The Portland daily press., 1875-01-20

AUGUSTA, Jan ~.
The commission to revise the constitution
met in the Council Chamber at o'clock this
afternoon. But six members were present,
viz Messrs. Kent, Talbot, Haines, Robins,
Rust and Kimball. Judge Kent was made
temporary chairman and Gen. Kimball secre-
tarv pro tenn. Messrs. Talbot and Robins were
appointed committee to wait upon the Gov
ernor and request him to present the commits
sion with any suggestions he might have to
make. Gov Dingley came in and in an intor-
NAL manner said that the suggestions he should
make were rather those of members OF the
Legislature than his own. In general it was
desirable to consolidate the amendments made
to the constitution from time to time, and take
out portIonsiwhich in the changed condition of
the affairs of the state were useless and cum
bersome. The general opinion so far as he had
ascertained was that no general revision is nee
essary. There were, however, several points
which it had seemed advisable to change or
amend and few additions which many
deemed desirable.
Fjrst-Shall the time of the state elections be
changed from September to November? In
1876, and thereafter members of Congress must
be voted for in November.
Second-Shall elections be held annually or
biennially?
Third-Shall Secretary of State and other
state officers be chosen as now or by the peo-
pie?
Fourth-Shall cities be given representa-
ton in the House according to population or
not?
Fifth-Shall the Governor be authorized to
veto part or an item of an appropriation bill
while approving the balance?
Sixth-Shall special legislation be prohibited
and all corporations, ETC., be required to organ
ize under general laws?
Seventh-Shall the Governor have power to
pardon conditionally in certain cases rather
than absolutely?
Eighth-Is it advisable to create the Office of
Auditor or Comptroller and do away with the
Executive Council.
Nirth-Are not more general provisions re-
quired on the subject of taxation, making the
system more comprehensive?
Tenth-Should not the power of municipali-
ties to incur debt be limited?
Observation-Disclosures or not it is advisable to
have a section providing that charters granted
by one Legislature may be amended by sub
sequent vote?
The Governor thought it desirable that sher-
ifs and county attorneys should be appointed
by the Executive, who is charged with the ex-
ecuton of the laws. but feared that such
provision would not be successful. He sug
gested that when a particular subject had been
decided on. that it.be submitted to the Legis
lature and thus the work might be FASTENED
forward. He also thought that next Septem-
Der would be better opportunity to submit the
question to the people because of the absence of
national issues in the election The several topics
were the subject of comment between the Gov
ernor and the members of the commission.
The subject of suffrage was alluded to, but
only incidentally. In conclusion the Governor
suggested that the Judiciary Committee and
other members of the Legislature be consult
ed.
The special communication of the Governor
to the Legislature commanded the strictest at
tention of the House while it was being read.
For several days the imaginations of several
parties have been conjuriDg up terrible bug-a-
boo and now that it is out they are very much
surprised that the whole Legislature do not
fall to abusing His Excellency instead of say
ing it is the right thing. Indeed, when those
Directing to the communication carefully con-
slider il they will find it altogether sensible
document.
The Executive Council concluded the review
of the Gordon testimony to-day and voted to
2 that he shall be hung on thc'last Friday in
February. Those voting against committing
the sentence, were Messrs. Grindle, Mason,
Richards, Warren and Williamson. Those
voting for it were Messrs. Buffum and Perkins.
Several of those voting not to commute or
rather for the carrying out of the sentence, are
understood to oppose capital punishment, but
hold that when the case is proven they have no
right to recommend the change of the sentence.
Wagner will be hung the same day.
The Committee on Tow ms have made the fol-
lowing assignments for hearing: Auburn divis-
ion. Jan. 26; Hampden and Bangor, Jan. 20;
Montvile, Feb. I'd.
A petition was circulating among the Repub-
licans of the Penobscot delegation to-day ask
ing for the appointment of Senator Cutler as
Collector of the port of Bangor.
The receipts of the poultry exhibition in
Portland were $4147.O6; the expenditures
were $1,795.99. Officers elected to-day:
President, Albert Noyes of Bangor.
Vice-Presidents, G. H. Haskell E. Dana jr.,
Portland; w. Z. Anterior, Hallowell; III.
Leavitt, Skowhegan; j. P. Walker, Bangor;
G. d. Steadwel, East Eddington; w. S. Til
ton. Togus; f. G. Nutter, Cape Elizabeth; r.
G. Pipgree. lewiston; S. L. Boardman,
Augusta; w. G. Davis, Portland.
Directors-Fred Atwood, Winterport; r. o.
Conant, Portland; John A. Lord, Kennebunk
port; w. w. Harris, Portland b. III. Lewis,
Deering; E. l.. o. Adams, Portland.
1t was voted to pass ever the election of treas
urer and secretary, as it was thought these Of
fees might be united. 1t wasvoted to meet at
the Preble House, Portland, Feb. 10th, S.