New-York tribune., 1874-07-03
TIE MASSACHUSETTS, LEGISLA TURE.

REMARKABLE END OF A TALKArIyE BODY-A SUPER
FLUoUs SESSION OF THE sENArE-THE POLICE
COMMISSION AND HOOsAC TUNNEL QUESTIONS.
The Massachusetts, Legislature, which adj
iourned the nst IN session 176 days six days
longer than any previous Legislature. The next longest
in 1869 and $780, which reached 40 days
The death of Senator Sumner. his obseques, and the
election OF his successor" says The Boston JOuidt
delayed the regular business considerably,
but the main thing has been the Ameri-
can weakness for talking intermDaby upon
matters which needed but little discussion" Ihe
Journal continues: "BOth branches have had more
than the usual number OF good debaters and a Sc
quence about every question which could give rlse to
discussion has been thoroughly handled The old evil
OF special assignments to be largely credited with the
days which have been added TO the session. There Is
growing feeling that on the whole it would be better
there was imperative rule, winch could be suspended
only by twothrds vote forbiddng the special assign
meut OF any matter. The trouble has been for years
tuat members matters in wnicn tnoy are Interested
specially assigned aud then attend the sessions or not
as they choose, and otter matters suffer- some things
done AT the opening of the session 10 hasten Dls
but other things nave lntcrNencu 20 hat te hV
session winch hoped for and called Tor mas 1aled
The Legislature had singular ternlnatiOn, an account
OF which - tikeu from ihe JOnUGl: Lite Tuesday
night an order adopted 10y bOth branches was sent TO
ihe Governor informing him that both branches had
finished business asking II all bills ana resolves
had signed, anu II 50 that BE would prOrOgue the
Legislature. Tnc Governor informed the Coilnittte
that he had acted upon ali Dls and resolves ana IsISt
Il
action The Committee reported Ddek to bOth branches
but member Of the Senate went down TO tine ONCE vi
the secretary state and ascorained that the pl 10
abolish the state Police Commissioners ana an appfO
priatiun u had been received ut that ONCE from
the Governor. This appeared to cOIhrm Ger.
tain Suspicious which many meuDefs hau uat
Gov TALBOT proposed To pror0gue tue Leeis
and thus let II quietly fall through ana ml,
AT O'Clock "Wednesday morning the same memDer %ilo
mad discovered the DugDear at the secretary ounce
moved TINT "A be sent 10 the Lleutehdhl-uVf
eruOr that had further business ana WINE nc
WAS absent with the senate adjourned sup
posng that would stop the prOIOguing. In ths theJ
were mistaken, however and lew mlnutcb
the House pTOrOgUed and the Dlu 10 hpoilSu '4o
State Police Commissioners, signed by the OoNerhoI'
had been received the SecretarYs Once IL Is uuuei
stood that Talbot took tue view OF tue matter uIt
the only Official Information which he had from ths
was Joint notice tnat both branches had
finished their business aud he eould not aoW thc ho
uce which the Senate alone subsequently sent hlIn
influence Tue whole thnS Is uDprecedentcu
in the history OF Legislatures, and Undoubtedly hNocS
"a construction Of the relative powers anu uutcs Vi ~.
two branches OF the Legislature and the ENeCuuFe'
which the Supreme Court may have TO decide upon
BY this singular proceeding or the senate luo hPPtO
prIatlon bill lost, the Senate having
too late TO save the Dill lhe
nil abonshug State Police Commissioners gives tue
Governor and Executive Council cOntrol over anu Ic
,uouslbin the force, which Is limited 10 ~ neih
bers and under the direct control OF chel' 1nc
Hooslc Tunnel question ls also leIt Win the uoNclho
and Council 10 select five Trustees who shan IOrm
coruoratiun exist one year 10 manage tne luhno
with power 10 make contracts lasting but year, anu
o make the several inquiries ntemplaedin III the senate
bill and report during the irst week Oi tne heAt ek
atre The Advertiser OF "Wednesday pubnsheu lst Vi
g76 laws and resolutions which had passed the LsRs-
| lature and been signed by the Governor.