Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1899-01-04
The Presiding Officers.

The Presiding Officers.
When the Maine House and Senate
meet. this morning. for the first ses-
sion of the 69th Legislature one Of
their first duties will be to endorse by
| formal election the nominations made
at the Republican caucuses. last eve
| ming. 1t will be a pleasant duty, for
the two cancuses did their work well
and the nominations made reflect
credit upon the party. and. as a conse-
quence. upon the State. Every member
of the Senate and 1a7 out of the ISL
members of the House were qualified
to participate in the Republican can
cuses, and the spirit of harmony which
prevailed and the assurance that what
was done will prove satisfactory alike
| to the Legislature and to the constitu-
| ents, augur well for the coming ses-
sion. The gentlemen nominated for
| the respective offices of the House and
Senate are. we'll known throughout the
State, and are all eminently qualified
| for the faithful and efficient perform
ance of the duties which will devolve
upon them.
| Hon. Oliver q. Clason of Kennebec,
who was unanimously nominated for
the high position of president of the
Senate. is a man we'll skilled in legis-
| lot Mona hpC 1ia,1-
| tenant governor, but the president of
the Senate practically fills that posi-
| tion and Mr.. Clason has all the quail
| ficatons for the office. Mr.. Clason was
born in Gardiner As years ago. grad
| uated from Bates in 1877, and is n
| leader of the Kennebec bar. He has
been mayor of Gardiner three years.
served in both branches of the Legis,
lature. and in the executive council
Wide experience in public affairs has
| given Mr. Clason a clear understand
ing of the States needs, and, as far as a
presiding officer may. he will influence
| legislation for the highest good of the
State The floor loses an able speaker
and good debater when Mr.. Clason
takes, the chair Personally Mr.xCla-
son is a mostspopular man, respected
by all for his ability. his integrity and
his tireIess energy.
The House. a. wen as the Senate is
assured of presiding officer OF sound
Judgment, fairness and executive abil-
ity. After long, and at times q close
and exciting. contest, the speakership
J nomination falls to Colonel l. X. Stet-
son, who is serving his second term as
! representative from Bangor. The sev-
!, eraI gentlemen who sought the posi-
ton were all well qualified, and the
contest was conducted so fairly and in
such spirit of courtesy and good will
, that it leaves behind no trace of bitter
: ness or discord. 1t is no disparage-
ment of the other aspisants to say that
no better. choice .coulf be made than
that Of Colonel stetsoh He is a man
of culture. of wide business experience.
and was leader ont the floor Of the
last House. Mr.. StetAon is 40 years OF
age. and was born in,the city he rep
resents and with whose business in
!. terests he is SO CLOSELY identified. He
commands the entire confidence and
respect of the body over which he will
!. preside. and his thorough grasp of tine
7 details Of legislative work and parlfa-
mentary procedure make it certain
D that he will be an ideal presiding
officer. &
In both the House and the Senate
the presiding officers and the members
will have most valuable assistance
from the other officials. For Kendall
M. Dunbar as secretary of the Senate
and William S. Cotton as clerk of the
! House, this will he the fifth term OF
l Office and both bodies are to be con-
graduated upon their denominations
Most of the minor officials are also IA
: miliar with their duties through con-
scientious service in previous sessions
(. The appreciation of their faithful worl;
J is shown by the large number al
! Unanimous nominations. In the few
-