Vermont phÅ“nix. [volume] (Brattleboro, Vt.) 1834-1955, 1898-10-07
THE LEGISLATURE.
OUR MONTPELIER LETTER.
Col. Haskins Speaker of the
House.
Quick Organization in Both Branches
---the Governors ReceptlOn---the
Messages Read and Referred Yester-
MONTPELIER, Wednesday, Oct. ;.


ed this morning at 10:30 A drizzlng
rain made everyone feel uncomfortable.
Secretary of State Brownel called the
house to order, and Rev. DIR. NJ. H. Buck
ham, president of the University of Yer
mont, offered prayer. Following the roll
call, which showed 23S members present,
Secretary Brownell called for nominations
for speaker, and, as expected there was
no opposition to Col. Haskins of Bratte-
boro on the Republican side. +. II. Miller
of DummerstOn placed Col. Haskins in
nomination in very neat and effective
speech, and the nomination was numerous
ly seconded. Emory S. Harris, Democrat,
of Bennington, nominated George A..
Dickey Of Bradford. OF the 236 votes
cast Kittredge Haskins had 1913, George
A. Dickey 81, scattering l. In behalf of
the Democrats Mr.. Dickey moved to make
Col. Haskins's election unanimous, which
was done.
Col. Haskins having been formally noti-
fed Of his election and escorted to the
speakers chair, took the oath of office and
|
Col. HaskIns's Speech OF Acceptance.
"Gentiemen Of the House of Representa-
tireS:
81 sincerely thank you for the honor
| you have conferred in electing me to pre-
side over the deliberations of this assem-
bly, for the ensuing biennial term. While
recognizing that the position to which you
have so generously assigned me as one of
distinguished honor and authority, | am
not unmiBdfu that it is also one of labor
and responsibility. In accepting the office
| can only promise to bring to the dis
charge of its duties my earnest efforts to
the extent of the ability | possess, and to
act with fairness and impartiality towards
all. But whatever may be my own efforts
as your presiding officer, feel that | shall
fall far short of meeting your expectations,
or of satisfying myself, even, except that
l receive that which is yours to give, and
which now invoke, your cordial coOpera-
| tiOn and support.
You will pardon me il | indulge In a
| slight digression from the usual manner of
address on like occasions to this. We
have come together here, each of us, rep
resenting a particular local constituency:
yet, | trust, we shall not forget that in a
and as our oath Of Office clearly implies,
we are also the representatives of that
| greater constituency, the people of the
whole state, to whom we must render an
account of our stewardship when our la
bors here are ended. | have always felt,
and still do feel, that the great danger in
matters of legislation is in attempting to
| accomplish too much, and in an endeavor
TO etfectuate the repeal or amendment of
| existing laws before their efficacy has been
| fairly tested. The member of legislative
| body who aims to introduce the largest
number of bills during its session may not
be as faithful or as profitable public serv-
| ant as he who introduces none. Aside from
measures, distinctively of private charac-
ter, there is no merit in introducing bill
| embodying new and constructive egisa-
| tion, or in amendment of an existing stat
ute, unless reasonably satisfied that its en-
actment into law will result in the great
est good to the greatest number. Doubt
full and inexpedient legislation is expen-
sive to the state without accomplishing
any good purpose whatsoever; in that it
prclongs the session, is productive of ILL
advised and hasty action, consumes the
valuable time of committees and of the
house, that ought to be devoted to more
careful consideration of other and more
important measures, and furnishes vast
amount of material for future litigation in
the courts.
With these few remarks, and with the
hope that the session may prove pleasant
one for us, brief as may be consistent
with faithful performance of duty, and
profitable to our beloved state, again thank
ing you, now invite your attention to the
Of ha
T. C. Cheney of MorrisviIle was elected
clerk and j. K. Fuller of Barton chaplain,
both by acclamation. Several resolutions
were introduced and adopted pertaining to
the rules and joint rules governing the
two houses.
The afternoon session was devoted to
the drawing of seats. "Father Abell," by
unanimous vote was given the first choice
of seats. A committee to canvass the
vote for state officers was appointed, of
which Wellman of Brookine, Tibbetts of
Wardsboro, and Eddy of Stratton were the
Windham county members.
In the senate Lieut.-Gov. Fisk called to
order and the roll call showed every sena-
tor present, except Young of Orleans
county. Max l.. Powell was elected clerk
by vote of Is to II for Carl c. Fletcher
Rev. Andrew F. Gillies of Montpelier was
elected chaplain. Following this Senator
John G. Mccullough of Bennington coun-
ty was elected president pro TEN by accla-
nation, and accepted the Office in grace
full speech. Walter X. Farnsworth of Rut-
land was appointed assistant clerk, some
routine business was adopted, and the SEN
ate then adjourned.
Gov. CIRCUITS Reception.
The social season at the capital was
opened Wednesday evening by Gov.
Grout's reception to Governor-elect Smith,
which was a handsome affair. The
guests were received by Gov. and Mrs.
Grout, Governor-elect and Mrs. Smith,
Lieut. Gov. and Mrs. Fisk and Mrs. Bates,
wife of the lieutenant governor-elect. The
members of the governors staff, in uni
form, acted as ushers. The capitol was
brilliantly lighted from dome to basement
by the electric light system and presented
brilliant appearance. A cluster of lights