St. Johnsbury Caledonian. [volume] (St. Johnsbury, Vt.) 1867-1919, 1890-12-04

were representing themselves rather
than those who sent them. At any
rate the Institution at Burlington
has been given a tremendous shak-
ing up and the authorities promise
to make some showing during the
coming two years in comparison
with what has been achieved for the
past twenty years. 1t is reasonably
sure, if this is not done, that the
larger portion of both branches in
the coming Legislature will be pleged
for separating the college in spite of
the sacred compact"
The school question took an unex-
pected turn at the last moment. 1t
was supposed that the bill drawn up
bv the committee would satisfy
every one. After listening patiently
to the complaints and views of mem
bers bill was prepared removing
the Objectionable feature of county
supervision and providing for the
town system. No sooner was this
bill before the House than it met
with a storm of opposition from
those who recommended the changes
adopted. The demands of the clam
oring mob were complied with and the
hated town system was dispensed
with Great surprise was manifested
that this bill should pass the Senate
as it finally did about three hours
before adjournment by a majority OF
one The enactment of this law is
to be deplored. While some features
of county supervision may be advan-
tageously corrected, the main prln-
ciple is right and the results achieved
have been all that could have been
expected for the short time the law
has been in operation. If the law
had remained in force two years
longer it is reasonably certain that
no change would have been effected
two years hence The office of county
examiner is instituted. When this
official is allowed to give three per
mits to one applicant the strlngency
of examinations which the past law
brought about is weakened so the
standard of teachers qualifications
must be lowered. His other duties
are to assist at teachers Institutes.
1t is doubtful if persons can be found
in all the counties to fill the offices.
No one can afford to devote his time
exclusively to this work for the sal
airy paid.
The action of the Senate in reject
ing the constitutional amendments
proposed is open to censure. Nearly
all possessed more or less merit and
this Legislature would have done
we'll to allow them to go through
and let the public pass judgment on
IL, 70
that none would be adopted which
were not demanded by the people.
Now none can be introduced again
till ten years have elapsed.
In the promotion of Judge Thomp-
son to the supreme bench the Leg1s-
lature loses its ablest debater and
wisest COUNSELLOR His leadership in
the last House is unquestioned and
his familiarity with every detail OF
lawmaking rendered his services in
valuable
The democrats have given a good
account of themselves. The side
they took upon the leading issues
was well maintained Messrs. Mo
loney of Rutland and Billiard OF
Underhill were brilliant speakers and
| quick to catch any point which
could be used to their advantage
| Senators Roberts, Nichols and Har-
vey showed the most ability and did
the greatest amount of work for the
| other branch.
The real effect of the work done
cannot now be given. The results
of the operation of the laws put into
effect, and the platform of the next
campaign in regard to the issues o.
this year not settled. will give evi
dence of the peoples verdict on the
legislation of 1890.