The Portland daily press. [volume] (Portland, Me.) 1862-1921, 1897-02-25
Hon. Seth NJ. Carter, II. M. Heath, {
E. Woodward Of Bangor.
THE CIGARETTE BILL,

1uo oUmmIUtCc on temperance ndu
big audience this afternoon. A good
number were there to take sides In the
matter of law prohibiting the manu-
faoture and sale of cigarettes in Maine
but very large majority Of those pres
ent were there to see what arguments
could be offered on such matter.
Representative Walton introduced the
witnesses in favor of the law, and Joseph
Williamson, Jr., of Augusta, conducted
the opposition.
After much talk, for every witness
argued either on one side or the other,
it became evident that it was acknowl-
edged by both sides that the smoking of
cigarettes was injurious. When the COM
mittse saw the drift of affairs this fact
WAS caused to be formally announced
SO that further debate on the point
might be dispensed with.
Dr.. Grindle of the Senate gave some
very in teresting testimony on this
point and his testimony practically
brought the argument on the point of
i'll effects to climax. He said that DIR.
Sanborn of the insane hospital, had told
him chat some of the young men there
had been made insane by the use of
cigarettes.
Mrs. Gleason of Boston said lot of
things, among others, being that cigar
cites were injurious because they are
open at both ends and because they foster
evil desires In the minds Of young men.
Mr.. williamson argued that cigarettes
would probably be sold in the original
package as liquor now is and that the
small pocket package might he consid-
cred the original. He also argued that
the law might not be constitutional.
His arguments we're met by the state
ment that original package" means the
package in which goods come from the
factory.
Mrs. Gleason, who came from Massa
chusetts to battle against what she con-
sidered a great wrong, made the aTgu-
ment for the petitioners, and her talk
was largely on the injurious effects Of
cigarette smoking.
LEGAL AFFAIRS.
John F. A. Merrill of Portland ap-
peareG in behalf of the act relating to
the support of the Episcopate of the
Protestant Episcopal church. 1t was his
first appearance before the legislati
effective that the committee reported
ought to pass on the act.
Ex-Secretary of State Fes senden ap-
peared for his act amend ling the Austral-
ian ballot law. He suggested that 1t
was necessary that non-partisan ballot
commission be provided to determine all
preliminary gu esrions relating to nomi-
nations and nomination certificates. In
disputed cases it would be impossible at
present to settle them in season for the
election. He would strike out the pro-
vision for fling nomination papers in
cafe of vacancies in the House within
thirty days." and have that read as soon
rs may be. He suggested that when
are made BY nomination
papers the parties should not have the
authority to take the name of azy party.
He cited the ssBangor muddle," at the
last state election in support of this sug
gestion. He thought stickeIs should be
dispensed with.
On being asked if the present booths
could be changed, he said 1t would be
expensive. There are 633 voting pre-
cincts in the state, and the expense in
each would be $40 ON the average. He
was certain that turning the booths
around would make them absolutely
secret.
The legal affairs committee voted to
report ought to pass on the bill relating |
to the Episcopate Of the protestant Epia-
popal church.
The committee on banks and banking |
voted to report ought to pass on the act
relative to the Mercantile Trust and |
n T.. oF = ~