Vermont phÅ“nix. [volume] (Brattleboro, Vt.) 1834-1955, 1894-11-02

InaJ some legislation Will grow out OF Jne
matter.
The bill introduced by Mr.. Hines of
Bratteboro providing for a board of COM
missioners to be appointed by the governor
to thoroughly investigate the whole ques-
tion, with power to take such action in
stamping out the disease as may seem nee
essary, would doubtless be more productive
of good results than any measure of relief
| that would likely be agreed upon by the
legislature in the limited time and with the
limited knowledge at hand, but this bill
| will doubtless meet considerable opposition
on account of the large appropriation, linn
tied to $4,000, and the great power placed
in the hands of the proposed commission
| ers.
Senator Sherwins bill compelling all tel
ephone companies to make full and COM
plete connection with other telephone COM
panies so desiring is general in its char
acter, but is understood to have special ap-
plication to the relations existing between
the Wardsoo and Jamaica line and the
line of the New England Telephone COM
pany. The merits of the bill were argued
before the committee having it in charge
day or two ago in quite spirited manner
| by Mr. Martin of Brattleboro and Senator
Sher vim in favor, and Mr. c. A. Prouty of
Newport, one of the brightest lawyers in
the state, in opposition. 1t seems that the
New England company are receiving all
messages from the other line at the usual
rate of toll, but are requiring them to use
instruments owned by them, the New Eng
land company, and pay therefor an annual
rental the same as other customers within
the limits of the Bratteboro exchange.
The outside company are willing to pay
the tolls, but, owning their wires, feel that
they ought to have the privilege of owning
their instruments and thus avoid the large
yearly rental. Mr.. Martin claimed that a
railroad company could with as good grace
refuse to receive any freight for shipment
| from a connecting road, unless it came to
them in their own cars, for which the con-
Meeting company should be compelled to
pay the connecting road rental.
The Prohibitory Law.
The usual bill providing for high license
has not yet been introduced and probably
will not be, but it now seems apparent that
the prOhibtory law will receive consider
able attention before the session closes.
Several bills have been introduced doing
away with special prosecutors and the en-
tire moiety system, and radically changing
the existing method of enforcing the law.
The special prosecutors, who are appointed
by the governor in the larger towns and
cities where there seems need of special
work. have come into quite general disre-
pute, it is said, by adopting methods that
disgust even the best friends of the law.
The feeling seems to be growing that en-
forcement of the law should not depend on
the few who reap large pecuniary results
for their labors, and that it would not so
depend if stripped of the features that
would bring any law into disrespect. 1t is
claimed that the time has come when it is
safe to put this law on the basis of all
other criminal laws, with the expectation
that the advanced moral sentiment of the
present will take care of its enforcement.
Gone to It's Rest.
November l.
Today witnessed the final struggle on the
bill to abolish incorporated school districts.
Dr. Weston, the father of the bill, made
good speech in its support and held the at
tention of the members, but could not gain
their votes as the roll call showed only IL
votes in favor of a third reading to 204
against. The vote was doubtless largely
determined by the fact that not single
note of dissatisfaction came up here from
the outlying districts of the towns in which
the incorporated districts were situated,
and the feeling that if the parties most
concerned had no cause for complaint it
was not in the province of the legislature
to interfere.
One More Picnic.
The Rutland division fight is at the front
lust now. Notwithstanding the fact that
very strong special committee was ap-
pointed by the speaker to consider this
matter and the committee authorized by
joint resolution to visit Rutland and exam
inc witnesses, the people of that city are
very desirous to have the whole legislature
visit them and look the matter over, and
extended an invitation through their repre-
; sentative, Mr.. Lawrence, today. A joint
resolution was offered this morning pro-
viding for an adjournment of both houses
from this afternoon to Monday afternoon
l next to enable an acceptance of the invita-
2 | ton. The resolution met with considera-
| BILE opposition in the house, Judge Read,
d.. Weston and others arguing that the
state of business would admit of no ad.
iournment this week. Mr.. Lynde of Dunn
; merston demanded the ayes and nays,
which resulted 131 for the resolution to 70
against. The resolution came near being
Z ditched in the senate by Senator Reed
motion to lay it on the table, but finally
pulled through by one majority.
The Progress OF Business.
e During the three working days of the
S present week large amount of business
: has been accomplished in both houses; 1876
9 bills have been introduced in the house,
: making the total number to date 1925 as
S against $50 at the same date two years ago.
9 Twenty-three house bills have become laws,
: and the package of the slain has become
so bulky that it is found necessary to start
n another file. The committee work is quite
d well up, and when the house Adjourned to-
e night the speaker handed down to the clerk
y only empty files. 1t is quite a common
o question just now, "Will we get through
= before Thanksgiving" Judge Read says
= Eyes, we have got to get through" 9th
e ers of the judiciary committee express
IS some doubt in the matter on account of
h the quite large amount of work still re-
|, naming TO be done on the revision of the
2 laws. This committee all through the ses-
sion have worked evenings and often quite
T. into the night. With their double duties
d this year their task has been a difficult one
e and it is safe TO say that they will hail
Il Thanksgiving day gladly if it proves to
IS bring their release.
st Senator Reeds bill to prevent the sale OF
'e fraudulent goods is one that will doubtless
l. be met with favor, 1t is aimed at partie.