The Vermont watchman. [volume] (Montpelier, Vt.) 1883-1911, 1898-05-11
Legislature of Vermont.

Legislature of Vermont,
Thursday. May 8.
HoUsE-MoRNING.
The special session OF the Vermont legis-
lature commenced at ten o'clock last
Thursday morning, pursuant to the call
OF the Governor. The House was called to
order by Secretary OF State Brownell aud
prayer was offered by Rev. A. N. Lewis of
Montpelier. The call of the House showed
only twenty-five members absent.
Speaker W. A. Lords resignation was
| read by Secretary Brownell, ard Col. Kit
tredge Haskins of Brattleboro was uominat-
ed for the vacancy by Judge G III. Darling
of Bennington. George M. Powers of Nor
risville was nominated by Mr.. Raymore of
Eden Both nominations were seconded by
several members. Colonel Haskins showed
the greater strength, and he was elected by
a vote of 1885, to "a for Mr.. Powers, the total
number cast being 213. Secretary Brownell
appointed as tellers Mr.. Darling of Benning-
ton, Mr.. Raymore of Eden and Mr.. Pierce
OF Chester. The chair stated the vote and de-
/ clared Colonel Haskins elected. Mr.. Ward
of Putney, Mr.. Bliss OF Calais and Mr.. Conlin
OF Winooski were appointed committee to
escort Mr.. Haskins to the chair The oath
of Office was administered by Clerk How
land, and Speaker Haskins made a brief
speech, thanking the House for the conf
dence reposed in him.
Mr.. Childs of St. Adams introduced
bill prohibiting alien ownership of YER
mont railroads, the full text Of which is
given in another column.
Mr.. Smith of Burlington evoked a storm
of applause by introducing resolution ex-
pressing the congratulations of the whole
citizenship of the state to Commodore
Dewey. The resolution was unanimously
adopted.
Mr.. Bates OF st. Johnsbury introduced
resolution approving the course OF the
President and his cabinet in the Spanish
crisis. Adopted unanimously.
Mr.. Barnes OF Addison Introducing bill
authorizing the governor to organize a Ver-
mont regiment. Referred to the committee
on military affairs.
Mr.. Clark of Glover introduced o bill
providing that the members of the militia
should be paid the same as soldiers OF
United States army from the time mobili-
cation. Referred to the military commit
tee.
Mr.. Barnes of Addison introduced
bill providing that the governor may fill
any quota OF troops in any call made upon
the state by the President.
The Governors message, which was read
to both houses was as follows:
1--WE are met to consider extraordinary
questions which remind us that the oppres-
sion under which the people OF Cuba have
suffered for years has led them to repeated
losses to the business and commerce Of this
country and no inconsiderable expense in
maintaining neutrality.
1--WE are also reminded that Spanish mis-
rule in that island became menace to in
ternational relations and an annoyance to
peace, while starvation of helpless women
and children aw akened the sympathy OF the
world. These disturbing conditions OF such
long standing, 80 near US, together with the
Maine disaster. present an indictment
against the Spanish government too revolt
ing and abhorrent for contemplation or
apology.
Negotiations failing to adjust the diff
culties thus appearing between the United
States and Spain, war has been invoked as
the high court in which the issues Of this
1.-THE demand of the United States in the
premises Of this case, is government for
Cuba that shall be q guaranty of permanent
peace to its people. To the justice of this
proposition united people subscribe and
Vermont heads the list OF all the States in
this interesting movement
"Tbis State rendered fulfilment Of the
Presidents call upon 1t for troops to assist
in the war against Spain the 23rd day of
last month, and has since been awaiting
the pleasure OF the war department and CO.
operating with its officials.
"Vermont's quota for immediate service
Is one regiment Of one thousand and eight
enlisted men and officers, and you are ask
ed to provide equipment for this regiment
now offered the service, and also to place
the military quota OF the State at the dis
posal Of the government. Your attention
Is invited to the status OF the militia when
the present regiment Of the Guard enters
the United States service, and the desira-
bility Of a continuous military organization.
CAT the special session in April, 1861,
called to assist in preparing the troops from
this State for the civil war, State compen-
sation OF seven dollars a month, extra to
the United States pay, was granted each
enlisted man, and you will be expected to
regard the brave men now entering an I'M
selfish war, waged in behalf of freedom and
humanity, with at least as patriotic con-
sideration as favored those who went forth
q generation since to battle for the integrity
OF the Union and the perpetuity OF the ma
ton.
"The regiment requested by the secretary
OF war is about $50 i'll excess OF our quota
under the Presidents call, but 1t Is neces-
sary to furnish it or allow Vermonters to
serve in other State organizations; and it
was taken for granted that the pride of this
distinctive little commonwealth would be
correctly anticipated by Directing to any
such mixed service; besides, this overplus
stands to our credit in case OF future calls
and places Vermont in this respect also at
the head
"Having thus indicated the business for
which you are convened, the deliberations
of tie session are in your hands, and may
your action be commensurate with the
interest that animates the public heart
and such as to secure an early adjourn
ment."
Mr.. Mack of Vergennes introduced bill
authorizing the Governor to fill any va
cancy in the quota OF troops. Referred to
the committee on military affairs.
Adjourned.
HOUSE AFTERNOON,
81, III {.
win Of Barton introduced joint resolution
that no more bills be introduced except
from committees, by unanimous consent or
at the request of the governor. 1t was