The Portland daily press. [volume] (Portland, Me.) 1862-1921, 1875-02-27

made under his direction go to show this faet'
He has tried, moreover, to introduce policy
of nom partisanship in the police appoint
ments, which, so far as he has been able to
do it, must meet the commendation OF the
friends of fair and business like administra-
ton of municipal affairs.
We further assert that 40 man of respecta-
bilty will say over his name in newspaper,
that George P. Wescott has not been an hon
est, efficient and faithful Mayor. Why make
a change but for partisan purposes9 Let
every intelligent voter consider this matter.
The Fifty-FOurth Legislature.
The Fifty-fourth Legislature has made its
record and the members have returned to the
people who committed 10 them the power
which they have exercised. Of that work, it
is not our purpose to speak at this time, as
we have already presented our readers fuR
abstract of those measures which have be-
come laws. Experience alone can test its
wisdom or expose its folly. From the char
acter of the leading members of both bodies,
we are bound to believe that whatever has
De6u uOlCS LIDO DCCh PiOhiPoSu W oiA ANAeSe
conviction that it was for the best. Among
the leading measures which have been adopt
ed, was an act extending part of the public
debt and making it payable in such sums as
can be more easily taken carel of when it
natures. This legislature has also endorsed
the action of that of last year in laying a tax
upon the stock of such railroads as have a
marketable value by enacting carefully con-
sidered measure to enforce the payment Of
the same-a law which will bring the ques-
ton into tie courts. 1t has also called Con-
stitutional Commission to consider the change
in the organic law of the state which the
lapse of time and the test of experience have
made necessary. Seven of sixteen changes
which that Commission recommended have
been submitted to the people. These we
have so frequently named that it is not nee
essary to mention them here. One or two
more of the propositions of the Commission
were, we think, desired by the people, particu-
larly that of biennial elections and sessions of
the Legislature. The more one considers
this change. the greater will be his doubts
concerning its desirableness. 1t would save
dollars, but should we not run the risk of
losing something more valuable to the people ?
1t is not question to be decided in an hour.
If the people ratify those amendments pro-
posed to them, much good may be expected
from number of the propositions, particular
ly the evil of special legislation. The action of
the Legislature upon the death penalty, we
are confident will not meet with the approv-
al of a majority OF the intelligent men and
women of the state. That it is honest, we
have no doubt. That its action will be re-
versed within few years at longest, there
can be scarcely doubt. ..e- r..
On the whole, the recordlo the Legislature
may be regarded as good one. 1t was un-
usually industrious; its committees for the
most part were very faithful in their work a
remark, which, while it applies to a large
number, is particularly applicable to the Ju-
dietary, Financial and Railroad committees.
AS body it kept in view the demand of the
people for economy.
for presiding officers, gentlemen of expert
ence, tact, ability and impartiality. When
this is said for them and said as it honestly
can be for President Webb and Speaker
Thomas, no higher encomium can be given.
In the Senate, Cumberland county had a
good delegation. Mr.. Holbrook, who was
chairman of the Financial Committee, is a
man of rare judgment and strict integrity.
Messrs. Cross an6 Goold are decided men
who look at the merits of measures and take
the responsibility of acting upon their own
convictions. Mr.. Haskell took to Augusta
that application to details which has made
him successful in business, so that nothing
affecting the interests of his constituents suf-
fered through his neglect. The county will
be most fortunate if it always secures the SER
vices of delegation as able and faithful. !
Among the business men Of the Senate
whose legislative experience and ability gave
them influence, was Mr.. Palmer of Pen
obscot, who is mentioned as Gen. Hersey's
euccessor-a positive man, familiar with de-
tails, be is valuable legislator.
In this same class may be named Messrs.
Hall of York, Rounds of Androscoggin, and
Cutler of Penobscot, all of whom are posi-
tive men and had influence in the Senate.
DR.. Russell of Androscoggin, was one Of the
senators who honored his constituency and
won the confidence of his associates by his
course. The law was ably represented in the
Senate. Mr.. Emery Of Hancock, who was
at the head of the Judiciary, proved to be
not only skiful and careful lawyer but a
careful legislator, who regarded time as of no
account when measures Of Importance to the
people were under consideration. Few men
have made a more enviable reputation in the
Legislature than Mr.. Emery. Messrs. Fos-
ter and Swasey of Oxford, also did credit to
the legal profession. Very much unlike, both
good debaters, they took high rank in the
Senate. The appropriation which passed the
scrutiny of these gentlemen unscathed, was
pretty sure to be a just one, IT old Oxford
wants watchful and fearless senators it can
make no mistake in re-electing Messrs. Fos-
ter and Swasey. The remaining lawyer of
the Senate was Mr.. Donworth OF Aroostook,
who secured the confidence of the Senate as
well as its attention when he spoke. Mr..
Corthell of Washington, was undoubtedly, ON
the whole, the best debater in the Senate.
He is a man of decided opinions and possess
ed the confidence of his associates, as he de-
served. Of the new senators, Gen. Hyde of
Sagahahoc, is most worthy of mention, not
only for his attention to his duties but for his
war record, which is one of the best of the
many brilliant regulations made by Maine
men. His friends mention his name in con-
nection with the presidency of the Senate OF
| 1876.
1t would take more space than we have to
| spare to mention the members of the House
who have worthiy served the state. Our
Portland delegation was working one, while