Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1897-12-16
GOVERNOR AND COUNCIL
Meet on Wednesday Afternoon, and
Transact important Business.
Two Pardon Hearings and Other matters
Brought Before Them.

The Governor and Council met
Wednesday afternoon. at 40 o'clock
according to adjournment, all being
present but Councillor Marshall.
The first business was to accent this
invitation Of the game commissioners
and Hon. P. o. Vickery, president OF
the Maine Sportsmen's association. Ia
dine at game supper at Hotel John
son in the evening.
Three petitions for pardons were as
signed for hearing at this meeting.
The first was that of Anna La Fon-
tame, young girl Is years of age, con-
fined in the Industrial School at Hal
lowell. The petitioner in this case was
ably represented by Frank l.. Morey.
ESQ.,, of Lewiston, who made an elo-
quent and clear plea for his client. He
represented the case thus: That upon
the 26th day of July of this year. Anna
La 'Fontaine was taken before Trial
justice Coolidge of Lisbon Falls, her
nome, where she was sentenced to the
Industrial school during the rest of her
minority, as she was in danger of vice
and immortality. That without q
chance to employ legal counsel. she was
taken that night, to Hallowell. Mr..
Morey claimed that no complaint had
ever been entered against her, and her
imprisonment was unjust and uncalled
for
Mr.. La Fontaine was present, and his
testimony was given as was that of the
trial Justice. Mr.. Coolidge, who appeared
not to oppose the pardon, but to exulain
the part that he took in the affair which
he did at great length.
1t appears that at the time. there was
living at the La FOutaine house, besides
the family a young woman alleged to be OF
doubtful character, and the people had Mr.
La F'outaine arrested charged with keep
ing house of ill-fame. He was taken be-
fore Justice Coolidge and sentenced to 30
days in JAIL but upon his appealing the
grand jury of Androscoggin county later
found no indictment against him.
Upon the same afternoon the young girl
Anna was arrested and sent to the Indus
trial school, not that she had ever done
anything wrong but to keep her from it,
The Governor questioned Mr.. Coolidge,
not unkindly and said that he had no
doubt but that there were thousands of
girls who would be better so far as their
surroundings were concerned but would
1t be pustice to incarcerate them on that
account?
No one appeared to present the petition
of E. p. Chase and the hearing was lost
by default.
William Lyon. ESQ.,. of Westbrook, ap-
peared for the petition for pardon of
Samuel H. Lisk. who is serving years
sentence in the Portland jail
1t appears that Mr.. Lisk. who is an
aged Westbrook mill owner. had taken
possession of one of his mills upon which
the lease had expired. when the lessee
attempted to forcibly put him off the
premises. Mr.. Lisk drew a revolver, and
fired three blank cartridges at the man.
He was arrested tried, and sentenced at
the October term of the superior court
Some very strong petitions We're pre-
sented from Westbrook and Portland
they being signed by two ex-Governors
a mayor. and many of the prominent
business men. The plea is that the con-
fincment will be fatal to the old gentle
man.
Both this and the La Foutaine petition
We're tabled for executive session.
Hon. George d. Bisbee, as a director
and attorney for the Portland & Rumford
Falls Railroad. asked that the railroad
tax upon the old Buckfield Branch Rail-
road. and the Portland & Oxford Central
Railroad. which were in the hands of re-
ceivers from 1878 to 1891. that now re-
mains unpaid be abated. The amount is
about $2511.0S.
Hon. Waldo Pettingill. vice president of
the same line, asked that the telegraph
YAK against THEM. either De duueu 10 Ine
Western Union tax, as that company |
lease the line. or that the tax be abated |
Both subjects were laid over for execu- |
tive session.
Private ]. A. Fairbanks of Co. F. N. G. |
S. NJ. presented bill for care of arms
and clothing of the company. which was |
referred back to him. as the endorsement /
of the proper authorities were not upon
it.
The usual bills for contingent expenses
were allowed
Ordered. that warrant No. 1888 in favor
of Mrs. F. NJ. Drew, drawn for ST by |
error be hereby cancelled.
Adjourned until 10 o'clock, Thursday
County Attorney Hayes of Piscataquis
was present and interviewed the |
Governor concerning the COW moose kill |
ing affair that has caused so much talk
of late. Mr.. Hayes decided that he would
do nothing about. the matter until the
next meeting of the Council.
Miss Harvey will meet her adult