Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1897-10-28
COUNTY GUARDIANS
Hold Their Annual Convention,
Wednesday, at Skowhegan.
Am ing Other important Subjects the
Tramp Question Is Discussed.
Committee to Investigate and 10 Lay Matter
Before Next Legislature.

entertained, today, body
of men who represent the sinew and
brains of our State. They are the men
who have charge of much of the most
important business relative to the good
of our people. In other words, the
county commissioners of Maine held
their fifth annual convention within
our gates.
The commissioners are a hard work
ing set of men but on this occasion
they come to Skowhegan both to trans
act business and to enjoy themselves
to the utmost.
The convention was called to order
at II o'clock, Wednesday. II. c. Web
Der of Somerset was elected chairman
and he welcomed the visitors in a
hearty and pleasing manner. Walter
b. Allen of Cumberland, was elected
secretary.
The roll call was next in order and
the following delegation is in attend
ance: Androscoggin, Seth Chandler,
Lewiston: Walter Is. Beals, Aubu' n +;
Aroostook, Chas. E. Dunn, Houlton;
James w. Ambrose, Sherman, James
r. Thurlough. Fort Fairfield; Cumber-
land, Walter 3. Allen, Yarmouth, Gar
diner Walker. Deering; Franklin, Jabez
S. Moore. New Sharon; Hancock, p W.
Richardson, fremont, Nahum Hinck-
ley, Bluehill; Kennebec, II. c. Burgess
Vassalboro, Sewell Pettingill, Wayne:
PenobScot, w. l. Leavitt, Plymouth,
l.. c. Written. Carmel; Sagadahoc
Martin Trafton, Georgetown; Sorler-
set, G. H. Clark, North Arson, H. c.
Weber. Palmyra, AlonZo Smith, Corn
Vile; Waldo. j. w. Brock; York, Sum-
ner S. Andrews, Biddeford, Isaac
Hanscomb, Lebanon, S. l.. burlington,
Limington.
The following sheriffs and their
deputies We're present: Androscoggin,
Sheriff J. B. Hill. Auburn; Kennebec
Sheriff A. L. McFadden. Augusta;
Somerset. Sheriff E. p ViIes, deputies,
w. f. Mutt. Fairfield, c. B. Haskell
Pittsfield, F. l.. Harding, Madison, c.
z. Horn. Bingham.
The clerks of courts present are: NJ
NJ. Clark, Aroostook; w. S. Choate
Augusta; N. w. Brainerd. Skowhegan
1t was voted to hold the next annual
meeting with the commissioners of
York county.
AT the close of the forenoon session
G. H. Clarke of North Arson, Informed
the meeting that an excursion over the
Skowhegan and Norridgewock and
Somerset Railroads to Bingham, where
the party will take dinner with Land
lord Washburn of the Bingham Hotel.
was arranged for Thursday, and not
only will nearly all of the visiting COM
missioners avail themselves of the
privilege but many of our citizens also
will join the party.
The afternoon session was called to
order at Las. The entire session was
taken up with a discussion of the ques-
tons which were rendered the chair by
Should we allow more than one travel
for conveyance of one or more prison.
ers to jail?" After some little discus
sion, by vote of the convention the
question was decided in the negative.
The second question before the COLI
vention was Should the county pay
and aid to an officer or should the Off
Ger pay him." 1t was finally decided to
officially adopt the plan of first decid
ing whether an aid was necessary and
if so the county should pay him.
Can an officer legally collect a fee
trial?" was easily disposed of, as it is
the law that he cannot
The question of custom in different
counties as to rights allowed the clerk
of courts relative to the purchase of
IN hc, h i,I,
each county must decide for itself
The general opinion seemed to be to
allow each clerk to use his own judg-
ment as to the amount, etc, and send
the bill to the county.
The most important question which
arose for consideration was the tramp
problem. All sides of this all import
ant problem was turned to the light
and viewed from all sides. The stone
yard plan which is now being carried
on so successfully in Aroostook coun-
ty, was commented on in very fav-
orable manner but plan was found I'M
possible in other counties. 1t seemed
to be the general opinion that some
severe measures must be dealt out e
wandering Willie"
The proper source Oh authority
should be the Legislature. A law
should be made that would send them
to the State prison.
A committee consisting Of Written of
Penobscot. Smith of Somerset, Chand-
Ter Of Androscoggin. was appointed by
the chair to investigate the matter
thoroughly and report the result and
go before the Legislature at the next
session in the interest of the problem.
ha..i... Lnld q 1,oru successful and ex-