Herald and news. [volume] (West Randolph, Vt.) 1878-1943, 1896-10-29
The LEGISLATURE.
Down to Work at Last.--Many Pet
Schemes Unloaded, Some of Which
Meet UntimeIy Death committee
to Investigate Insane Asylum. =
Two Junkets. --Various Notes.

| .--NOniflitt6'
to Investigate Insane Asylum. :.
Two Junkets.--Various Notes.
The general assembly of 1896 ma,
now be said to be under way. 1t ex
perienced the usual cloggingof wheels
at the start, got the usual measure Of
abuse from the press and people o.
the state, bore it with the usua
equanimity and has now started alons
the familiar course marked out by its
predecessors.
just as binding is the unwritten law
that no legislature shall adjourn be-
fore Thanksgiving, as the one which
DEGREES that no legislature shall return
after that festival. BE the work cut
out much or little it makes no differ
ence; the length of the session is un.
variable. For fear that the assembly
will not be able to drag lis slow course
along to the appointed time, every
precaution is taken. Daily sessions
aggregating two hours or so are per-
mitted for about four DAYS in the
week, with adjournment from Friday
until Monday. In this way and by
taking things easy while at work, the
body keeps its labors ahead of it and
never works itself out Of job. When
the session is about TIVE Thirds done
the members suddenly awake to the
fact that Thanksgiving is approach
ing and lots remains to be accom-
plished. Then il makes the chips
fly in every direction. Bills are
knocked on the head after the briefest
sort of hearing. Measures that
ought to be debated week are dis
posed of in a twinkling. Then there
is the last night, when acts 90 through
that puzzle the Legislators to explain
when they get home. It's, a crest
thing, this legislative business, and of
course the state pays dear for its
whistle.
To tell the truth there is very little
of importance TO be done by this ses-
sion. Without doubt the state could
worry along two years more il not a
thing were done. There are the
usual proposals for tinkering the
school and highway laws, charters to
grant, grand lists to legalize, etc., but
few measures Of real moment. II the
legislature were composed of members
working for nothing and as anxious
to get home as they are now to stay,
all the work could be done in a thor
ough manner in from three to four
weeks, allowing reasonable time for
the usual hitch at the start. Too
many regard it, as one expressed tito
the writer, vacation" from busi-
ness at the states expense.
But then, all such bodies are alike;
this is no worse than the general
run. They are the sovereigns while
in office and accountable to no one.
The state ought TO be thankful that it
gets of as easily as it does.
Wednesday.
SENATE.
Bills passed.-S Z, permitting mem
bers of legislature TO vote for presi-
dental electors in Montpelier.
Bills introduced.-S IA, by Sena-
tor Hulburd of Lamoille, act which
provides for taxing costs against re-
spondent in case of no defence.
HOUSE.
Bills introduced 67, by Mr..
Phelps of,Fair Haven, providing that
no inn-keeper or druggist shall be
appointed town liquor agent.
II 6s, by Mr.. Davis of Mendon,
increasing state highway tax from
five to eight cents on the dollar.
ii 90, by Mr.. Miles of Hinesburgh,
providing for removal of road COM
missioner by seleetmen for neglect OF
duty.
III II, by Mr.. Martin of Rochester,
TO enable Fire Dist. in Rochester TO
bring water and issue bonds therefor.
II %, by Mr.. Haskins Of Brattle-
boro, relating to dover, courtesy and
homestead. Bill prepared by pro-
bate Judges.
II 10, by Mr.. Bump of Brandon,
extends time for beginning prosecu-
tions under the tuberculosis act from
80 DAYS to six months.
III "a, by Mr.. Goodell of Windham,
making town clerks notaries public.
II rs, by Mr.. Bliss of Calais, pro-
viding that towns may fix compensa-
ton of road commissioners and pay
same out out of highway fund.
II 81, by Mr.. Cowles of Weybridge,
oblioing school boards to provide high
school tuition for advanced pupils.
Killed. II 6, relating to actions
brought TO recover money paid under
protest: IL 26, to amend Section 4,92I,
V. 5.
Joint assembly.-To complete cleo
ton of United States Senator. Justin
S. Morrill, was declared elected for the
term of six years, beginning March
next.
Senator Morrill, was introduced and
read an address of about half an
hours length. He referred to his
long service in Congress, which ex-
ceeds that of any member in the his
tory of the country, he having served
Al wears in both houses. lie showed
the progress the country has made
during that time and finished by
4hn faannpU and