Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1881-01-06

Arm DIsTRICT-ASDRosco1G
jeremiah Dinglev. Jr., Auburn.
George Parcber. Leeds.
Urn DIsrRIcr-FRASKLIs
George X. Fernald Wilton.
srH DIsrRrcr-SAGADAHoc
Edwin ID. Lamson, Richmond.
TN DIsrRrcr-KExSEBrc
Colby &. Cornish, WinslOw.
Joseph S. Berry, Wayne.
srH DIsrRIcr-SoMERsEr
Chandler Baker Bingham
Nathaniel b. Buxton. North Arson.
9rH Observation-Disclosures
Levi c. Flint, Monson.
lOrH DIsrRIcr-PEScBscor
Joseph l.. Smith. Oldtown.
Stephen Jennings. Bangor.
Francis w. Hill, Exeter
Henry c. Friend, Etna.
llrH DIsTRIcr-LISCoL>.
James W. Clarke, Nobleboro.
18TH DIsrEIcr-KSox
David N. Mortland. Rockland
18TH DIsrRrcT-WA ALDO.
James X. Taber, Unity.
CALVIN W. sherman, lslesborp-
l4rH DrsTRIcT-HANCock
Nahum r. HILL Bucksport
Lucilius A. Emery Ellsworth.
l5rH Observation-Disclosures
Ezra l.. Pattangall, Pembroke.
Voranus II. Coffin, Harrington
l6rH Observation-Disclosures
David Dudley, Pressure Isle.
And the roll being called the following
answered to their names
Messrs. Baker. Berry, Brewer, Buxton. Clarke.
Coffin. Cornish Dingley. Dudley. Emery. Fernald,
Lord, Mortland. Nutting. Parcher, Sanborn, Sher-
man. Smith. Tsber. Wakefield. Walkers
And a quorum of Senators elect was found
to be- present.
subsequently +. W. Hill came in and took
part in the organization.
On motion of Mr.. CORNISH. that senator
was charged with a message to the Governor
and Council informing them that a quorum of
Senators-elect is present in the Senate Cham
Der ready TO take and subscribe TO the oaths re-
quired by the constitution to qualify them to
enter upon the discharge of their official du-
ties
Mr.. CORNISH subsequently reported that
he had delivered the message with which he
was charga I'd and the Governor was pleased to
reply, that he would attend upon the Senators
elect forthw it'll for the purpose of admins
tering to them the oathS required BY the con-
stitution.
Thereupon the Governor. attended BY the
Council and heads of Departments, came in
before whom the Scnators-eect took and
subscribed to the oaths required by the consti-
tuition.
David Dudley of Aroostook. having scru-
pies against taking the oath affirmed
The Governor and suite then withdrew
On motion of Mr.. DINGLEY of Androscog-
gin. Mes.rs. Dinglev of Androscoggin. Clarke
Of Lincoln. and Hill of Hancock, were ap-
pointed Committee to receive. sort and
count the votes for President of the Senate.
Having attended to their duty. the Commit
tee reported rs follows:
Whole number of votes i ,?
Necessary for choice. -
Joseph \. Locke Tia. u
Joseph l.. Smith
The report was accepted. and Hon. JosEPH
A. LOCKE was declared duly elected Presi-
dent of the Senate for the terms of the po-
litical years lssl-S2
On motion of Mr.. SwrrH OF Penobscot. the
election of Mr. Locke was made unanimous
Mr.. LOCKE was conducted to the chair bv
Messrs. Smith of Penob.cot and Berry of
kennebec. and thereupon spoke as follows ::
Senator's: In accepting the position which
your kindness and Partially assign me,
recognize on the one hand the honor. and on
the other the responsibility which accom-
psnies it. For the former sincerely thank
you. and trust and believe YOUR kind for
bearance and support will tighten the latter
and make the duties of the chair pleasure
rather than burden. We are about enter
ing upon the duties of an important session
of the Legislature. Ii is the first session
under the amendment to our State constitu-
ton adopting biennial elections. This change
will necessarily entail upon us large amount
of work The report of the Commissioners
Of Valuation will soon be made. upon which.
and the doings Of the Legislature, depends
the rate Of taxation for State purposes. The
people of the State for the last few years
have struggled under a heavy burden of tax
alton, not. however. heavier with US than in
many other States; they have felt that some
relief ought to be furnished. that the burden
should be lightened, and that State expendi-
lures and Legislative appropriations should
be cut down TO the lowest figure consistent
with the public interest. To do this, and at
the same time see that the commonwealth
suffers no harm. is the work of wise states
manship. Grave constitutional questions
NAV arise at once, upon which no one should
act hastily or inconsiderately. and from the
we'll known reputation and high standing. in
their several communities and throughout the
State, of the Senators composing this branch
of the Legislative department of the govern
ment, no one can doubt. but that such a
course Of proceeding will be decided upon,
ard such measures adopted. as shall be right
proper. just and legal. and such as will stand
the test Of the Judicial crucible. Within the
last few years several amendments to our
State constitution have bee. presented to the
people. The frequent tinkering of the con-
stitution Is a matter Of doubtful expediency.
The constitution is. or should be, but the out.
line or framework of political government
and. as 4 distinguished writer has said.
''shculd not be made to embrace within its
iron grasp those subjects, in regard to which
the policy or interest of the State. or of il.