Orleans County monitor. [volume] (Barton, Vt.) 1872-1953, 1881-01-03
THE LEGISLATURE OF 1880.

O1 1ooOs
The legislature formally adjourned at
IL o'clock on Friday forenoon, the bust
ness of the session having been nearly
concluded at z IL in the morning. It
was the longest session in the legisla-
tive history of the state, and their most
prominent work can hardly be judged
now, time being necessary to show its
effect. We refer of course to the long
considered "444" grand list bill. Their
most prominent negative action, consid-
ering the amount of talk for economy
and reduction of some of the state sala-
ries, was the refusal to lower the legis-
lature pay. This was based on the
high price of board at Montpelier.
There will be some disappointment that
they did not reach out further on the
subject of taxation as was provided in
some sections of Gov. Pages bill, but
as we write before the laws have APP
peared, and as some supplementary bills
relating to taxes were finally passed, it
may prove that about all has been done
that could have been expected. In
deed we believe it will prove that the
legislature of 1880, as whole, have
not only made things no worse, but
much better, an improvement on any
legislative session for many years.
While they may not have taken all the
steps desired. we believe it will prove
they have done much to advance the in
terest of the people of the state and in
response to the demand for economical
legislation. The tax bill will not of
course be received with favor by some.
There is nothing popular about any tax
bill. They ale the necessities of gov
eminent, to which the entire body poll.
tic must be subjected for good order and
their own protection.
The state tax for the ensuing yeal
will be twenty cents, only half the pre-
sent year, and for the next year seven
teen cents. This great reduction from
former rates will alone long commend
the legislature Of 1880. The peopl,
asked for lower taxes and have received
a good response.
We note few of the new acts, anC
first the revision of the statutes which
was among the most laborious work o
the session. The tax bill commonly
known as No. 444. The main object o
this bill is to.gather in large amour
of property which has heretofore escap
ed taxation. The liquor law has beer
stiffened by stringent nuisance and civi
damage enactments. The office of su
perintendent of agriculture has beer
abolished and state board of agricul
ture re-established. Another act give
women the same right as men to vot
and hold Office in school meetings. .Fiv
constitutional amendments have BEEF
proposed. One gives the governor pow
er to order a new election if yacanc
occurs in the House or Senate. This i
very proper one and was defeated il
the constitutional convention of 1870
Another proposition is to prohibit for
ever the manufacture and sale of intox
icating liquors. except wine and eide
from native fruit, or for mechanical o
medicinal purposes. Another forbid
towns from aiding in building railroad
another providing for a board of advisor
to the governor in relation to reprieve
and pardon. One requiring additions
oath of members Of the general Assem-
bly,, that they hold no Office maxim
them ineligible, and one providing tina
the secretary of state and auditor of az
counts shall be elected by the people,
BelLoqOs Falls Times. 80
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