The Vermont watchman. [volume] (Montpelier, Vt.) 1883-1911, 1898-11-16
ESSEX COUNTY HEARING.
Col. Benton Of Boston and Judge Chase
Heard In Argument.

There were about 90 persons present at the
Essex county hearing which was held in the
coat room at 1880 o'clock last evening l.. T.
Williams of Bloomfield, presided. Senator
Bartlett of Essex county outlined the benefits
that would result from the change.
Judge Chase of Guidhall said that the
county consisted of thirteen towns and three
grants The entire population of the grants
| in 1890 was TIA, and the grand list in 1897 was
$229.N. The entire population Of the county
| in 1890 was 1896, and the grand list in 1897
was S2S,675. Guildhall, geographically speak
| ing, is in the center of the county.
! The travelling expenses of the court, if the
shire was changed to Brighton, would be one
half more than at present. The court house is
not in good condition, but the Jail is adequate
| for the uses of the county The land on which
the court house and Jail stand was given for
that purpose. When it ceases to be used for
such purposes it reverts to the heirs of the gran
| tor.
The bill asking for the removal of the shire
petitions for Jail to be built in Brighton, the
courthouse to remain in Guidhall. The idea
of courthouse in one town and the Jail in an
|
posterous. 1t is simply step to get the court
house in Brighton, and that would follow the
jail just as soon the Legislature could vote
for it to be done. The indebtedness of the
county in 1900 will be $4,000, none of which
can be paid until that time. To build new
Jail would incur an Indebtedness of at least
$4,000. When we get ready to pay this it will
be found that we shall have the largest
per cent tax in the State The question of
hotel accommodation in Guildhall was touched
upon, Judge Chase showing that, with hotel
within 700 feet of the court house, witnesses
would go to private families simply for the
sake of saving money
Thus, considering this matter taking a fair
average of the benefits or the detrments that
would result by changing the shre-takng
into consideration the tax that would result,
would it not be better to leave the shire where
it is?
Col. e. @. Benton of Boston, a native of
Guildhall, spoke in opposition to the bill. His
remarks may be found in another column.
Senator Bartlett replied to Col. Benton
by saying that the town that was bad enough
for the Colonel to leave as soon as he shed his
swaddling clothes was good enough for the
county seat of Essex. Senator Bartlett said
that the railroad superintendent had assured
the people of Brighton that during court ses-
sion, if the shire was changed, that they could
have such service as they required. Because
of a lack of accommodations, at least one
court case had been taken to Coos county,
N. II. He cited one instance of a court at
tendant sleeping in a barn.
These statements were met by the declara-
ton that plans had been made for building
hotel in Guildhall and work was nearly ready
to commence where the court house was
burned. which Judge base denominated as
an act of pure cussedness.' 1t was under
stood that Brighton was to make a bid for the
shire and the project was abandoned.
Said Senator Bartlett, there is no county in
the State that would put up with what Brgh-
ton has The books would show, contrary to
Judge Chases statement, that instead of there
being an increase in the cost of court travel
there would be IA reduction.
Chairman Williams suggested that Senator
Bartlett and Judge Chase figure on the ques.
ton and that the figures be embodied in the
report which the committee will submit to the
Legislature.
Hon. f. ID. Hale of Lunenburg suggested
that inasmuch us Senator Bartlett and Judge
Chase had offered their arguments for and
against the moving of the shire that the ques-
ton be submitted to the Committee. To give
Messrs Chase and Bartlett an opportunity to
prepare their mileage figures it was decided to
postpone that matter and meeting will be
held after adjournment this afternoon, when
the figures made by these gentlemen will be
submitted.