Bennington semi-weekly banner. (Bennington, Vt.) 1894-1902, 1894-11-23
OUR MONTPELIER LETTER.
MONTPELIER. Nov. 22nd, 1S9.


For note of Report on Rutland dis
membership bill, see another letter.-ED.
Immediately after devotional exescises
conducted by the Rev. G. O. Webster,
Baptist clergyman at Montpelier, House
bill, No. 81, was called up and in less
time than it takes to write dozen words,
Judge Lawrence, Rutland City's Repre-.
sentative, was indulgi 6 in Oratory sec
ond to none heard this season. He held
the floor just one hour and required two
goblets of ice water to keep his mouth
and throat in good condition. The
granite walls of the big building might
have trembled had they been of wood!
tor, who in an easy and able manner
spoke for the town of Rutland, and it
could plainly be seen that his remarks,
coupled with the favorable report for the
town by the committee, were influencing
votes against the city among those who
were waiting for the closing arguments
in the House before deciding which way
to vote. However, l candidly believe
that the majority would have voted in
favor of the town withoutany arguments
at all, although the Hermit" could not
conscientiOusly vote that way. Thus ends
that famous Rutland division case, I'M
less called up for reconsideration within
twenty-four hours, as is not likely to be
the case. The yeas and nays being call
ed for, resulted as follows in favor of
anneXing part of the city to the town,
15l; opposed, IS. Remarks since, have
been freely made that. Senator Proctor
still carries the Vermont Legislature in
the palm of his hand!" But | do not
make this charge against Col. Proctor,
still, without doubt his influence in the
matter was greater than any half dozen
other men.
Next came discussion on "Woman
Suffrage" bill. Yeas l06, nays los. com
ing within three votes of becoming a
law. Three days later, the gentleman
from Leicester probably at request of
Mr.. Mann, of Wilmington, moved that
the House reconsider its vote. The yeas
and nays were called for and resulted as
follows: yeas, SO; nays, 124. | do not
believe that the measure will be tackled
again this session. There are many ladies
daily present in the House and Senate.
and not one word from any of them has
been heard speaking in favor of the bill.
The act relating to the killing of deer
was "killed." That was right. 1t pro-
vided that deer could be captured and
slaughtered in Essex county in the
month of October of each year. This
was at once looked upon as partial legis-
!ation, and met the fate it deserved.
The Special Committee appointed by
the chair by vote of the House, to amend
the tuberculosis bill, reported this after.
noon. and pending the question, "Shall
the bill as amended, pass" it was moved
that it be made special order again, for
tomorrow morning. 1t will probably
pass at that time.
bill introduced by Mr.. Pier of ia
maica, to reduce the salary of the State
superintendent of Education from two
thousand to fifteen hundred dollars an
nually, was amended by the Committee
on State and Court Expenses, and eigh-
teen hundred dollars recommended.
The House would not listen to the
amendment and tumultuous chorus of
ayes was heard when the question
was asked by the Speaker, in answer to
move therefor, ''Shall the bill
be dismissed?" Thus the salary re.
males $4,000 annually. Mr. Pier is one
of the members who opposed. Mr..
Stones reelection. Five more bills
were introduced this afternoon by unan-
imous consent of the House.
From present indications the Legisla-
lature will complete its work so as to adj
jOurn next Tuesday or Wednesday,
The HERMIT OF WOoDFCRD.