Green-Mountain freeman. [volume] (Montpelier, Vt.) 1844-1884, 1874-04-22
Convention of County Commissioners.

In answer, we presume to the awaken
ing OF the people on the subject of temper
rance throughout the state and country, Il
Convention of the County Commissioners
elect of the state was called and held at
the American House.. in this place, Tues
day morning. the 21st inst
Eight counties of the state were repre-
sented, as follows: Addison, by C. w,
Wicker of No. Ferrisburg; Chittenden,
by James Squires of No. Ferrisburg (P.
o. address) Franklin, by R. Whittemore
of st. Adams; Orange, by Hon. A. E. Kin
ney of Vershire; Orleans, by 5. S. Tink-
ham; Washington, by Geo. O. Boyce of
Waitsfeld; Windsor, by S. A. Weston of
Chester; Windham, by DR.. Geo. F. Gale
of Brattleboro. The convention organ
lied by the choice of c. w. Wicker Chair
man, and R. Whittemore Secretary.
After organization, and preliminary to
the real work of the convention, such of
the commissioners us had previously had
experience in the office, proceeded to give
their experiences in the duties of the Office,
the difficulties attending the execution of
those duties In these discussions. Messrs.
Wicker, Whittemore, Squires and Boyce
took prominent part, and contributed large
" to the ability of the convention to reach
uniform results.
The main topic of the morning discus
sions was how far it was best to recognize
the will of local maorities. in regard tc
establishing an agency.
/ 1t was agreed that as far rs possible the
law contemplated the appointment OF
/ liquor agent in every town. On the Other
hand it was conceded that in a great many
cases public sentiment, a small demand, Oh
other circumstances required of the com
missioner. ut least, sound discretion, and
perhaps that in many cases it was best tina
no agent should be appointed. And nj
agreed that no rule of procedure could be
established in regard to this, which coulC
or should be invariably followed.
After dinner the convention re-assembled
and proceeded to business. The following
resolution was offered by Mr.. Squires, ant
adopted:
RESOLVED, That is expedient to ADOPT uniform rule
and requirements for the government OF AGENTS
Two or three forms of commission
for liquor agents, which incorporated rule
for the government of agencies, were of
fered for the consideration of the conven
ton. After considerable discussion anC
careful deliberation, the following require
ments were substantially adopted, man,
of them being simply an exposition o
statute law:
LIST That a definite bargain for amount of salary b
made between the agent and the selectmen -.
such salary hi. or S be received BY the AGENT
| Sd. That no liquors shall be sold except at price
18th That no liquors shall be sold by the glass. 0
5th That an accurate account must be kept by tn
agent Of TIN the G Kaa Rs G # he 3e not
within the town The books to be open at all times to tn
inspection of the Commissioners, the Board OF Civ
AUTHORITY and also that the reasonable OF an
cizen t. eXae tHe ici aI o p% s otains
must be ascertained and information OF any fraud l
tn That all agents must make quarterly reports I
the Commissioner OF the amount and character of hi
sales.
1t was then voted to uniformaly requir
bonds of the agent, as the law allows, 70
n faithful discharge of his duty under tn
law. The amount of these bonds is tixe'
ut 5000
Geo. O. Boyce was appointed commit
tee to procure the printing of the nccessar.
blanks, and r. Whittemore to prepar
form for quarterly report.
The convention then adopted the fol
, lowing resolutions and adjourned:
RESOLVED. That as a rule the appointment of drul
ests agents for the sale OF liquor under the law
RESOLVED. That the friends of temperance in Mont
peier thanks their attendance and intere,
REsoLyEp That the thanks Of this convention are de
giving us return checks.
number of gentlemen were presen
during the day, by invitttion of the con
vention; Charles H. Heath, W. G. Ferrin
J. W Clark, II. d. Hopkins, Judge Tide
of Barre, \. c. Brown and others.
In many ways this convention can nc
fail of valuable results. both to the Com
missioners, and to the people and the caus
of temperance. An interchange of ideas
experiences, the production of uniform
plans and systems of working in this re
sponsible office created by our laws. wi
| be valuable.
f The Importance of the position has to
: great degree been overlooked in the pas
but from the character of the men assem-
bled we Judge that the people do not mel
it shall be in the future, but that the Ia,
shall prove an effective force in the progre>
: of moral and social reform.
, 1t was deserved testimonial to Cheste
Clark, the proprietor of the America
House, that this delegation of temperate
men from all parts of the state should a
semble at his house for their deliberation
, This was the first convention of the sol
ever held in the state, bat we presume wi
not be the last.