Vermont phÅ“nix. [volume] (Brattleboro, Vt.) 1834-1955, 1878-10-11
Our Montpelier Letter.
THE OPENING OF THE sEssIoN-sPEAKER MAR
TINS ELEcTIoN-Gov. FAmBASKs's REcEP-
TIoS-THE NEssAGEs-THK SENATORIAL CUES
TIoN-DILIs INTRODUCED.

THE OPENING OF THE sEssIoN-sPEAKER MAR
TINS ELEcTIoN-Gov. FAmBASKs's REcEP-
TION-THE MEssAGEs-TIIK SENATORIAL CUES
TIoS-DIL1.s INTRODUCED.
Especial Correspondence Of THE PH0xI1I
MONTPELIER, Oct 5. 1873.
The weather for the opening day of the session
could hardly have been more suspicious, nor
the manner of the organization of the Legisla-
ture more indicative of the prompt considera-
ton Of all matters which may be brought be-
fore it. 1t was generally conceded that Mr..
Martin would be the leading candidate for
Speaker, but the amount Of strength which
he developed on the first ballot, lacking only
twelve votes of an election was a surprise to
| even his most sanguine friends. This result
was somow what contributed TO, no doubt, by
TIL neat and able manner in which his name
was presented to the House by Maj. Holton
Of Jamaica. Mai. Holton in his usually clear
and forcble manner alluded to the facts that,
in accordance with past custom, the speaker
ship this year belonged TO the eastern side Of
the mountain. that during the one hundred
years Of existence of Vermont Legislature,
Windham County had never been houorod
with "a Speaker, and that the county now pre-
scented a candidate who was the unanimous
choice of her representatives,, but that, tow
ering above all these considerations. she
claimed recognition only on the ground that
she presented the best man. The organiza-
ton Of both the Senate and the House was
completed at their forenoon session, and in
the afternoon they were convened together to
listen to the yalcdictory message OF Gov.
Fairbanks a new feature, hut one which
commended itself to all who listened to the
many practical suggestions which itoontaned
The reception of Governor aud Mrs. Fair
banks at the Pavilion Hotel in the evening
was a very pleasant and successful affair. 1t
was attended by most Of the members Of the
| present legislature and by many prominent
men from all parts of the State. The absence
of everything of an exclusively high-society
nature was well calculated to make every one
feel at home, and the occasion but increased
the respect with which our retiring Governor
is regarded by the people of all classes.
The two Houses were again convened in
joint assembly Thursday to listen to the mes
sage of Governor Proctor, which was deliver
ed in a clear, full voice, and commanded close
attention. Its advocacy Of retronchment in
State expenses its freedom from every thing
of a partisan nature, and its feeling allusion to
the stricken South, have gained for Governor
Proctor the commentator and respect of all
| parties.
The senatorial question is the most promi-
nent one here at present, and it is useless to
attempt to conceal the fact that there will be
a sharp fight over it. The friends of Senator
| Morrill, seem at present to be in a majority,
but many influences are at work, and strong
ones upon the other side. Some are of the
| opinion that the Democrats will hold the bal
ance of power and thus be able 10 dictate the
choice of senator or compel the Republicans
to put forward a new man, Prominent men
from different sections of the State are con.
stantly arriving here, and from now till the
| election is over the members denominated
doubtful will be subjected to an immense
pressure.
| Comparatively few bills have been introduce
ed as yet, but enough to indicate that none OF
the prominent, and but few of the possible
subjects for legislation will escape unnoticed
They include bills on the tramp question, fol-
the repeal of the dog law, the insolvency act
the fish and game law, and for the repeal OF
modification of most of the laws enacted 10y
the Legislature of 1876.
Speaker Martin has succeeded in making
up the House Committees in a manner which
seems to give satisfaction to all parties, ant
the business of the session will probably soor
commence in earnest.
The friends of Col F. g. Butterfield of Sax
tons River will be pleased to learn that he ha
received the appointment of clerk to Govern
or Proctor's Secretary of Civil and Militar!
Affairs.