The Portland daily press., 1876-01-28
Especial to Press.1

AUGUSTA, Jan. 9th.
To-day Mr.. Pike made his long expected
speech on his interest BILL as will be seen by
the abstract elsewhere. He devoted but
small portion of his effort to the question of
interest. The greater portion was Jeremiad,
an effort to show that the country and all the
people are in bad way, and bound to go to
the demnition bow-wows. His effort was to
show that the savings banks have been injured
by free trade in money, but if the community
at large shared any part of Mr.. Pixies fore
bodings, he has done them greater injury. Mr..
Pike left the interest question quite early in
his speech, and did not return to it except to
repeat his text. His soul seemed burdened
with long pent-up lamentations, of which he
had not for long time had an opportunity to
unburden himself. He spoke with great force,
and at times displayed the fire that he former
iy displayed when he urged the impeachment
of Andy johnson. The debate will continue
tomorrow.
1t has been a busy day about the State
House. Committees have been in session
afternoon and evening In the afternoon the
Judiciary Committee gave hearing in the
matter of the Oxford Village school house,
which was located uulawfully op the land of
Mr.. Norton of Portland, which he had appro.
priated after due course of law, and which the
citizens desired 10 get possession of Messrs.
Ludden and Perry appeared for the petitioners,
and Mr.. Holmes of Strout Holmes ably
presented the case of Mr.. Norton. The petit
TONERS were allowed to withdraw.
The Agricultural Committee gave q hearing
to the Agricultural College officials. President
Allen and Messrs. Oak and Madigan of the
Trustees addressed the committee. Mr.. Madi-
gan's effort was one Of marked ability. The
committee will report in favor of an appropria.
ton of $23,50O.
There is larger crowd present than at any
time during the session. The sociable at the
Augusta House tonight turns out to be a
brilliant affair.
The Education Committee gave a hearing
tonight on the Bridgton Normal School petit
ton. A large number of prominent citizens
of that and adjoining towns were present, as
well as gentlemen from Cumberland and the
surrounding counties. Hon. Mr.. Chaplin
opened the case, and Messrs. Brown, Stone and
other gentlemen advocated the proposition.
AuO AiucuCCo VI uuC ANUImdl DCuOUlS duVOCaC0Q
the location and another school. At late
hour the hearing was closed by Messrs. Libby
and Reed of Portland in advocacy. No better
presentation of the case could be made, and
the committee must have been favorably i'm.
pressed Mr.. Farnsworth of Brdgton opposed
the proposition with vgor, but he was alone,
and treated of matters which belonged to the
trustees of the academy
The Commerce Committee gave hearing on
the Portland petition asking for law giving
parties furnishing supplies for vessels lien on
the same. Several Portland merchants ably
presented the matter, and they were requested
to present bill to the committee.
There was sort of a breezy time in the
room of the Committee on Fisheries to. day
over the proposition to abolish the Office Of
Fish Commissioner, One gentleman who Gull
tivates "egg of fish" declared that an honest
bill would not be allowed by Gov. Dingley and
Council.
The Temperance Committee gave a public
hearing ia the Representatives Hall this even
ing Joshua Nye. d. B. Randall, III. M.
Bryant, Mrs. Crossman of Bangor, and 81. A.
Shorey spoke in favor of putting cider and
native wines in the list of prohibtory liquors.
A bill will be presented at at early day leav.
ing it optional with towns to say whether
barber shops shall be open Sunday.
Messrs. Lindsay, Jose and Woodbury. of the
commission appointed to considerable matter of
site for new hospital, will report that it is
impossible to purchase the Marine Hospital at
Portland, and further, that the present bull ling
will accommodate all persons really insane,
and recommend the construction of a cheaper
building for the accommodation of idiotic
patients. s..