Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1897-01-07
ORGANIZATION.
The GaveI Falls and the 68th
Legislature Comes 10 Order.
Tuesday Nights Nominations Con.
frmed by Unanimous Elections.
The Drawing Of Seats, and Administering
/ Of 0aths by Governor cleayes.

Inc state OF anticipation and prep
| aration is now over at the Capitol, and
the great and general court, of Maine
is ready for business. Yesterday morn
ing the Legislature Of Maine organized
for it's 6Sth session.
The storm had passed, and the
Legislature assembled in, bright sun
shine. Early in the forenoon the new
legislators with crowd of their
friends, including many legislators of
the past and many who are not legis-
lators but are intensely interested in
legislation, began pouring into the
Capitol until it was filled with the larg-
est and liveliest crowd it has seen
since the adjournment of the 9th
Legislature. almost two years ago.
Before the House was formerly
called to order came the drawing of
seats, which as usual was the occasion
of good natured bantering and dispute.
By common consent Major Dickey of
Fort Kent and Representative Palmer
of Bangor, were allowed to select their
own seats. Major Dickey took 81
which has been his seat for many ses-
sions, and Mr.. Palmer took So which is
just behind him.. The drawing was
conducted in alphabetical order Repre-
sentative Ames who came first drew
seat IS, Representative Andrews 9S,
and SO on for an hour till all the 151
members had drawn seats and been
messenger drew for the absent MEM
bers. Mr.. Larrabee, in an hour to be
made speaker drew 1853, far in the
rear The Augusta representatives,
Messrs. Macomber and Williams drew
seats 66 and %. the former in the back
row and the latter in the center near
the front. There was some trading of
seats after the drawing.
At 1890 the matter of seats was set
tied and the clerk called the House to
order for formal organization. The
roll call showed AS members present
only six not answering to their names
The galleries and the spare floor space
were we'll filled with spectators, includ-
ing fair sprinkling of ladies. Ex-
Governor Chamberlain was one of the
distinguished visitors present. When the
Governor and Council entered the hall
the members arose. and after few
words of welcome Governor Cleaves ad
mnistered the impressive oath of Office
to them, which they repeated in con-
cert, with their right hands raised.
The forenoon session was occupied
by the election of the House officers. the
nomination of the Republican caucus
the previous evening being unanimous
ly endorsed. Speaker Larrabee's open
ing speech was eloquent and sound,
and won loud applause. About noon
the House had elected all its officers
and adjourned till 10 o'clock this fore
noon. -.4.
tious There was no drawing of seats,
as the members sit by counties. The
oath was administered as in the House
by Governor Cleaves, and then the Of
ficers, as nominated Tuesday evening.
were unanimously elected and entered
upon their duties. Only one senator
was absent. sst
In both bodies there We're the usual
order passed relating to reference
books, daily newspapers, ETC., for the
members. -~. .s- ..a,s
There is considerable gossip heard
concerning the probable makeup of the
committee. They will not be announced
for several days. but everybody has
right to guess, and some of the import
ant positions are understood to be well
settled. 1t is said to be well settled that
Senator Savage will, head that most
important committee, the judiciary.
while Representative Noble will be its
head in the House. Senator Reynolds
of Kennebec, Is expected to be chair
man of the committee on agriculture,
with Mr.. Briggs chairman of the
House committee. Gossip also says
that Representative Burns of West
brook. will head the committee on
education, Representative Rodick OF
Eden the committee on seashore fish
cries, and Representative Patten of
Amherst. the committee on fish and
game Senator Engle of Penobscot. is
much spoken of for chairman of the
committees on financial affairs and
Senator Heald of Kennebec, for the
banks and banking committee. Speak
er Larrabee and President Day will
work hard on their committees for the
next few days, and try to do what is
right among the host of applications
for the leading committees. 1t is said
the railroad committee has the most
applications.
Today will come the Inauguration of
Governor Powers, the election of the new
State officers and the Council. the