Vermont phÅ“nix. [volume] (Brattleboro, Vt.) 1834-1955, 1880-11-05
THE VERMONT LEGISLATURES.
LETTER FROM MONTPELIER.
pecial Correspondence Of The PHoHIx.
MoNTprt Nov o

Special Correspondence Of THE PHUNIx.
MONTPELIER, Nov. g $780,
Editors Of The Pdgnip.
Since the adjournment of the legislature
the town has been very quiet and there seems
to be very little to chronicle that will be of
interest to your readers, and yet some of the
occurrences of last week have not been men
toned. On last Wednesday afternoon Rep
resentatives hail was crowded as il has not
been before during the present session. The
Inauguration Of the Governor or the presence
of Senator Edmunds did not attract nearly as
many people as on this occasion were packed
in lobby, box and gallery, until not another
one could be wedged in anywhere, and the
attraction was that four pupils from the asy-
luml for the deaf and dumb at Hartford,
Conn, together with President Williams and
professor of the institution, were 10 illus
trate something of the method of teaching
employed for the education Of these unfortu-
mates The fact that the crowd "stood it
OUT for nearly two hours is proof enough
that the exercises we're interesting. One little
| girl showed a surprising knowledge OF histo-
| ry while all seemed to have good under
standing of the science of numbers. But
what most interested the audience-as was
shown by the repeated applause-was their
communication in the sign language and pan
tomimio exhibitions of the same by the schol-
ars. Vermont has now in the school sixteen
of these unfortunates, who are educated at an
expense to the state of Sl75 year for each,
which amount does not cover the expense of
their education.
The Vermont Bar Association held very
pleasant anniversary in the Washington Coun-
| ty court house on Tuesday Many of the
most noted and able lawyers of the state were
present. Judge Poland delivered the address,
which was one of the best efforts Of the hon
ored orator. Memorial addresses were delv-
cred and other interesting exercises were par
ticipated in by members of the association
The affair ended with banquet at the Pavil-
ion, which was remarkable not only for the
excellence of the collation. but for the feast
of reason and flow of soul" which accom-
panied it,
The lawyers of the House had chance to
show their oratorical powers the other day on
House Bill lO9," which provides that no
member of the bar shall receive pay from
the state for assistance rendered a states at
torney, and that no remuneration should be
allowed to attorneys assigned to defend GRIM
inals. Nearly every lawyer present took part
in the debate pending the passage of the bill,
and gave law, poetry and fiction, until some
of the members confessed that they were so
bewildered by the brilliant display that they
did not know which way to vote, but the bill
was passed by a large majority. Judge
Thompson of Irasburg introduced the bill
and defended it with his usual ability. The
Judge, by the way, is conceded by nearly ev-
cry one to be the leading dobater in the
House. He is clear, forcible and eloquent,
and does not cheaper his powers by making
them too common, as do some of the would.
be leaders"
The views of the Senate on the temperance
question were brought out on the discussion
of a bill to repeal that portion Of the prohib
itory law which gives the prosecuting officer
portion Of the fines in case of conviction
The Senators who spoke in favor of the bill
said that they favored the law, but did moi
believe in giving an officer moety for prose.
cutting any offence against the state. The
vo te, on the third reading stood four for the
bill TO twenty-three against. The asylum
committee, accompanied by Mr.. Skeels, the
jolly door keeper of the House, and severa
representatives of the press, visited Brattle
boro and the asylum on Saturday and were
very much pleased, not only with the institu
ton, but your beautiful town, and spoke il
high praise of their entertainment at tn,
Brooks House. Arrangements have beer
made by which the kilograms received by tn,
Republican committee in New York will b,
forwarded here at once, 80 that we shall bt
early informed of the result. Now for tn,
excitement of the election and then fo
| business 4