The Vermont watchman. [volume] (Montpelier, Vt.) 1883-1911, 1895-10-09

several towns shall choose from its iDhabit-
ants those most noted for wisdom and
virtue. don't know how II was In the old
times, but during my day think the con-
stitution has been complied with.
Gentlemen, we have these assemblies
altogether too seldom. l am persuaded that
the sessions Of the Vermont legislature are
worth to the state all they cost, as an educa-
ton In government, even II there was not
a law passed. The influence that G es out
from those coming here is felt and is ben
efcial all through the state. have been
thinking what is the cause of this influence.
We have a small state here. Looking on
map of the United States, you have o use a
microscope to find where Vermont is. We
are small in territory, but we have history
that is rich enough and grand enough to
cover a state as large as Texas all over with
glory. What is the cause of all this? Those
who didn't get elected to the legislature say
we elect ordinary men. This Is true. We
are ordinary men. 1 think it was Tom
Reed who s aid the best results of legisla-
ture was always obtained by the combined
sense Of the average men, You legislate
for the people, and / am convinced that
a legislature composed of college professors
would be poor one. believe great
orator like Wendell Phillips would be
poor legislator. 1t is the average man that
makes good legislator, and that is what
Vermont sends up here l say that which
distinguishes a Vermonter is good sound
Sense, JDb dDlllIy anu lIt ulspOSlblO0 10 40.
and rather than sag, the present duty. L
say that where we have such glorious
past. the future will be as bright as the past"
Mr. Stickney then made report of the
number of living representatives by dec
AIDES. Joel Holton of Stamford, the oldest
living member, is now living in the state of
New York. Mr.. Stickney then called upon
General Stephen Thomas, member in
1888 and 1889. General Thomas was given
rousing welcome. He referred to his
early connection with the legislature, and
the reforms 10 legislation he had seen since
he represented West Fairlee. He referred
to pensioning soldiers and said he would be
glad to see the legislature OF Vermont do
more for her men who served during the
war, and exempt the homestead of old sol
diers from taxation.
Henry Clark of Rutland, many years sec
re,ary Of the senate, was the next speaker.
He gave interesting "reminiscences of Mer.
rift Clark of Poultney, his father, and some Of
the important events that transpired while
the latter was member of the legislature,
including the historic session Of 1861, of
which John Gregory Smith was speaker.
In closing, he referred to the sons OF Yer
mont who are distinguished in other states.
General Grout spoke for the legislature of
1870, naming many of the eminent men OF
that session, and told Of his defeat by G. II.
Joyce of Rutland for the office of speaker.
G. A. Davis of Windsor responded for the
present.
Congressman Powers spoke for the house
of 1874, in very happy manner.
For the house Of 1876, ex Governor Stew
art was called up; and for that of 1878,
Hiram A. Huse of Montpelier.
Hon. j. L. Martin spoke for 1880 and 1882;
for 1884, Hon. w. p. Dillingham;; for 1886,
Hon. Josiah Grout; for 1885, Hon. Redfeld
Proctor; for 1890, Hosea L. Mann; for 1892,
Hon. o. M. Barber of Arlington.
At half past four, a session of the House
of 1894 was held in Represe ntatives Hall
Prayer was offered by Chaplain Spoor.
The speaker first called upon Mr.. Lord of
Montpelier to first speak of the House of
1894. Mr.. Lord said that, aside from good
fello wship and the renewal of old acquaint-
ances, such reunions would be without
proper results if we did not take back to
our homes better resolves as citizens Of
Vermont that shall be seen in our devotion
to the state in the future. If we do this,
this occasion will not be without its proper
results.
Mr.. Hines of Brattleboro was called upon,
and read an original poem, written for the
occasion.
Speaker Stickney called upon Mr.. Ballard
of Georgia, who is one of the bashful men of
the House. Mr. Ballard said he felt just
pride in the Legislature of 1894. That l.gisa-
ture needs no praise. 1t will go down in
history for what it is worth. Mr.. Ballard
told couple of stories that caused much
laughter.
Mr.. Bingham was Intercepted as to
whether he had any bills in his pocket re-
garding legal holidays or street railways.
He thanked the members for what they did
for the Bennington Battle Day holiday and
the Bennington street railway.
George M. Powers responded for the Sen
ate, and j. ID. Denison Of Randolph made a
brief speech.
Mr. Smith of Burlington was asked to re.
port from the committee on ways and
means-to get home. Mr.. Smith said that
he had asked the state tr 3asurer in regard to
vouchers; that he replied that he had several
he would like to have paid, and the con-
versation was not continued.
Mr. Orvis of Manchester responded for
the committee appointed last fall to arrange
for this reunion.
Mr.. Stone of Wallingford spoke for the
judiciary committee of the House of 1894,
and was followed by Mr.. Preston of Fair
Haven, who got in some sharp hits on Or
rice Ballard.
A roll. call of the House showed ninety.
four members present.
Mr.. Smith of Morristown was called on
to speak on the bill granting municipal suf.
frage to women, which he did in a bright
FIVE minutes speech.
On motion OF Mr.. Smith OF Burlington
the clerk was instructed to send the report
of this extraordinary session to the gentle.
man from Newfane for his approval, and
the House adjourned.