The Portland daily press., 1875-01-22

AUGUSTA, Jan. Il.
The Constitutional Commission has not only
been busily engaged all day, but it has made
progress. Every point is carefully considered,
the constitutions of other states noted when
necessary. The Commission at first went over
the various topics as given by the PRESS, be-
fore taking decisive action upon any one topic.
This was completed this forenoon and then the
Commission proceeded to take up topics and
dispose of them.
Mr.. Gilbert offered an order to the effect
that all propositions relating to specific amend
ments of the constitution be submitted in writ
ing. and that the Commissioners now proceed
to consider such propositions as may be sub
mitted in parliamentary manner, and to de-
termine the same by a majority vote, and the
further provision that no amendment shall be
adopted without the concurrence of six men,
bers, and that the details of all amendments
may be perfected by subsequent action. I'm
der this order the Commission began to take
definite action and the following resolves pass
ed:
Resolved That the constitution be so amend
ed as to provide for elections in November in
stead of September, and that Messrs. Pike,
Rust Madigan, be committee to make a
feet, commencing November 1876.
Resolved, That the election of Governor,
Senators and Representatives by the people be
biennial.
Resolved That the constitution be so amend
ed that the Legislature meet the first Wednes-
day of January bi-ennially.
Messrs Pike, Rust and Madigan were made
subcommittee to put the above in proper
form.
Resolves were also adopted to the effect that
it is not necessary, in the Judgment of the
Commission, to have the departmental officers
elected by the people; also that no change in
the constitution is required respecting the veto
power.
A proposition to the effect that the Governor
shall not be eligible for the term next succeed
ing any term of service, was voted down.
The following resolve, presented by Mr.. Gill
bert, respecting the appointment of Represen-
tatives to the Legislature, was under consider
alton at the hour of adjournment
Resolved. That Representatives to the lower
house of the Legislature ought to be apporticned
among the cities, towns, etc., in proportion to
the population thereof; that for the practical
application of the principle it is expedlent to
provide in the fundamental law for the CLASH
fication of contiguous Cities towns and planta-
tons in representative districts, to be entitled
to elect one or more representatives; and that
it is expedient to make further provision for
the equitable solution of questions arising from
the unequal population OF cities, towns and
districts
In the preliminary consideration of topics
the question of abolishing the Executive
Council was discussed. Judge Kent advocated
that it be retained while Mr.. Talbot argued
with much force against its continuance, and
quoted ex Gov. washburn's sound address to
the Legislature advocating its abolition.
In two little 8x10 rooms, somewhere over the
Senate chamber, there occurred to-day two very
lively hearings. The most important of these
was that which the Committee on Fisheries
gave to the fish packers, brokers and dealers of
Portland and elsewhere, for the abolition of
the Office of Inspector General of Fish. Judge
Goddard represented the Portland parties, of
whom Messrs E. G. " lizard, w. S. Dana, 0.
B. Written, N. o. Cram, w. 81. Chase and G.
d. Themes were present. Mr.. Willard first
spoke and set forth with great clearness the
results of the present system which worked
badly, particularly as the present or rather late
Inspector General was inefficient. Messrs;
Dana, Written and Cram followed in very
convincing statements of the case. G. IL.
IldShtil, IIoq VI oltduu, aPPCohSo AVi 0AS
parties opposed to abolition. He presented
petition signed by several wholesale grocers
and others of Portland, opposing the doing
away of the office, and in very ingenious ar
gument put his case in the best possible light.
When the hearing had closed the committee
vot ed to present a bill offered by Mr.
Written, which abolishes the Office of.
Inspector General, and in lieu thereof
provides for the appointment by municipal Of
ficers of fish inspectors in such cities and towns
as require them who shall brand the fish in
spected by them with their names, etc., and
give bonds ranging from $500 to $4,000 for the
faithful performance of their duty. The bill
otherwise makes provisions all looking to a
rigid inspection.
The other hearing was given by the Commit
tee on Indian Affairs to two of the Penobscet
tribe, Peter Gabriel and Joseph Socialism
who related their grievances against the Indian
Agent, particularly in his use of the money ap-
propriated for ploughing and seed. The point
was that be charged large prices for little SER
vice. The men appeared very Intelligent and
Socialism is no mean orator.
The contested election case, Montgomery vs.
Reed, in the Bocthbay district, was postponed
next Wednesday.
1t may be safely predicted that the judiciary
Committee will not bring in a bill to enforce
the tax against the railroads, majority being
opposed to it, preferring that the question of
the legality of the tax may be settled by an ac-
ton under the present law.
The Judiciary Committee to day unanimous
ly instructed Mr.. Cleaves to report to the House
that the bill relating to the supervision OF Port
land schools, which received the approval of
the City Council, ought to pass.
Now that they have taken time to read the
communication of Gov. Dingley on the public
expenditures, those who were so badly fright
ened respecting it few days since, express
privately that it isn't so bad after all.
1t is said thai. the old railr Dad lobby dies
hard. and that one of them has made one of
the rival Boston and Portland roads believe
that the famous force bill of last year will be
passed. and as a result he is coming to watch
the thing, SO say railroad men here who don't
want any more lobby.
The hearing on Mr.. Emery's bill to abolish
imprisonment for debt will take place next