Vermont phÅ“nix. [volume] (Brattleboro, Vt.) 1834-1955, 1892-11-25
THE LEGISLATURE.
Final Adjournment Reached Wednesday
Morning at = o'clock.
Summary of the Most Important
Business Transacted.

The WIndhRm County ShIrc---a Veto
Overrldden the Highway, school,
and Ballot LHws---MinOr Matters.
In special despatch to The Phoenix,
printed last week, it was announced that
the house had refused, by a large majority,
to pass the bill changing the shire of Wind
ham county from Newfane to Brattleboro.
Two reports were submitted by the Wind
ham county members, to whom the bill for
removal was referred. The majority re-
port, signed by j. c. Robinson, chairman,
and +. S. Weston, secretary, and under
stood to express the views of 10 of the %
members, stated the facts with regard to
the central geographical location of the
present buildings at Newfane. A line
drawn east and west through the county,
dividing the population equally, would vir-
tually pass through Newfane village. Facts
were given, showing that a large majority
of the towns of the county are better CON
venienced, in the distance to be travelled,
with the buildings at Newfane than they
would be with them at Bratteboro. The
present county buildings were described
and a strong claim was made, that, eX-
cepting only the Jail, which needs repairs,
the buildings can be kept in good condi
tiOn at small expense for many years to
come. 1t was conceded that the lawyers,
who live mostly in Brattleboro and Bel
lows Falls would be better convenienced
at Brattleboro. But, the report says, "it
is submitted that sheritfs and deputies,
suitors, witnesses and jurors, live in all
the towns and it is quite as much our duty
to look ont for their interests as for the
lawyers who are able to take care of them
selves and can better afford to 90 out of
their way to attend court than can the
farmers and mechanics, who make up
large part of those obliged to attend" In
conclusion a strong point was made Of the
moral obligation to keep the buildings at
Newfane because of the representations
made in this respect at the time Newfane
and its neighboring West river towns bond
ed in aid of the BrattlebOro d Whitehall
railroad.
The minority report, signed by Read of
Rockingham, Gage of Westminster, and
Martin of BrattlebOro, consisted of the
statement previously referred to in these
columns, and which had been before dis
tributed among the members of the legis-
lature. This report held that the building
of railroads, the changes in the lines of
travel, and the natural drift toward the
business centres, render change in the To-
cation of the county buildings, and the
place of holding courts, not only desirable
but necessary for the best accommodation
of our people. Tables were given show
ing the drift of population, the business of
the courts and the greater number of peo-
pie that would be accommodated at Brattle-
boro.
When the matter came up as a special or
| der Friday morning the two reports were
presented and spirited debate followed
Mr.. Read of Rockingham spoke in favor
of the minority report and made a clear
and strong statement of the local situation.
Mr.. Weston OF Newfane supported the ma
| jority report in an able and well considered
speech. Porter of Wilmington, Reed of
| Vernon, Adams of Marlboro, and Robin
son of Jamaica all supported the majority
report Mr.. Martin followed in defence of
the minority report, explaining the situa-
tion, holding that the legislature was the
arbiter in the case, that the proposed
change was in the line of progress, and
| that the question was what the people of
| Windham county ought to have for their
own best interests. Brown of Whiting
ham and Clark of Halifax answered Mr..
Martin, saying that a strong majority of
the people of the county favor the present
location. Mr.. Read of Rockingham closed
the debate. When put TO vote the bill was
killed by large majority.
At the evening session on Saturday the
weekly payment bill came up as a special
order. Mr.. Stafford of st. Johnsbury led
the fight in its behalf, and one of the live
liest debates of the session followed, lasting
almost three hours. When the yeas and
nays were finally called, on the third read
ing of the bill, it was refused, 90 to 1873
Afterward by vote of 108 to 80, the bill
was laid in its grave for this session.
The fight over a city charter for Rutland
resulted in the passage of bill fixing the
limits as settled upon by the legislativ,
committee. This bill was compromise
measure, making the limits less than asked
for by Mr.. Clements bill, but greater thar
the limits of the village and school district
This bill passed the house Friday by
good majority. At half-past two Saturda!
afternoon Gov. Fuller signed it, making
Rutland the third Vermont city, and it
people were happy.