The Portland daily press. [volume] (Portland, Me.) 1862-1921, 1881-01-20
Bill to Regulate Fares and
Freight Rates on Railroads.
THE MAINE GENERAL HOSPI-
TAIL ASKS FOR $4,000.
The Usual Wrangle Over the State
Printing.
A MOVEMENT TO CHANGE THE DAY
OFTHE STATE ELECTION.
Especial Dispatch to the Press.

Especial Dispatch to the Press.l
AUGUSTA, Jan. 19.-Another large ba tch of
petitions was presented to the consideration
OF the law makers to-day. An appropriation
Of $1,000 for 1881 and Sc, 900 for 1882, is asked
by the Maine General Hospital for the main
tenance of free bed during those years. Mr..
Talbot (Fusion) of East Machias, submitted a
proposition to change the day of biennial
election in this State to Tuesday next after
first Monday in November. Senator Dudley
OF Aroostook introduced a constitutional
amendment to confer the elective franchise on
women. Mr.. Brigham, the Fusion member
from Buckfeld, introduced bill to establish
rates of fare and freight charges by railroad
corporations. 1t provides that when the gross
annual earnings of railroads are $1,000 or
more per mile, the rates shall be fixed at d
cents mile for any passengers with ordinary
baggage. When the gross annual earnings
are 5000 or less than $4,000 per mile the
rates are fixed at cents per mile; when the
gross annual earnings are less than S., 900 per
mile, the rates are fixed at cents per mile,
children twelve years of age and under are
charged one-half of the foregoing rates. The
gross annual earnings as prescribed by the
report of the railroad commissioners for 1879
shall be the basis for rates of fare. A fine of
500 in imposed for violations of the law. The
bill further prescribes equal charges for trans
portation of merchandise under penalty of
$500.
In the House debate took place on the Sem
ate order for joint committee to contract for
the State printing, the question being on an
amendment to give the State printing and
binding to the lowest bidder. Mr.. Swan (fus-
ion) of Minot, attempted to mako little polt-
cal capital out of what was really business
matter. Among other things he said that by
giving the printing to the lowest bidder $1O,-
600 will be saved to the State. Mr.. Rowell
(Rep.) of Hallowell, in reply said that he
found by the treasurer's renort that the sum
paid for printing was S1OS72OS, and added
that there might be some man who would do
the printing for SS7208 and save the State
$4,000, which ELECTED laughter. The amend
ment was rejected and the order passed BY a
strict party vote.
The time for the reception of petitions has
been extended to Feb. 4.
Gov. Plaisted performed his first official act
to-day by signing the certificate of Senator
Hale. He also appointed Mrs. c. R. Whidden
of Calais, one of the lady visitors to the Insane
Hospital for the present year-an excellent Sc
lection. Several gentlemen visited His Excel
lency this afternoon, among them Judge God
dard and VIM. G. Davis of Portland, and
Stephen J. Young of Brunswick 1t is under
stood the two last named gentlemen called on
the Governor to see about the tax on the Maine
Central r. r.
The selection of the three committees on an
portionment has been left to the county dele
cations, and will not be announced until next
week. There will be twenty-three members of
each committee, of which the House has six
teen on each committee and the Senate seven.
The committee hearing in the Berwick d.
vision case is assigned for Wednesday, Goth
inst.
The Insane Hospital Committee will give a
hearing to the trustees of that institution on
Friday OF this week to listen to such sugges-
tons and recommendations as they may offer
The hearing in the House PoIleys.Foss cleo
ton case will take place tomorrow, and there
is little doubt but what Foss will be ousted
from his seat.