Bennington semi-weekly banner. (Bennington, Vt.) 1894-1902, 1894-10-26

Waterman in shape to satisfy himself.
We believe Speaker Stickney needs no
further evidence that his arduous duties
have been performed beyond his most
sanguine expectations, when but one out
of some 243 members, according to the
Waterman, are not perfectly satisfied.
1t demonstrates the Speakers ability to
fit round plugs in square holes. There
is not another member of either house
whom your correspondent regards with
more respect than the Speaker. 1t comes
of an intimate acquaintance covering
period of six years, increased by the fact
both are members of the mystic tie, and
the other fact, we realize the duties de-
yOlving upon the Speaker in selecting
appropriate committees. We trust Bro.
Stickney is not as thin-skinned as the
Waterman and will lose no sleep over
the matter. ne are sure, however. he
will hot support the Waterman in claim
ing rings and pulls an unknown quality
in Montpelier. Members know full well
the worth of a Senator's recommend, a
promise to vote for my BILL" or to sup
port my canvass for this or that position,
and when those high in au thority solicit
from members elect, far in advance of
the session, their support, it is but natu-
raj the "high priYates in the rear rank"
should look askance when wisdom and
virtue' assemble. Your correspondent
takes nothing to himself, no sour grapes,
because he refused the proffered aid of
one of the most prominent Senators to
secure membership on the Educational
and also Ways and Means Committee,
feeling himself unequal to the task, and
again has no desire for solicited honor.
The remarks of the Watchman after
his excerpts we heartily endorse, after
amending the bill by striking out the
clause relating to CRITICISM unwarranted
and unjust" The fact we are subscrib-
ers to but limited number of the Watch
man, may account for the gratuitous no.
tice at the hands of the Watchman. We
are wondering at this stage of affairs
how the Waterman accounts for the ex-
element consequent upon election of
State Superintendent of schools, assum-
ing there is no wire pulling. The action
of both House and Senate preclude its
absence and no microscope is needed to
discover wires in several directions, and,
in electrical parlance, all 'alive."
1t may interest your readers to know
where their money goes to. Let us quote
from the State Auditors report. Noxious
animals for instance, during the past
year cost the State S4,016.40, and the Au-
ditor questions whether nOXious animals
increase or diminish under the penalty,
Fines and costs for past two years were
S129, 40, 90 per cent. of which was
paid as the result of prosecutions under
the liquor law. Court expense" orders
DUNG same time, which are orders for
fees arising in such cases, was 76,069 20
leaving balance derived from the liquor
L., Oh oil e
Salaries of State officers, from Governor,
81 $50, down to Librarian at $437.50
amounted in past year to S55, $50. High
which includes Health, Railroad Com
missoners, Agriculture, Fish etc., etc,
$40, $50; official expenses, $4,653; State
beneficiaries, $1,000; miscellaneous,
which among other items includes nearly
$4,000 for State militia and for Brattle-
boro asylum $50, $40 amounting to $685.,
$50. Incomes, scholarships and appro-
priatiOns, S61, 405, of the latter. Worlds
fair, SIG, 100; State University and Agri-
cultural College, Sl4, 100 and Normal
schools $l3,704 comprise the largest
items. Legislative expenses, "a, 947, this
does not include Debentures of General
Assembly year '92, 49,6S720 yet to add
to last amount, showing how valuable,
perhaps we should have said costly, law
making comes. Educational expenses
were $6,695, and printing $13, 43S grand
total of $444, 69S.O1. If your readers can
stand the above array of figures, we may
in near future, quote from the Auditors
report, the income side, showing where
all this money comes from. AS the "Her-
nit and M" cover the doings of the
House so admirably, we refrain from an
attempt One mouth more, should see
an adjournment for which doubtless all
will be thankful, among the number
Ii. L. EATON.