Vermont watchman and State journal. [volume] (Montpelier, Vt.) 1836-1883, 1882-10-04
Organization Of the Legislature.

The indications at the time OF going to
press are that there will be no contest OF
any moment over the organization OF the
legislature. The members who have arrived
are particularly anxious for short session.
They express desire to go promptly TO
work, complete the business they were sent
here to transact, and return TO their homes
to resume the management of their own per-
sonal affairs. In this view Of the case con-
siderable interest is manifested in the
choice of the presiding officer of the house.
The fact is appreciated that the quick de-
spatch of business there depends on the
speaker. Mr.. Martins long experience in
the chair and his fresh familiarity with the
business of the house, his incisive, business
like ways and unerring precision, very nat
urally give him the hearty. preference OF
men disposed to business, and all things
seem to point concusively TO his election
without any contest worthy of the name. MIR.
Munson's ability to fill the office of speaker
with high acceptance is conceded, and the
merits of other gentlemen whose names
have been mentioned in connection with
the position are not questioned. 1t is sim
ply desired to do what any body of good
business men would do under similar cir
cumstances, and they would take the old
and experienced officer, who knows all the
ropes and will keep things trundling rapidly
in the right direction and without confu-
sion. And looking at the speakership in
this light, popular preference sets strongly
from all the counties in Mr.. Martins favor.
The democrats, having an unusually large
representation, seem disposed to celebrate
the circumstance by running candidate,
and the name of Doctor l.. G. Butler Of
Essex is mentioned in this connection.
Henry N. Newell of Shelburn, the efficient
clerk of the house during the last two legis-
atures, declines a reelection, and W. w.
Stickney Of Ludlow, the competent assist
ant clerk under Mr.. Newell's administra-
ton, will naturally succeed to the chief po-
sition. DIN Merrill of Enosburgh and John
L. Merrifield, the member from Newfane in
1880, are mentioned as Mr.. Stickney's prob
able assistants. f. w. j. Hawkins of
Starksboro, states attorney elect for Addi-
son county, has been re-appointed engross-
ing clerk by Secretary of State Nichols and
G.. S. Forbes of st. Adams has been made
clerk in the executive chamber, Henry
Oviatt of Montpelier and Edward Dana of
Rutland will undoubtedly be appointed as
reporters in the house, but Robert Roberts
of Burlington, the reporter in the senate of
1880, having been elected member of the
house, new man will be chosen in his
place, but no name has as yet been promi
nently mentioned for the position.
No one has been prominently mentioned
for president pro tempore of the senate ex-
cept Hon. Justus Dartt of Weathersfeld
and there seems but little doubt that the
choice will fall upon him. c. w. Brownell
of Burlington will undoubtedly be reelected
secretary, and there is no good reason why
Frank A. Dwinell of Plainfeld should not
again be made assistant secretary. Both
of these gentlemen were efficient and faith
full, and are thoroughly deserving of re-
election. All things considered, speedy
and efficient organization of both branches
of the general court t" is probable, when
the practical work of legislation should be
directly taken up and industriously pushed
to the completion of all business demanded
by reason or necessity.