Middlebury register. (Middlebury, Vt.) 1886-1937, 1898-11-04

corporation neToDy cTeateu, anu Iue Dlll
passed without debate. The bill was
brought up again, the committee having
agreed upon amendments which did
away with all restrictions upon the
powers of the supreme court, railroad
commissioners and the legislature, max
ing the charter subject to the general
laws, striking out the provision for
watering stock, and making it obligatory
upon the company to provide the bridges
over the waters of Lake Champlain with
draws suitable for navigation. The bill
was then passed without a dissenting
vote.
The other bills introduced were. as in
dicated by their number, "tOO numerous
to mention" But there we're some of
considerable Importance to the state at
large, and of these was bill providing
for a referendum of the prohibition
question. 1t was introduced by Senator
Thompson of Rutland. 1t provides that
the vote shall be taken to show the next
legislature the opinion of the people.
, 1t is well spoken of and may be brought
to a vote.
A bill was introduced to abolish the
state board of agriculture, and it seems
to have good many supporters
Another important bill introduced was
one in accordance with the taxation
scheme proposed in Gov. Smiths mes
sage. Mr.. Kemp of Montpelier is its
father 1t provides that any person who
has been non resident of this state for
one wear may in contemplation of be-
coming a resident enter into contract
with the state whereby. in consideration
of a specific sum per annum, as herin-
after provided. paid into he state treas
ury, shall be exempt from all other tax
alton on personal property during term
of contract. The term Of the contract
shall not exceed 30 years. The minimum
sum to be paid shall be $500. This bill
is intended to encourage men of wealth
to make Vermont their home, and con-
templates fixed tax on their purchased
property, not to be increased with the
improvements thev make during the
time of contract.
Mr.. Kimball of Newbury introduced
bill eXempting from taxation property
used for public and private circulating
libraries open to the public. He also
introduced a bin authorizing towns to
contract with incorpo. ated library as
sociatlons for the free use of books and
to vote money for the support of IL
braries held in trust for stcn towns.
Mr.. Bush of Orwell introduced a bill
repeating the act to prevent the use of
poisonous substances upon fruit trees in
blossom.
Mr.. Emery of Chelsea introduced bill
in the legislature this week to improve
public roads and establishing a state
highway commission. The governor
shall appoint a board of three, to serve
six, four and two years respectively.
The salary shall be $1,000 each and ex-
penses, and the bill allows $1,000 ad-
ditional for clork hire, etc. They shall
have an Office at Montpelier and they
shall collect and furnish on application
all Information relative 10 roads, shall
prepare maps and avise officers having
control of roads. They shall make "a
biennial report to the legislature, accom-
panied by recommendations. Town Off
GERS shall furnish them information as
requested. They shall have charge of
the expenditure of appropriations for
state highways. Town officers may
apply to have the board take charge of
any highway and the board may do so,
and such highway shall be under control
of the board representing the state. If
the town desires. it may take the con-
tract for making the road improvements
if not, the board shall receive bids for
the work and award it, requiring a bond
from the contractor. Eighty per cent
of moneys appropriated by the state for
highways in.the next two years shall he
expended In towns of less than 2000
population, but not to interfere with
apportiOnment among counties. Towns
shall be liable for damages incurred on
state highways, but the state shall repay
any damages recovered within one year.
The board shall contract with towns to
= keep roads in repair. No claim based on
length of possession of property in high
way shall be valid. Towns shall have
police control over roads and, with ap-
prOval of commission, may.grant permit
for necessary purposes. The entire state
highway fund is applied for purposes OF
, this act.
: Mr.. Hindes of Vergennes introduced a
! bill providing that not more than &c
2 swarms of bees can be kept within &C
< rods of a dwelling house without the
2 consent of the owner.
In the evening most disgracefu
scene took place during the public dis
cussion before the joint committee on
the McGeary High License bill. Th'
committee held meeting in the after
< noon at which some warm words wert
exchanged, ending in Representatlv,
Z McGeary, father of the bill, using slur
: ring personal remark to w. A. Lord o
= Montpelier. Later Hon. Frank Plumley
f criticised McGeary's action, whereupol
o the later walked up to him and shook hi
s fist in Mr.. Plumley's face, and it i
; thought would haYe followed with blow
d had not friends interfered. McGear,