The Portland daily press. [volume] (Portland, Me.) 1862-1921, 1893-03-16
SAVINGS BANK BATTLE.
Supporters Of the Boomers Bill
Keep Stiff Upper Lips.
TODAY THE DRUGGIST BILL WILL
BE THE TOPIC OF DISCUSSION.

BELIEF that the Listing Bill VIII al
in the esenate-Organization of Corpor-
ations Under General Law-Other
Matters.
Especial to the ?ress.]
AUGUSTA, March 15.-The lines are
being drawn for the battle on the savings
banks bills which are assigned for con-
sideration in the House tomorrow morn
Ing. The boomers of the discriminating
clause who have had the field to them
selves, for SO long are now touching ell:
bows in the lobby with number of
prominent savings bank men who are
here in interest of the bill reported by
the minority of the taxation committee
and in opposition to any provision in the
line of that discriminating feature. Mr..
E. A. Noyes of Portland, Mr.. E. P.
Burnham of Saco, and Mr.. Drisko of
Maohias, are among the savings bank
men on the ground. Two weeks ago the
prediction was that the boomers bill
would easily pass the House, but it is
said, and apparently with reason, that
the opinions of many have changed, while
there a considerable number of mem.
bers who have not yet made up their
minds, waiting to hear the debate before
deciding the question. The friends of
the discriminating bill are still claiming
an easy victory, however.
Tho Druggist Bill Today.
The forces are ready for another battle
and in the Senate tomorrow, the loug de-
ferred speeches on the druggist pill will
be made. Senators Peaks, Mayo and
Allan will probably speak for the meas
ure, and Senators Shaw and Winslow
against it. There is little doubt that a
bill to permit druggists to sell liquor
would pass the Senate could bill be
agreed to to include provisions which
several members regard as essential, but
to which objection is made. Que such
case is that of the plan proposed by the
Enforcement League for the supplying of
liquors in registered packages by the
state agent, the packages not to be brok-
en- on the premises. The objection urged
against this is the impossibility of using
liquor in compromising prescriptions and
medicinal preparations under such a law
Another proposition is that the liquors
should be purchased through the medi-
um of the municipal officers. This is al
so a plan proposed by the Enforcement
League. Leaving out these PROPOSE
tions, however, the friends of the bill
claim to be in the lead. Their canvas
shows 12 senators for the measure and 10
against it. Senators Ames and Bradford
will be unavoidably absent, so that if the
bill gets three votes from the doubtful
column, according to this canvass, it
will pass. It is understood to have a
clear majority in the House.
Ballot Law Amendments
When the amendments to the ballot law
come up for action, they will include
the change in the method of marking the
ballots, the provision for the witnessing
of the count by members of both parties
and the requirement that the ballots be
preserved This last amendment has not
vet been reported and is being formulated
by subcommittee. 1t will provide that
Immediately after the count, in the
presence of those entitled to witness the
same, including the ballot clerks repre-
senting both parties, the ballots shall
be placed in sealed package and trans
mitted to the clerk of court by whom
they shall be kept for six months and
shall not be opened except by order of
the court.
The legal affairs committee voted to
report TINS last ainehameni Ohly ailef an i1
probably be no minority report the action
of the committee was not unanimous in
favor OF the measure.
Doubtful Fortune OF the Listing BILL
The opponents OF the listing Dill ex-
press considerable confidence that it
will not n,ss the senate
W. ~ p''s - ~ ..4
"A corporations Pioposieioh' anu
a good one, has been made
which if carried out would result
in a much needed reform. 1t is that
commission of three be appointed to re-
port to the next legislature means to
facilitate the formation of various corpor-
ations under the general law instead of
by special charter. 1t is pointed out
that legislative sessions might be made
shorter and SIS. 900 saved to the state BIZ
ennially in the running expenses of the
general court. Something in this line
will he 6ona hv the hill nrov;dinU for tbe