The Portland daily press. [volume] (Portland, Me.) 1862-1921, 1874-03-06
The Legislature of 1874,

The fifty-third Legislature of Maine has
made up its record and the members have
gone to their several bailiwicks to render an
account OF their stewardship to their constitu-
ents. 1t has been in the main very respec-
table assemblage and has not done much that
is notably bad while it has done several very
good things. 1t has regulated Savings Banks,
made thorough investigation of the State
Prison, demonstrating the integrity and eff
cheney of its management, has provided for
much needed improvements in the Reform
School, has lightened the burdens of the gen.
eral public Dy the imposition of several spec
ial taxes, has established an Industrial School
for Girls, has made an appropriation of $685.
600 to set in operation the Maine General
Hospital, has made rigorous game law and
has done many other things for the good of
individuals and the people at large. Its most
fragrant sins are those of omission. 1t has
failed to pass a law regulating railway con-
nections and to make provision for addition
al accommodations for the insane, Two con-
spicuous lapses whi.h will probably be reme-
died by the next Legislature.
In the component parts of the Legsla
ture are found many men of high character,
prominence and promise. The presiding Of
ficers have given excellent satisfaction in the
discharge Of their important duties and have
has given this the reputation of being work
ing rather than talking Legislature. Presi-
dent Butler brought to his place the training
both of lawyer and an editor, thorough
familiarity with parliamentary law and prac-
tice and practical aptitude for affairs of great
value to him and to the Senate. Speaker
Thomas is full of all sorts of qualifications for
this or any other office. His Astounding vital
force lent inspiration to the House and en-
couraged prompt action, enabling the House
to do an unusually large amount Of business
for the time of their session. If Mr.. Thomas
should return to the House next year he
would be likely to be made Speaker without
contest, but it is quite within the possibilities
OF the future that the county may choose to
send him to the Senate next year, IN which
case the Presidency of the year after is not
very problematical.
The leadership Of the Senate may fairly be
accorded to Hon. e. F. Webb of Waterville,
Chairman of the Judiciary Committee. He
is an able lawyer of high reputation, good
debater and thoroughly familiar with the
business of legislation. He was Speaker of
the House last year and all auguries assign
him to the Presidency of the Senate for the
next year without serious opposition. Hon.
L. A. Emery of Ellsworth, is gentleman
new to legislation, and he has made for him
self most enviable reputation. He
has been a most valuable member of
the Judiciary Committee and highly re-
spectacle Senator. He possesses thorough
ly judicial mind and will soon or late in the
natural order of events, adorn the bench of
the Supreme Court of this State. Hon. E.
K. Boyle of Belfast. also on the Judiciary
Committee, is a lawyer of marked ability. He
has suffered from ill-health during the winter
but has demonstrated in spite of all obstacles
the possession of vigorous and original
mind and briilnt orator.cal powers. 1t is
rare to find three men of so much power, cul
ture and promise associated together in one
Legi slature. The Senate had good reason for
pride in its representation on the Judiciary
Committee. The only other lawyer in the
Senate was Hon. Enoch Foster, Jr., of Beth
ell. He was emphatically the talking member
of the Senate, making the mistake not I'M
common to Few and ambitious legislators. 1t
may be hoped that he will learn wisdom from
experience. Cumberland county had a strong
representation in the Senate. Mr.. Burgess of
this city and Mr.. Holbrook of Freeport, the
seniors, taking the high stand which they have
always done among legislators from the
weight of their character and ability. The
new members, Messrs. Cross and Goold, made
an excellent impression and did credit to
themselves and their county. Mr.. Palmer Of
Bangor, is sound, level-headed, big-hearted
business man, shrewd and sagacious, and
very fond of his little joke. Mr. Rounds of
Minot, was the handsome man of the Senate
and one of the best fellows in the world be-
side. Mr.. Webster-Uncle Moses-of Vinal-
haven, is one of those men whom everybody
loves on sight, simple.hearted as a child but
wise enough to have made large fortune in
the granite business. But we must stop,
though there were many other strongly
marked men in the Senate. 1t is generally
conceded that this is the best Senate that has
occupied the chamber for many years.
In the House, Hon. Joseph Fl. Williams of
Augusta, was readily accepted as leader from
his position as Chairman OF the Committee on
Ways and Means. but specially from his high
reputation for ability, prudence, experience
and integrity. The House always listened
most respectfully to his suggestions and rec
concentrations and felt that its financial BUSH
ness was in safe hands 1t is the browning
honor of an upright life to be looked upon
with such entire respect and confidence as
was Mr.. Williams bv his associates. Mr..
Talbot of East Machias, led the forces on the
Democratic side of the House. He is very
eloquent and ready speaker and is full of wit
and wisdom. He is an elderly gentleman and
many years ago was Speaker OF the House.
He returns to the scenes of his early triumphs
with all the fire of youth unimpaired
by time, and has really achieved a no.
table success in his winters work.
Mr. Knowlton OF Skowhegan, chairman of
cne judiciary Committee on the part of the
HOUSE, ana second on the Railroad Commit
tee, was very influential member d;lican+
in committee work, and effective ON H. a.
OIL his important services on tb. 60,
Committee on the State Prison INVESTIGATE.
we shall have occasion to speak more fuu,
hereafter. The most popular member was r
A. Wilson OF Bangor, who combines in one
man about all the desirable qualities of bu.
man kind. He is strictly upright and con-
scientious, OBSERVATION-DISCLOSURES, preemi-
nently able and sound lawyer, having tbe
largest practice in Eastern Maine. ready
and forcble debater, and full of kindness
liberality and bonhommie which endears him
to all classes of people. He will come bac-
to the House next year, and if he don't. in
due time, succeed Gen. Hersey in Congress.
it will be because he refuses to be candidate
The wag of the House was Mr.. Hathorn of
Gushing, flower who blushed unseen, ex-
cept by few favored ones, until the riotous
scenes OF the closing hours of the session,
when ne was brought forward vi ct armis
and placed in the Speakers desk TO preside
over Sne mock session HE yor,, ,,,>a,.,,.o