The Somerset reporter. [volume] (Skowhegan, Me.) 1868-1909, 1885-02-04
At augusta.

Among the matters that will occasion
considerable interest In the present legis-
lature, and one that is receiving attention
in other states also, Is that OF cooperative
O. assessment insurance. preliminary
hearing on tie general subject was given
by the committee on Mercantile Affairs and
Insurance n, The State House, Wednesday
last. There are several propositions De-
fore the committee, relating TO thus matter.
One exempting the benefit organizations
inside OF fralernal societies like Masonic
bodies, Dad Fellows, knights OF Honor,
ROYAL Arcsuum etc. There appears To he
little II any objection to allow this class "i
societies to pursue the line oil insurance
business they have been pursuing ana the
law will probably be amended exemptiug
them iron the u DIVISION of law that pro-
aibits any company from doing business
without capital or assets. There are other
companies formed in other States on the
Assessment plan that have done an unlaw-
full business in the State thus far without
the State being able to detect and punish
their agents that most agree should be up
pressed. The difficulty Is to find the effec-
tual method of reaching them. Then
there are companies that have organized
and have done business without the sane
lion OF law or outside OF the law and now
desire special acts of corporation. Inc
Maine Mutual Benefit Association ask for
u charter and the representatives of insur.
snce companies doing business in the state
oppose the act unless the company is re-
quired to deposit some $4,000 with the
Treasurer of State as a guaranty. The
committee Is to give further hearing on
the matter, and whatever its action there
is probability of n sharp contest In one
or both of the branches.
The action of the Railroad Committee on
the petition for authority to bridge the
Moosehead Lake was surprise to many
men 10 the Eastern part OF the State par
ticularly Baugorlans. The Committee
voted to report the bill asked by strong
vote. What with the Editors Association,
Temperance TfSocicties, Meetings OF the
State committees of DO h parties and nu'
merous important hearings before commit
tees the past week has been very busy
one. The time for admission Of new BUSH
ness OF a private and special character ex-
pired Saturday, but undoubtedly many
matters will be admitted under suspension
of the rules unless this Is all exceptional
legislature.
The bill restoring the salary of the
County Attorney of Somerset County was
reported from the County delegation by
Mr.. Walton on Friday WAS ordered printed
and had its first reading Monday.
The Committee on Insane Hospital! have
reported leave to withdraw ON petition of
E. +. Sanger ct ais. that, when it becomes
necessary to provide more room for the in
sane, that new Insane Hospital he erect.
ed in the eastern part of the State.
The Committee on Legal Affairs on mo
ton Of Mr.. Walton have been Instructed
to inquire what legislation is necessary to
,qualZe the compt nsation of the clerks of
the various courts in the State, for attend
ance upon the different terms OF said
court.
Petitions were presented Saturday OF
citizens Of Palmyra, Pittstield, Hartland,
Belfast, Vienna for a law regulating freight
tariff on railroads.
Mr.. Goodwin, from the committee on
State Lands and State Roads, on petition,
reported resolve to aid in constructing
road from Shirley Mills in Piscataquis
county to the Forks of the Kennebec river
in Somerset county; printed under rule.
Mr.. Moore from the Committee on Mill
tary Affairs, on petitions, reported resolve
authorizing the Governor and Council to
assist In entertaining the National En-
campmebt of the G. A. r., and other dis
tingulsbed guests. [Appropriates $4,000,
all vouchers To ne approved oy the Gover-
nor and Council. Printed under rule.
The Committee on Agriculture u "a d.
rected to inquire into the efficiency of the
law in regard to contagious diseases of an.
finals with the view of determining wheth-
er it Is sufficient ior the protection OF the
stock interests OF the State.
The following have been approved by the
governor: Bill providing that the punish
ment for perjury may be less than Two
years Imprisonment. Bill giving Trial
Justices and Municipal Judges concurrent
with the Justices of the Su.
pfeme Courts and Superior Courts In en-
forcing the Fish and Game laws of the
State. Bill to legalize the doings of the
town of Concord from 1878 to 1884 Bill
to change the name Of the West Waterville
Savings Bank TO Cascade Savings Bank.
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