The Portland daily press., 1875-02-17
FIFTY-FOURTR LEGISLATURE
Especial to the Press.l
SENATE.

AUGUSTA, Feb 16, 1875.
The Senate was called to order at 10 o'clock
by the Secretary, and in the absence of the
President, Hon. w. j. Corthell was called to
the chair.
The House papers were passed in concur
renee.
The first reading of several resolves were had
and they were assigned.
The resolves to provide a new chapel for the
Insane Hospital and a new hospital, were tab
led, and tomorrow, Immediately after the
morning hour, assigned for their further con.
sderation.
The Committees on Federal Relations and
Agriculture presented their final reports and
were discharged.
The committee reported leave to Withdraw on
the petition of Joseph Clark and ais. for re-
endorsement of expenses IN pur suing horse
thief.
Mr. Holbrook, from the Committee on Finan-
cial Affairs, reported bill renewing portion
of the public debt, discon tinuing the sinking
fund of 1865, and abolishng the office of Com
missioner of the Sinking Fund. 1t provides for
the issue of new bonds to the amount of $780,
600 payable in 1850, and to the amount OF $780,
600 each succeeding year until all shall be paid.
Resolve in favor of John A. Roe was taken
from he table and had its second reading.
Senator Foster moved its indefinite postpone
ment.
Senator Donworth advocated the resolve, and
stated that the land was unfit for any purpose
save flowage, for which purpose the land is
asked.
The motion was withdrawn aud the resolve
passed to be engrossed.
The resolve in favor of the Biddeford Light
Infantry was taken from the table and state
ment of facts made by Senator Hall, showing
how the uniforms were lost. The bill was then
assed to be engrossed.
The resolve to pay certain towns for moneys
paid into the state treasury, sums demanded by
the Adiutant General in 1864. The list of
towns has already been given
Senator Stevens then proceeded to give the
Senate statement of facts regarding the case.
One hundred and forty-six towns were called
on; % paid, and subse quently the number was
increased to 26; SO towns were reimbursed who
were called upon but did not pay, and have
been reimbursed for the October call of 1868.
He referred to the records in the Adjutant
Generals office to prove his statements. His
argument was that it was but an act of justice
to the towns on the part of the state.
Senator Swasey said there was a mystery
about this matter which he could not upder-
stand. The matter had been through several
commissions and the Governor and Council,
and still the matter is unadjusted. When it
was shown that all these towns furnished men
of real flesh and blood, and not paper men, land
paid money besides, then he would be glad to
see justice done to them. But until then he
could not vote them money.
Senator Haskell said there was mist about
these transactions which he thought would
never be entirely cleared away. But he thought
General which show that these men of flesh
and blood were furnished, was sufficient to
prove the justice of the claims. The books of
tile Treasurer show that the money vas paid.
Senator Swasey inquired if Gen. Hodgdon
was before the committee. Answer-No.
Senator Corthell rose to explain some of the
points of the case. He agreed that there was
a mystery over certain affairs in the case. There
is nc doubt but that certain plunderers got out
of the pockets of tie people of the state more
than 100000 He said the letter of the Adju-
tant General of July 1, 1864, saying these
towns must pay 5000 each or their credits for
men already furnished would be transferred to
otter towns This was in violation of all law
and right, and was only taken up in the head