Vermont phÅ“nix. [volume] (Brattleboro, Vt.) 1834-1955, 1884-10-17
THE LEGLSLATURE.

Two of the most important bills of the SEES
sion thus far were introduced in the House
last Friday, both Of them looking to the abo-
lition of our system of double taxation of
property under mortgage. One of these bills,
introduced by Mr.. Mattock of Danville, au.
thorizes listers to deduct from persons tax
able real estate the value of mortgages given
in good faith for the purchase money. The
other by Mr.. Douglass OF Whiting goes a step
farther and exempts from taxation the amount
due on mortgage upon all real estate, whether
the mortgage is for portion of tbs purchase
money or for money borrowed subsequent to
the purchase.
The FIRST attempt at tinkering the highway
law is in the shape of a bill introduced by
Senator Howe, providing for the recovery Of
a sum not to exceed $1,000 for injuries due to
defective highways or bridges.
In addition to the above the most impOr-
tant bills introduced during the week are the
following
BY Senator Ide bill forbiddug towns to
bond themselves in aid of railroads for more
than five times the amount of their grand list.
By Mr. Dillingham; of Waterbury bill
changing chapter 1863 of the revised laws
so as to allow amendment to be made to spec
itcatons in liquor prosecutions, at any stage
of tbs trial, upon such terms as the court may
deem to be reasonable.
BY Mr.. Hopper of Salisbury, an act prohib-
iting the building of barbed wire fences com
polling fences now in existence to be capped
with boards not less than four inches wide by
one and one-half inches thick, or to have
such board suspended from the top wire along
their whole length. The bill provides for re-
covery of all damages from fences not 90
built.
BY Mr. Franklin of Newfane, a bill impos-
To- g., 80 ALL To- -g
selling by scales not lawfully sealed or that
are unjust also for keeping such scales for
use.
BY Senator Holtou, a bill authorizing fines
for criminal offences committed within the
limits of any Incorporated village to be paid
into the treasury of such village.
BY Senator Holton, a bill granting a pen
sion to Andrew W. kezer of $500 year
mir. Kezer, who was private in the Fuller
Light Battery, lost his right arm by the pre-
mature discharge of a gun at the annual mus
ter at st. Johnsbury, Sept. 6, 1883.
By Mr.. Franklin of Newfane, "a bill prohib-
iting the adulteration Of maple sugar and ma
pie syrup, under fine of not less than SO
nor more than $50 for every offence.
Senator Ide wants the liquor law amended
so that the governor may appoint Especial
| prosecutor in any town, upon representation
of twenty voters that the local prosecuting
officers are negligent of their duties. Mr.. Ide
explains that in many portions of the state
persons who will sign complaints for the en-
forcement of the liquor law can not be cleo
ted, and consequently violations of the law
cannot be punished This bill provides for
the appointment of efficient and responsible
persons to see that the law is enforced.
Senator Holton's bill changing the time Of
the annual village meeting of Braitleburo
from the first Monday Of December to the
first Tuesdayin Nay has passed the Senate
The purpose of this bill is to permit the viii
lage tax to be made up on the grand list OF
the year in which the meeting is held
Hugh Henry's bill in regard to the celebra
ton of Decoration day has been reported up
on favorably, and so has Mr.. Walkers bill
for the punishment of the forgery of stock
certificates.
By request, DR.. Conland Of Bratteboro in
troduced bill on Tuesday repeating the law
enabling towns to aid in the construction Of
railroads.