Of expense-never to the
tact that 1t would be better every way to have
the county seat at Skowhegan. At the time
OF the vote Of Go our towns were loaded
down with debt, and this was substantial
reason why the change was not made.
thought that the matter last winter was care
fully considered by the legislature. The
business men and the large tax payers, who
nave occasion TO use the courts, are in favor
OF Skowhegan. 1t is more expensive to the
county to hold the courts at Norriigewock.
besides all the inconvenience.
The question of expense had been removed
by the action of Skowhegan and munifcence
OF Gov. Coburn. He had been ashamed of
the accommodations or lack of accommoda-
tons at Norridgewock. The buildings were
altogether unfit for the purposes. Nothing
had changed in the town for thirty years-no
stores, no newspapers, no convenience of any
kind, and it is a shame that the county has
been compelled so long to hold courts in the
town. Referred to the passage of the bill
last winter by a large majority The attack
on the bill the second time, to which Mr..
Lindsey had alluded, was made after the full
and fair agreement had been made that no
further action should be taken, and was there.
fore breach of faith on the part of its oppo-
nents.
He said the vote in 1865 was influenced Nv
the idea that the removal would cost $780,
00O to effect the removal. 1t was false, but it
killed the thing dead. Alluded in very cut
ting terms to the political action of the re.
publcans of Norridgewock, who had gone
back ON their pledges made at the county
copperheads. Said the majority of the names
on the petition for change from last winters
legislation, were obtained by misrepresenta-
ton. 1t is impossible to get fair express
ion Of the people of the county by submit
ting to them this question, on account of the
copperhead coalition. Thought that the
whole thing was brought here this winter to
further the interests of the copperhead party
Skowhegan has paid out more than $40,
900 for county purposes since the act of last
winter. Is there not any faith to be attach
ed to the action of the last legislature? Shall
the next legislature overthrow the action of
this legislature? Shall we attach no weight
to that which has been done?
The learned gentleman continued at great
length, showing in closing, the various meth.
DDS that had been adopted by those opposed to
Skowhegan as the shire, to reverse the action
Of the last legislature.
The committee adjourned without coming
to any decision on the matter.