St. Johnsbury Caledonian. [volume] (St. Johnsbury, Vt.) 1867-1919, 1898-05-11
Stand by the Flag and President
The Special Session.

A little general legislation was in
dulged in at the special session OF
the legislature last week, but the
tendency was, from the outset,
against that sort Of thing. Both
senate and house were inclined to
attend strictly to war legislation
and let other things wait; and there
was no opposition to the joint reso-
luton Tor final adjournment Friday
noon. This prompt consideration
of business, and the speedy adjourn
ment, were entirely satisfactory to
the people at large. Only twenty
two members of the house were alb
sent at the roll call.
Speaker Lords resignation, by
reason of his holding Office under the
national government, necessitated
the election of new presiding officer,
and it became evident on Wednesday
evening that lively contest was on
between Col. Haskins OF Brattleboro
and George M. Powers of Morrisvlle.
The former secured the position by
vote Of one hundred twenty-nine to
eighty.four. This puts Col. Haskins
directly in line for reelection to the
speakership, in case he is returned by
his town next fall.
Gov. CIRCUITS message, presented in
both houses Immediately after the
organization, contained brief refer
ence to the situation as between the
United States and the kingdom Of
Spain, emphasized Vermont's inter
est in the struggle, and suggested the
lines along which legislative action
was necessary.
The first bill passed, introduced by
Mr.. Childs of St. Adams, was de-
cidedly interesting one, and we give
here the full text oiit:
"SEc. l. No alien railway company shall
be directly or indirectly interested in any of
the stock OF any railway company hereafter
organized under the laws of this state, with
out leave Of the Legislature
SEC e No alien railway company shall
by itself or through others own or acquire
title to any railroad, or the use thereof, or
have any thing to do with the management
or control OF any railroad in this state with
out leave of the legislature, provided nothing
in this section contained shall apply to any
railroad in this state now in the actual con-
troll and management of any such railway
company
''SRc 8. The court of chancery, or infor
nation of the states attorney of any county
thI ough which the road runs, shall have full
power and authority to enforce the .provis
ions OF this act, by writ OF sequestration, IN
junction, receivership or any other appro
pirate remedy"
The war measures passed included
the providing of seven dollars G
month extra pay to soldiers from
this state, the authorizing of the
Governor to gil any future quota o
troops called for from this state, anC
a provision for the reinstatement o
the First Regiment, N. G. ", on it.
return from service in the United
States army. Some attempt wa.
made in the direction oil organizing {
second regiment, National Guard O
Vermont, but nothing was accom-
plished.
A bill providing for the expenses o
the special session, and authorizin,
the treasurer TO borrow money OF
the credit of the state, was passed.
The general legislation included
besides the railroad bill, one bearin
on the Rutland free library question
one allowing the city OF st. Alban
to own and operate an electric plant
one amending the act touching tn
matter of fidelity insurance, and tw
or three Others of minor importance
Early in the session Representative
Bates of st. Johnsbury introduced
joint resolution expressing approve