The Portland daily press. [volume] (Portland, Me.) 1862-1921, 1874-01-28
BY TELEGRAPH,
THE STATE CAPITAL.
Especial to Press.1
n,

AUGUSTA, Jan. 27.-The hearing before the
Judiciary Committee this afternoon on the Tai
bot and other capital punishment bills before
it, was largely attended, the Hall of Represen-
tatives where it occurred being filed. Quite a
number of ladies were present, as well as many
prominent gentlemen from all parts of the
State.
The hearing opened BY Rev Mr. Quinby
of Augusta, who occupied about an hour He
cited the ancient laws bearing on the question
and denounced their barbarty, the executions
taking place for the most trillng offences One
strong point made by him, was that just de-
sire for punishment and not of vengeance
should govern in cases Of murder. He referred
to States where capital punishment is abolished
and argued that murder is not more frequent
than in States where it is still law
Hon T. B. Reed of Portland, was the next
speaker. He began by reference to the Tai
bot bill, the principal element of which was the
desire for the speedy execution of the criminal.
There is a disposition in the community to
hang SOMEBODY. He attacked the argument of
Mr.. Talbot as advanced last week, that the
brute class of murderers should be hung, and
argued that they were insane and ought in
Christian charity to be confined AVID given a
chance to save their SOULS The law of 1885, he
considered an obnoxious ore, as the object of it
was indirection, 1t meant execution in theory,
but imprisonment for life in practice In his
reference to the agitators of this subject, he in
dulged in telling vein of sarcasm which call
ed forth hearty applause. He had little faith
in statistics on this subject, and yet what had
been compiled preponderated in favorof the
abolition of capital punishment The New
York law which he had read is quite similar to
the proposed law in the Talbot bill, and yet
murders are every day committed there. The
chief difficulty in reaching conviction of a
murderer is the fear of the jury in causing to
be hung, what may possibly prove to be an in
nocent man. They shirk the responsibility if
they can. They are more frightened than the
prisoner. He referred to the universal execra-
ton in which the hangman is held. His argu.
ment was able, eloquent and practical.
Hon. E. F. Pillsbury of Augusta, made the
closing argument, and added by illustrations
drawn from his own experience and extensive
reading materially to the effect already pro-
duced.
Tho Industrial School.
Mr.. Foster of Oxford, made an able argu
ment this morning in the Senate against the re-
solve to establish an Industrial School fol
Girls. He occupied over an hour, and is highly
complimented.
Messrs. Burgess of Cumberland, and Emery
of Hancock did themselves credit. They ad
vocated the appropriation.
1t is thought that there will be q sharp fight
in the House.
The State Prison.
The discussion in the House this morning on
the State Prison order, created considerable
feeling The remarks of Mr.. Kelloch of Thorn
aston, and his statement that Warden Rice
was, by letter and personal solicitation, en-
deavoring to influence the membere to place
the investigation with the Joint Select, rather
than the Special Committee created deep i'm
preston, and probably was the cause of the &C
ton of the Honse in refusing to receed and
concur in so placing it. 1t is thought tonight
that the Senate will tomorrow reconsider, re
coed and concur with the action of the House
Woman Suffrage Convention.
The Woman's Suffrage Convention was call
ed to order in Granite Hall this evening, by
Hon. Joshua Nye. Mrs. Agnes A. Houghtor
of Bath, was the first speaker. This lady is
the wife of an Universalist clergymen, ant
possesses a fine flexible voice. She is rathe
young, pretty, and dresses in good taste. Sh'
spoke about an hour, and touched upon ths
leading arguments in favor of giving the ballo
to women She presented her case more iron
the,woman point of view than the majority o
female speakers on the subject, and created
very favorable impression upon the large au
dience present.
She was followed by Judge Kingsbury o
Portland, who owing to the lateness OF tn
| hour was very brief. His remarks were fe
fictitious, and will prove good introduction, a
| he speaks again tomorrow.
! Mrs. Julia Ward Howe and DIR. Blackwell
have not arrived tonight, but are conidentl
expected to be here to morrow.
| Varieties.
The Committee on Legal Affairs, have as
signed Jan, Both for hearing on the bill gram
ing appeals from the decisions of the Count
Commssio ners.
delegation from Portland appeared befo1
the Committee on Fisheries to day, in beha
OF the bill prohibiting the taking of Holsters a
certain seasons.