Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1880-01-17

sen iTE.
FRIpAi. Jan IL.


Met according to adjournment.
PRAYER bv the Chaplain.
the following communication was received
from the Secretary of State:
II Cnr>sii. Nov. Il. ls72.
The standing Committee on Elections, 20
which WIS referred the returns of votes given
IN M The election holden on the sth dav IF
September. $50. upon the question proposed
hv resolve of the legislature, approved
March t. lS7i. entitled Resolve concerning
m amendment IL the constitution of Maine
report thar thew have examined the returns,
and lind a, follows:
Whole number Of votes east. .j-ul5
The number given in having the
word yes written or printed
thereon. wax tl.niI
The number given in having the
word No. written or printed
thereon. was tUD4
Th-rn hrin.: majority of the votes given
~ in favor ct the amendment proposed hv
the legislature. approved March l. ls7a en-
utlcl "R'solutiHns concerning m amend
;cnt of thu constitution ot Maine. " the same
Is ruiied and adopted and the constitution
at tine state Is amended accordingly. This
* the constitutional amendment providing
for biennial elections and session. of the le-i~-
,aturc.
NJ Iopsov offered the following rcsolu-
ton.
Whereas. II has become apparent that cna-
troll OF official patronage is a dangerous
power hy directing the influence of the vast
army of uhcc holders in one channel enah-
ling the assessment of large sums of mon,v
tnf election purposes, eNcitlug the ambition
of uuSCrupulouS men. thereby resulting in
the control of the floating vote of any State
where 1t il attempted. and giving to the dom
jnant party undue advantage in perpetuating
it, power; therefore.
Resolved. That it is the duty of Congress
t. take such steps may he necessary to
restrict the appointing power. BY placing the
selection ut pn>tmasters in the hands of thu
people by election in the town or city here
the office Is located. and placing the appoiu;
mcnt IF nther government officers with the
legislatures ui the several state. where the
office i located, and take such other immr-
dlate action A. may be necessary To prevent
the us' Ut money in elections. to prevent in
timiittinn. and secure to every person the
unrestricted right and privilege of expressing
his opinion At the ballot box. without fear.
mnlc>tatIan 0r bribery.
On motion of NJ. Honso~. the preamble
and resolution were laiI on the table
\ message was received from the House.
announcing that that body had selected as
the constitutional candidates for Governor.
Joseph l.. Smith and Alonza Garcelon.
On motion of Mr.. P,TrEN. the report was
accepted. snd Mr.. P,rrE> suggested thar
the >erate proceed t. election of Governor.
Mr.. STRICKLAND Of trooStook said.
Mr.. PEE>IpFNT i desire TO state briefly
in explanation of nv action in this matter
;hat il this ~cnate i a legal body. of which
have no doubt and if the matter Of cleftin,
Governor j. properly before the Senate
then thc result If onr act is legal and bind
ing IN law; but il the matter is not legally
hetnre u. then our act has no force or eff,r,
IN law and amounts to nothing And desire
10 say further. that hope AMI expect. and
be ievo that whatever may be the result Of
car action IN tins matter. Il will finally be
settled peacefully and in accordance ,riti,
law. and with the peace and harmony of >o-
cjets. With this brief cxpianation Of nv ar-
'i'u IN thi> matter. and Knowing fall well for
whom nav constituents cNpcct me 20 vo,e f.
Governor. am ready To enter upon the d..
charge ofmy Agiv - senator. in the matter
now before the senate
On mnilon af Mr. P,rrr>. cammi,,ee If
three. consisting Of Ncssr>. Pa,ten of F..
nohsoNt. Thompson of Knox. and Parlin q.
somerset. x n appointed to receive. sort an
count votes tor Governor. The committee
reported
Whole number of votes. Is
Necessary to a choice. 10
Joseph l.. >mi,h had Is
AMI the President declared JoSrrR 7.
SMITH c"nSti,utionaiiy elected Governor for
the ensuing wear
IN motion of Nh P1rrrx.
Ordered, That committee of three On the
part Of the Senate. with such as the House !
NAV jnin. be appointed to wal, on Hon. To- 1
>eph l. Smith. and inform him tina, he has
duly been elected Governor. agreeahIv totbe /
provisions Of the constitution.
The President appointed Messrs. patten
Strickland and True as the committee.
On motion Of Mr.. RoegRs.
Ordered, That a message be sent To the
h"use Of Representatives. informing thar
branch that the Senate on its part had mail.
,hoice OF Hon. Joseph l.. Smith as Governor
Nessage borne by Secretary.
On motion of Mr.. PArrEx.
Ordered that message be sent to the