The daily morning journal and courier. [volume] (New Haven, Conn.) 1894-1907, 1897-02-12
BUSY DAY AT HARTFORD
sHARE DEBATE BETWEEN SEM
TORS TUTTLE AND VARNBR.

i"Neou rtuay SESSIONS the Kule.
The senate was called to order at II 80
by Lieutenant Governor Dewell.
The session was enlivened by a dis
cusslon between Senators futile and
Warner, and was upon the adoption of
the adverse report of the Judiciary
committee upon the bill which would, if
passed, give the closing argument to
the counsel Of the prisoner at the bar.
Senator Warner called up the report,
and Senator futile said:
Mr.. President; This bill commends
itself to my mind as being In line of
equal and exact justice to those unfor-
tunate people classed as criminals.
When this state some sixteen years ago
passed the law which this bill repeats,
and made 1t possible for the state to
nave the closing argument in the prose-
cution of the accused, it was a step
backward. This method of procedure Is
arctic of that age and custom prevail
ing in the past which made it possible
for the public prosecutor to become a
prosecutor / do not believe in the in
fallibility of human judgment. There
is an old maxim and a good one, that
ninety-nine criminals should escape
punishment than that one innocent
man should suffer. 1t seems to me that
this bill is in line with the Christian
spirit of the age.
Senator Warner replied to the senator
from tha Sayapth diSTrirt He said.
am not unmindful of the wide field on
the side taken by the senator from
which to draw inspiration. I know that
it is popular to take the under dogs
part, but in this case society is the I'M
der dog, not the gang of criminals
have shared the opinions which are
now entertained by the senator, but
they have given place to far different
views. This bill would encourage
crime, criminals and lawyers. 1t is
the common experience of prosecutors
that SO out of 100 tried are guilty Ev-
evry safeguard is thrown around these
men. No one must be convicted unless
the jury are convinced beyond a rea-
sonable doubt. Then if the prosecuting
attorney in his zeal oversteps the
argument may call the attention of the
jury to all such faults. No, gentlemen,
the law enacted some sixteen years
ago is a good law to stop criminals.
Why should we make an exception of
criminal prosecution? Why not make
the practice obtain in suits for debt?
In the hearing before the judiciary
committee no one representing the
criminals appeared to speak in behalf
of the. measure as a reformatory one.
Senator Herman also supported the
report of the committee, which was ac-
cepted without further comment.
Senator Converse, for the committee
of conference on bills relating to the
scientific investigation of tuberculosis
at Storrs agricultural college and the
appropriation for the colleges current
expenses, reported that the committee
recommended their reference to the
committee on agriculture, and moved
that the senate recede from its former
action and make the reference already
made by the house. Both bills may go
to the committee on appropriations lat
er in the session.
The committee on judicial nomina-
lions reported favorably on the selec-
ton of Joseph w. Chandler judge and
George E. Parker deputy judge of the
borough court of Stafford Springs.
The bill validating elections of JUS
tees Of the peace when notice of town
meeting had not 'been legally posted
was taken from the calendar and
passed; also a resolution extending the
time for the organization of the Amer
lean Brass company till July, 1899.
The resolution incorporating the New
London Gas and Electric company was
passed. Among the incorporators are
Charles E. Williams, Augustus Bran
degee, Robert Colt, Vice President Gar
ret A. Hobart, A. M. Young and George
E. Terry The capital stock is $780,,
000
Resolution amending the charter of
the Eastern Benefit society which had
gone out of business; resolutions
amending the charter of the East Had
dam Electric Light company, extend
ing the time of acceptance of charter
of the Hartford Library association,
and extending the time of organization
of the Terryville Water company, We're
passed.
Wnen senator he6lel lHUNeu lHdt INC
time for the next meeting of the SEN
ate be at 1890 o'clock next Tuesday, an
ominous head-shaking seemed to have
suddenly taken hold of the other men,
bers The unanimity with which the
chairman and clerks of the committees
determined on Wednesday evening to
push the business of the session flash
ed across their minds and several nays
went up from all over the chamber.
Senator Warner moved to amend the
motion of Senator Keeler so as to meet
at 1:30 this morning.
Senator Keller thought that it would
make but little difference this week, as
there was absolutely nothing to do.
No reports were ready TO be acted
upon.
Senator Kendall favored a session
this morning. It was finally agreed
that when the senate adjourned it be
till 1:30 this morning.
Senator Marigold reported from the
finance committee against the bill re-
viving specific appropriations, and rec
commended a substitute bill, the feat
ures of which are that all bills and res
olutions appropriating money shall be
referred to the committee on appro-
priations before final action, and the
committee shall report such appropri-
ations as are deemed necessary. When
ever a single appropriation bill appro-
PIRATES a sum in excess of $4,000, it
shall he divided. if possible, into Spe-