The united opinion. [volume] (Bradford, Vt.) 1881-1970, 1900-11-23

den and violent death, as was expected.
Many members wanted to vote for the
bill and quite number did, but not
nearly enough to save it. An amendment
was proposed that the pay be made 5000
for the biennial term, and although this
had considerable merit it was defeated.
Much of the time during the past week
diverse and opposing factions from Barre
have been whaling around the capital for
and against bills incorporating rival wa
ter companies, and much amusement and
some profanity has been caused by their
antics. Great masses of petitions have
been presented pro and con, and the en-
tire city appears to be divided into rival
camps over the affair. The end is not yet.
After being batted around in commit
tee from the beginning of the session the
bill to reimburse the eager patriots who
subscribed to the guarantee fund to pay
the expenses of the Dewey day celebra-
tion here is at last passed and the credi-
tors are heaving distinct sighs of relief.
If the subject was to come UP again not a
dollar would be guaranteed for the pur-
pose, and if it had not been a debt of
honor for the state to pay not a cent
would have been appropriated In view
! of Dewey's distaste for Vermont in gen.
eral and Montpelier in particular, the
passage of this bill comes near paying for
a very dead horse. The treatment of
Captain Clark of the Oregon indicates
the feeling of Vermont as between the
two men. A fund is appropriated to Sc
cure painting of the captain for the
capitol, while nothing is heard of Dewey
except expressions of disgust at having
to pay for a year-old celebration in his
honor.
Very much to the surprise of every
body, and to none more than to the men,
Der from St. Johnsbury who introduced
the bill, the weekly payment bill went
through the House with enthusiasm. 1t
was reported adversely, but Mr.. Bundy
spoke effectively in its behalf and secured
a few friends to second him, and it went
through kiting. This result must be
taken largely as personal victory for
Mr.. Bundy, as many who had doubts as
to the advisability of the measure voted
for it as compliment to its plucky origi-
nator. 1t is extremely probable that it
will be killed in the Senate.
The bill to create separate insurance
department under one commissioner is
finding many friends and, as has been
previously stated, some warm opposition.
On the face of the claims on behalf of the
bill it appears that the state could effect
a large saving by it and that much better
work would probably result from an ex-
pert insurance man in the Office. The
present commissioners say, however, that
they cannot afford to lose the job unless
their salaries otherwise are increased,
and it remains to be seen how much force
this argument has.
The various taxation bills are yet to
come up for consideration in each house.
The joint ways and means committee has
already given two or three public hear
ings on the subject of the two bills to in
crease the revenues of the state, but
nothing like decisive action has been
reached. AS far as the multitudes o.
bills to reform methods of taxation are
concerned, nothing is likely to come of
them from the fact that no two agree on
how the subject should be handled. Too
many cooks have spoiled the broth.
There are three constitutional amend
ments already in, and one more is ex-
pected today. The last one will provide
that no town or city shall bond itself in
excess of five per cent. of its appraised
value. All these amendments should re-
ceive the fullest and most careful consid-
GRAFTON and extended debate. This they
cannot receive if final adjournment is
had before Thanksgiving, and they will
certainlysgo by the board. As matter
of fact, there is already considerable
sentiment in favor of returning after
and giving all matters due
and proper consideration.
p. s. The House has decided that
pup is dog for taxation purposes when
he arrives at the age of four weeks!
j. E. HARRIS.