Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1881-06-08
PROM ALBANY.
Rules Called Up b. senator WooAIin 1ol
the GaiAance Of the Convention.
Assemblynan Brooks Thinks That the
Election should 60 70 the People.

ALBANY, June :. The joint convention met
at.l2. Mr.. Woodlin called up the rules for
the government of the convention offered
Yesterday, and asked for vote on the FIRST
rule.
Speaker Sharpe said he had the right to
expect the senator from the 18th district.
Mr. Woolin, to make some explanation for
offering these rules, but as the vote would be
called at once he would say that he
regarded it simply as graceful recognition
of an act of Congress. He had been under
the impression that we are acting under a law
OF Congress. He did not see as this Law pro-
yided for any such rules.
He then proceeded to define the require
ments Of the Law from the time OF notifca-
ton of the vacancy till filed in. So far as
these rules are in graceful recognition of the
act of Congress, he was for them. He moved
a preamble TO the effect that the act Of Cen
gress requires the election Of United States
senator's as stated in the law, and whereas
the legislature has thus far proceeded accord
ing to law. therefore, resolved. land he re-
cited the first and second rules already Of
fered.
He then continued that it had been his de-
sire to do everything in connection with this
election so carefully, that there could be no
question. He referred to the large number
Of absentees, yesterday, and said they had no
right to be absent without consent. He read
from the State constitution that no State
officer could be elected an United States SEN
ator, referring to Depew, who is regent of
the university. He then referred to news
paper articles criticizing his action when he
took the ground that if this convention could
adjourn to any specified time, it could adjourn
to any other time. He moved the adoption
of the preamble offered by him.
Mr.. Woodin, in speaking Of his reasons
for offering his rules, proceeded to show there
was some doubt as to the meaning of the
word adjourn" and in order that no cloud
should lest upon the title of the senators
elected, the rules were prepared and offered.
He was glad that the gerlemen was willing to
vote for rules and ., but he could not see
why he objects to rule 3. 1t was understood
therefore republicans, whether there or else
where, who are willing to join hands with
the democrats to effect an adjournment. For
himself he was willing to be restrained
from doing anything of that kind.
Erastus Brooks says that it is remarkable
to see this legislature here at this date, and
men kept away from their homes and bust
ness by the autOcratIc act of one man elected
to represent this State in the United States
Senate. have no sympathy for the act,
and hope that it will be rebuked by the
people Of this State, and l think that it
should come before them at the November
election. l think the people should be al
lowed to choose legislature next November
to elect men to fill their places in the United
States Senate. As one of the minority of
the House, he hoped whenever the emporium
ity offered itself. his associates will relegate
the whole Senatorial question in the next
legislature.
Mr.. Raines said he would not make any
extended remarks in reply to Mr.. Brooks,
but he ventured to say no such criticism would
be made on democratic senator. As there
being parallels to this spectacle, he said there
WAS one parallel, and that was in 1860 aud
1861, when the democratic Senators went out
of the United States Senate.
Mr.. Fowler said he would not discuss party
politics, leaving that to gentlemen who favor
such business. He assured his brothers of
the legislature that when the United States
senator's go to Washington they will find
every democrat at his post. He thought the
I'd rule offered by Woodlin provided for keep
ing the democrats here all summer. and he,
for one, did not propose to stay here till
December 3lst. The act of Congress is all
the minority of this body desire or ask for.
Stillwell offered verbal amendments to
rules one and two; lost.
The president stated the first question was
on the preamble offered by Sharpe, reciting
the provisions of the law.
| Woodln accepted the preamble proposed
by Sharpe.
The first and second rules were adopted,
as also the preamble.
Newman called for the yeas and nays on
| the third rule.
Woodlin moved to lay the third rule on the
table; carried the point. Convention pro-
ceeded to vote
c.l,o