The New York herald. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1840-1920, 1879-02-17
Prominent Measures Before
the Legislature.
TEMPERANCE AND WOMAN SUFFRAGE.
Annual Raid on the Railroad and
Insurance Companies.
DIFFICULTIES OF THE TRAMP QUESTION,
HARTFORD, Com


In several respects the Legislative session of 1870
assumes prominence over its predecessors, and will
be one OF marked Importance in the history of the
State. For the first time in years its majority
is in accord with the chief magistrate politically
and the party secures full control OF every plum OF
patronage that is to be disposed Of The first two
weeks Of it's existence were marked by two events
of signal election of the Governor aud
other State officers the people having failed to elect
through the potency Of the greenback vote), and
the election of Senator Of the United States which,
after bitter struggle between Hawley and Jewell
resulted in the choice of the compromise candidate
1t is a somewhat remarkable fact that not single
measure of partisan nature is pending to-day or
has come up from the beginning. Ordinarily it
might be expected that the minority would have
candidates for the various minor Offices in the gift
of the Legislature and give them the empty honor
of vote, but not an instance of this has occurred
Following an old custom, the minority has
allowed the other side to elect their men
without taking the trouble TO put up rival
candidates. In only instance have the republi-
yielded any thing to the other side. This was
in the election of judge Of petty court in New
London county; but the democrats.are endeavoring
to secure recognition of the principle of minority
representation in the elective boards county OIL
When in power they have frequently elected a
republican one Of the three members composing a
board of county commissioners, and now ask that
such concessions be remembered. In some cases the
republicans have complied far as to table nomi-
nations temporarily. but it is predicted that they will
concede nothing more than this, and will finally
elect their men.
BIENNIAL SESSIONS PROPOSED.
The suspension of the reception of "new business
leaves the Legislature with it's entire work before it,
There some useful bills out of the Ave hundred
introduced, but the. majority might be
thrown into the waste basket after reading the title
only. and without any possible injury to the State
Perhaps the most important measure pending is a
constitutional amendment providing for biennial
parties will advocate this because 1t will save the
State over 100000 each ''o1' year. but there
a host Of opponents from the country dis.
tricts, where the love of Office is potent
argument against the measure. The friends
Of the bill predict its success. but this is by
means a certainty. Another constitutional amend
mcnt provides for return to May sessions, and this
is regarded with more favor
THE RAILROADS.
The railroads coming in for their share Of at
tention. Mr.. Henry Goodwin, OF East Hartford,
who has been fighting the roads for years past on
the matter Of alleged issues of watered stock, and
usually manages to create sensation in the stock
holders meeting of the New York and New Haven
road has had resolution introduced calling for an
investigation of such issues and Vincent Coyer, of
Daren the artist legislator, is responsible for the
presentation of petitions from every section of the
fares on the roads. No distinction is made between
the profitable roads and those struggling for exist
ence ou. senate OIL, proposes 20 re. ,nese alomo anu
their stock dividends.
TEMPERANCE.
The temperance men are i'll strong force this year,
and a queer medley of propositions has been show
cred upon the Legislature. Some propose the re-
enactment of the old Maine law others the appoint
ment of town agents where no licenses are issued;
the sale OF lager without local restrictions Of any
knd that two-thirds vote OF jury may convict in
linn m
sell upon paying license and upon physicians pre-
scriptions. The .local option" law. however.
is working satisfactorily that it will probably be
continued without material amendment. Liquor
dealers who have suffered from it in New Haven,
stamford. Norwich, New London and Other OF the
but it satisfies the smaller towns, and their repre-
sentatves virtually control the temperance issues.
When the restaurant in the new Capitol was first
opened this session liquor selling was allowed, but
within few days the temperance men rallied their
forces and passed resolution prohibiting sales
OF cider anywhere in the building or grounds. The
result was that the restaurant, which conducted
by Hartfords principal caterer. passed into the
hands OF the proprietors OF boarding house.
WOMAN SUFFRAGE.
The women suifragists are making their usual on
slaug to their rights and julia tho last
vivor of the famous Smith Sisters. of Glastonbury
ana Alderney cow notorieiy, has put in the stereo
typed petition with which the Legislatures of years
past have been familiar Mrs. Isabella Beecher
Hooker has ably seconded her efforts and has dozen
or more at her back. The whole party got into
somewhat bad odor early in the session by establish
ing lobby in the la lies anteroon and boring every
lady who entered with arguments in favor of the
cause, and requests for heir signatures The news
papers finally discussed this Intrusion in somewhat
critical terms and since then the sufragists have
been more circumspect. The members Ut the
Legislature, however appeared to regard the master
III the light of good joke, and not only declined to
Interfere but have gone further and granted the
OF the nall Oh the House Tor evening meetss where
the friends of the cause may advocate their views b6
fore the legislative committee those of the members
who choose to attend and the public generally
AN ABSURD PROPOSITION.
Among tho amusing billS OF the session is one
drafted by a Mr. Beckwth. an eccentric almanac
maker in New Haven. prescribing educational
the total votes of the State to about seven
hundred. for that is the number Of school
chance OF passing muster Tho bill requires
that voter shall not only read and write. but shall
be able to define the boundaries of the United States
and any OF the states, to give THE latitude and longi
tude OF the limits of the country. pass fair exai
nation in grammar, in arithmetic as far as complex
fractions. III history and explain in detail the po-
litical systems OF the country and the State. The
reading of this bill was greeted with uproarious
laughter when il introduced, and the committee
has already decided upon an adverse report.
more popular measure is resolution repeating
the "tcn per cent law of 1871 That year the manu-
factrors and, IL fact. all classes of employers
cutting wages ten per cent. and Legislative ccono-
mist thought that persons living upon the State
could stand an equal share. TO the surprise Of
every his measure succeeded. but the people and
their representatives have recovered from their
panicky feeling. and with the outlook for better
times encouraging. tho proposed rcestabishmcnt OF
salaries at their old figures is more than likely.
THE TRAMP QUESTION.
The tramp question is as much OF a puzzle ever,
and all sorts OF measures suggested including
one from honorable Senator that the whipping
post used less than thirty years ago In this state DO
established. This has no possible chance OF success.
but It is believed that stringent law will have
to be adopted measure of selfdcfencc prevent
influx OF tranps into Connecticut from adjoining
States, where harsh measures are contemplated.
ono Of the most important bills pending is the re-
form of the Civil Procedure Code iS accordance with
tho recommendation OF special COMMISSION. At
present the methods OF procedure are exceedingly
complicated but the new plan proposes the most az
rect and common ways, and in the FORMS for
instance, few lines OF direct assertion are made TO
the purpose Of the pages Of legal phrascology
and technicaties now required. The change In very
generally commended by the legal fraternity and has
reasonable prospects OF being enacted
MISCELLANEOUS TOPICS.
Among some other measures worthy of note Ii
bill that no person shall act agent for thief In
the return of stolen property, and another that
any person inducing another TO violate any law
shall be held rs guilty as the vioator. This Is be-