The Portland daily press., 1881-01-15
Controversy Over the Appoint
ment of Messenger.
PLAISTED WANTS TO AP-
POINT ONE OF HIS SONS.
Fogg the Happiest Man Alive
TRYING TO WIN sOLON CHASE OVER
TO FUSION
Especial Dispatch to the Press.]

Especial Dispatch to the Press.]
AUGUSTA, Jan. 14-Both branches of the
legislature held short sessions to-day and then
adjourned over until Tuesday next. A con-
siderable number of matters were tossed into
the legislative hopper to be ground, among
which was an application for charter for an
eclectic medical college to be located in Lewis
ton. 1t was voted to elect United States
Senator on the 18th inst. at noon. The House
ordered printed 1000 copies of the Governors
message. In the Senate Mr.. Bisbee of Ok
ford offered an order for the appointment of a
committee of five on the part of the Senate
with such as the House may join for the ap-
portionment of the State for Congressman and
members of the legislature. The order was
tabled after being discussed, Mr.. Dingley of
Androscoggin contending that there should be
three committees to take charge of so inn
portant a matter.
Gov. Plaisted met with his council this
forenoon, and deadlock between the two
took place growing out of the appointment OF
a Messenger. An order in accordance with
precedent was introduced, re-appointing Maj.
House, the present Messenger, when Gov.
Plaisted remarked that he regarded the ap-
pointment of such an official as his personal
prerogative. The Council claimed that such
an official was not only messenger to the
Governor but to the Council Also and that
they should have something to say abeut the
selection. The Governor claimed the right to
select the man who was to handle his private
letters and papers snd to present his friends,
while the seven councillars claimed the same
right to select a man for the same
purpose for themselves. Gov. Plaisted declined
to approve the order reappointing Maj. House,
and there the matter stands 1t is understood
that Gov. Plaisted desires to appoint one of
his sons Messenger, SO that he can act in the
capacity of private secretary. The Council
claimed that a messenger, both to Governor
and Council, could not legitimately be pri-
vate secretary to the Governor, but if Gov.
Plaisted desired a private secretary that was
his matter, not theirs Maj. House is still act
ing as messenger.
The Governor and Council simply organized
and qualified Secretary of State Smith, Adju-
tant General Beal, and S. j. Chadbourne as
Deputy Secretary of State. They then ad-
journed over to Tuesday next.
Camp Meeting John Allen made one of his
characteristic prayers as chaplain of the House
today, in which he said: "God bless the in
coming Governor; may he be as wise as SER
pent, and as harmless as dove"
A venerable member, who heard it, re-
marked, That knocks the stufing out of
that message"
During the legislative recess the Senate
chamber will undergo complete renovation.
The floor will be recarpeted and new chairs
will be provided for the use of Senators.
There has been general exodus of members
since adjournment who have gone home to
spend the recess.
A PRESS reporter interviewed a prominent
Republican tonight and asked him if it was
true that, in case Senator Blaine went into the
Cabinet, whether Mr.. Frye would be candi-
date for the vacancy. ST have the best of rea-
sons for believing he WILL" was the reply, ''as
have to-day received letter from Mr. Frye
stating that he should put himself into the
hand. OF his fEieads. u.
"Will he receive a unanimous support from
his party friends?" continued the PRESS re-
porter.
II have no doubt but what he will receive
the support of all those who supported him
as against Mr.. Hale," was the answer; "already
large number of Mr.. Hale's supporters have
signified their intention to cordially support
Mr.. Frye. In fact it looks as if his nomination
would be made by acclamation."
Fogg is still in town and says that Governor
Plaisted's message has made him the happiest
man alive. His relations with His Excellency
seem to be of an intimate character. Today
they have Solon Chase at the Governors room
at the Augusta House, and are undertaking to
have him crawl into the Fusion trundle bed
with them.