Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1881-01-06
9ailp &tnntbtf Juurnal.
Augusta, Thursday Morning, Jan. 8.
Legislature Organized.


The organization of the Sixtieth Legis-
lature was effected yesterday promptly
and harmoniously, Those who were
present at the opening yesterday and that
Of last year, noticed a great contrast be-
tween the proceedings in and around the
State House then and now. Then a single
blow might have converted the building
INTO an arena Of bloody strife. the effect of
which might have embroiled every city
and town in the State in disastrous con-
test. Yesterday the Angel Of Peace look
ed down upon the scene at the organiza-
ton there was scarcely interest enough in
the proceedings TO keep members at
tentive
The legislature has started well in its
selection Of officers. Mr.. Locke, who is
elected President of the Senate, filled the
same position last year with ability and
fidelity to the State, and owes his election
this year to the satisfaction which he gave
his fellow members of the Senate in the
discharge Of his duties in the critical times
of the last session. He is an able lawyer
and had seen two years service in the
House previous to entering the Senate.
The Secretary of the Senate is General
Tilden, the same faithful officer who filled
the place las. year-a brave soldier, an
excellent Secretary, man true to his
country, his State and his friends in all
81.
Secretary, is a man new to that place.
but he has had good deal Of experience
in public affairs, served some time in the
department of Secretary Of State, and will
quickly master his duties and make good
officer. Mr.. Lovejoy as Messenger is
the right man IN the right place, better
choice could no. have been made. Mr..
Voter. Assistant Messenger. is a new man,
but is well recommended. and will no
doubt be an efficient officer.
The Speaker of the House. Mr.. Hutch
inson, is one of the rising young men Of
the State lie is thessenior member of
law firm in Lewiston which has large
practice. and was a member Of the House
in - and 80. where he distin-
gushed himself in debate and as
u SAT, Legislator and active men,
Der. He is ready. sound
speaker. has fine voice that will reach
all parts of the hall andis finely equipped
in all ways for Il tirst-class Speaker. lie
is very popular and respected by all of
his acquaintances. The Clerk of the
House. Mr. Smith. has made himself so
valuable an officer that the House would
now be very 10th to try to 90 on with the
business without his assistance He is
almost indispensable at the Clerks desk,
and beside being faithful officer is
very accommodating, obliging and
popular. Mr.. Patten, as Assistant
Clerk. is very superior officer. Mr.
Gatchell. Messenger. has busy place to
fill. but he is able and willing to fill it
to the satisfaction of the House. Mr. Phin-
ney. First Assistant Messenger. is one of the
most useful man in the Legislature. Mr..
Smith. the Third Assistant Messenger. is
armed soldier. and will be a compe-
tent officer.
The completion of the organization and
reference of the returns of the gubernato-
rial vote to n joint committee was the sum
of yesterdays work. The committee com
menced the labor. after the adjournment.
of examining the returns. but will not be
able to report until this afternoon. There
has been considerable discussion of the
governor question. but in good temper.
and with an evident disposition on all
hands. among the republicans, to settle
this matter in the most equitable manner
possible The committee selected to
count the votes is able and iudicious. ard
the report is looked for with good deal
of interest.
The caucus for the nomination of re-
publican candidate for United States Sem
ator will be held tomorrow evening. after
which the legislature will settle down to
the business of the session. which will be
large and important. There is every
prospect taat an amcable and satisfactory
solution Of the Senatorial question will be
reached at the caucus. Some personalities
have been injected into the friendly con-
test over this matter. but these are confined
to a few persons and the result will be re-
csived with general good nature and salts
iaction
Nnf SeffIesl Xaf