Oxford Democrat. [volume] (Paris, Me.) 1833-1933, 1873-03-11
The Last L.oislafure.


lnture published in Portland Press,
We find the following:
Although. as we have remarked, there
were but few men of great general re-
putation, this session has developed q
remarkably large number Of coming
men, and has afforded a field OF which
have been displayed those powers which
will ensure TO their poSsessors future
prominence and advancement. The pre-
siding officers in both branches have won
many laurels and are the just subject. OF
commentator on all hands. President
Foster was well known before. and
Speaker Webb has added greatly TO the
reputation won en- the floor in the proceed
/ ing Legislature and has fully confirmed
the opinion that he is one of the strong
est men in the State, giving assured
promise of future distinction. OF the
new men in the House our own members,
Thomas and Loring. made decidedly
favorable impression. Bisbee of Buck
field, surprised everybody by his power
and yisor; he IL ready and forcible de-
batter, u man OF positive convictions and
had great influence in shaping the policy
of the House. Nortland of Rockland,
Corthcll of Calais. and Mathews Of
Iampdeu acquired prominence, esPeci
ally in the debates. and are well spoken
of. Whilcomb of Ellsworth is - square,
leyelheaded young man." IS one OF his
fellow members called him. 1t is much
TO be regretted that i'll health prevented
Clifford of VassalborO from taking the in
flueutial part in the legislative proceed
ings OF the winter ior which his distin-
gui>hed ability and varied accomplish
mcuts 50 abundan,ly tit him. To Knowl-
ton Of Skowhegan, if to any one. may
fairly be conceded the position of "lcad-
err OF the house" His direc,ness, force
and evident sincerity aud honesty gave
him gcat weight. Dingley OF Lewiston.
is too thoroughly well known to The poo
pie Of Maine 70 need description. Ito
could not be in association with any
body Of men without impressing himself
strongly upon all their deliberations.
We cannot properly place him among
the new men. for his high character,
great ability and many admirable quail
ties have long been familiar to al our
citizens
OF course there arc many prognostcs
as to the Speakcrsbip Of the next House.
Thomas OF this city is perhaps the mos;
prominent candidate. lis prompt, ac-
tive, alert appearance. his close and bust,
ness like attention to legislative affairs,
his marked qualification, in quicsness OF
OF eve and strength OF voice. and his
success In the chair when called 10 it dui-
ING the pas, session. have naturally
caused him TO be generally mentioned IN
this connection Mathews of IlSmpden,
Mortland of Rockland, and CorIhcll Of
Calais are also strong candidate, and
have their friends Either OF them would
undoubtedly make very acceptable
officer
The Senate affords much less opportuu-
i,y than the House tor the development
OF the strong points Of It's members. OF
the new men there. Burgess of this city
and Butler Of Biddeford have acquired
most prominence. The question OF the
choice Of presiding officer for he next
Senate is less matter Of question than
in The ease of the House. The place
seems by general consen, 70 be cosceded
70 Senator Butler OF Yeyk. who Ia, prov
ed himself to be one Of The sronges,
men in the whole Legislature. and PIE.
scnts ample qualifications loy the Presi.
dcrcy. His location sud all the natural
laws are favorable 10 his success.
Ca the whole. we repeat, this Legisi.-
tuce hes been an eminently respectable
body, and has done several very good
things It. few sins are rather of omis-
sion than commission We may call
ourselves happy five never have woIsc
Legislature.