Burlington weekly free press. [volume] (Burlington, Vt.) 1866-1928, 1880-01-02

Tie difficulty sfows out Of tie fact that the
governor and council coniinc themselves TO
the constitution. In the legal provisions in
tabulating and counting the votes as return
ed BIZ municipal officers the constitution
makes certain things to be done ny them I'M
pcrative. The law cOrrects others anu the
supreme court has given official Oplnious as
to what Is to be done under certain clrcum-
stances. Every year there have been delec-
tive returns rejected -that is not counted
for non compliance with constitutional or
legal provisions. But this year, in addition
to the usual occurrences in this direction, a
sort of mildew or epidemic seems TO have
infected several of our lager cities. These
returns are fatally defective not only rs
would appear to ordinary sight but as de
cided by rules laid down by oar highest
judicial tribunal 1t is alleged, however,
that by law passed in 1871 the governor
and council have authority 20 make altera-
tons or amendment to return, bat unlof-
tuna,yly for their claim that law. even II con
stitut.cnal rs applicable to senator's and
rcpreso natives confines any correction OF
returns to the record made in open town
meeting. The simple and only question
therefore is shall the governor and council
follow the mandates Of the constitutional
| law and judicial decisions explanatory there
of. or in obedience to popular clamor vi0-
late their Oaths of Office, trample the consti-
tuition under their feet and forfeit al self
respect and that which they have III" right
| TO claim both from friends AMI foes Gn long
as they adhere TO the line Of duty.
CAEcELoN IN \ STUBBORN MOOD.
AUGUSTA, Dec 60 The committee on
public safety here this forenoon hada lengthy
interview with Ga:celon. The committee
consisted Of Gen. Bnynton, Ex-Governor
/ Conner and others. They informed the
| governor that they represented the people OF
| the town and would cordially join with the
mayor in his recommendation and sugges-
tons. They trusted that no arrangements
would be made to bring the military here
and that the augmented police force would
be able to quell any disturbances. The gov
ernor replied that he had already ordered
Gen. White of Bangor, and Major Folsom
of OldtOwn to take 100 stand OF arms and
ammunition from the state arsenal At Bangor
and ship them by express 10 Augusta lie
should do this to test the sincerity of the
citizens of Bangor as to whether they would
obey the civil authorities. He had never
ordered any troops to Augusta and should
not unless there was an outbreak. Various
rumors and stories which are rife. he said,
| were made of whole cloth lie was
/ uIGtu Hbl " tINt aim IpH i1augu
but lie steadily asserted that he would in or
der to test the sincerity Of the people One
of the committee suggested that portion Of
the extra police provided by the city could
be detailed for duty under the direction OF
the governor. The governor replied en-
phaticallv. II have force enough now and
also informed the committee that they might
be aware Of the fact he had full power TO
call the legislature wherever he pleased and
on the slightest disturbance he should take
the legislature away from Augusta. The
conversation then turning on the question
of submitting certain questions 70 the su-
preme court the governor said he should 90
to Portland to obtain further legal advice be
fore deciding TO submit such questions He
left on the two p. M. train.
VARIOUS MATTERS
The petitions OF 10 additional towns were
received to-day praying the governor 70 re-
fer all matters in dispute 10 .he supreme
court No definite intelligence is received as
to the governors present intention touching
submission to TIE court. There is no longer
any opportunity to examine the returns 81
the State house. Councillor Fogg said those
who examined them furnished the news
papers items in regard to them, and this
thing must be stopped, hence ali access 10
the returns ia cut off. The governor re-
turned from Portland this evening. II is
reported the governor is preparing 2 reply to
Mr.. Morrill,. The governor wishes it stated
that he has given no authority for the state
ment that lie refused 10 submit certain ques-
tons to the court.