Herald and news. [volume] (West Randolph, Vt.) 1878-1943, 1902-10-23
LADIES' WEEK.
Legislation Takes a Back Seat in Fa-
vor Of the Fair Ones.
MoNTpFLIER, Tuesd

MONTPELIER, Tuesday.
From long custom, one week of the
Legislative session is set apart, by tacit
agreement, as s'Ladies' Week" 1t is then
that the wives, sisters and sweethearts OF
sepators and representatives swoop down
on Montpelier, arrayed in all their finery.
II is this privilege that eompensates the
women for doing the chores at home while
thubby' is rioting at the capital. The
platform and cushion seats in the body of
the house are adorned by fair forms and
cheerful faces, well set off by latest modes
of dressmaker and milliner. Even the
plebian galleries have their quote. 1t is
a season of social events, afternoon and
evening. The presence of the dear ladies
and the WEAKNESS caused by the late hours
and dress suits act as an opiate TO legisla-
tion. which always drags until it is over.
Just enough is done to take the curse off
and to let the guests of the week observe
how the machine runs. Then for a quick
shave, tight shave into spike-tail and
off with the giddy throng.
This is Ladies' Week. 1t begins with
the arrival Of the ladies and ends with
their departure. Events crowd thick.
There is a lecture this evening by Col.
Benedict before the "Colonial Danes" I"
Wednesday afternoon the Danes give re-
ception and later the same afternoon Mrs.
Mccullough receives the Danes. Wednes-
day evening, occurs the grand public re-
ception of the governor and wife at the
state house, at which there is always a
throng. Afterward, there is a ball at the
armory. Thursday, the Daughters OF the
Revolution take the program with re-
ception, and that evening the Officers Re-
union society hears an address by A. ID.
Brown of Mortified and then banquets at
the Pavilion. It's giddy week.
Last evening, the joint committee on
tns,,s4arar,ga held itg first mn hiiQ meeting to
consider pending bills. The hearing was
in REPRESENTATIVES hall and was largely
attended Chairman Emery invited any
one with ideas to speak, but there was
noticeable hesitancy, although during the
evening a number were heard, among
them Rev. W. r. Davenport of Montpelier,
Father O'Sulliyan of st. Albans, Senator
Walbridge of Concord, Mr. Vaughan Of
Pomfret, Mr.. White OF Woodstock, Mr..
Heath of Fairlee, Mr.. Dunklee of Vernon,
Mr.. Goodhue of Westminster, Senator
jackson of Waterville, Rev. q. W. Nor
row. Mr.. Newton OF Reading and 9. Z.
Miller OF Burlington. Most OF these
speakers alluded to particular features OF
lfauor legislation that they favored or op-
posed. The hearing was characterized by
moderation and good feeling. The COM
mittee has frequent private sessions and
there will be other public hearings.
Senator Emery landed a bomb she'll
Yesterday by introducing "an act to pre-
vent corrupt practices in matters relating
to elections" 1t forbids candidates for
nomination, or any persons acting for
them, to eXpend any money TO promote
their cause for other than personal ex-
penses, as specially provided. It hits at
newspapers that support candidates for
a consideration. There is 800 penalty
attached.
This morning, after a warm debate,
the Senate passed the plurality bill, so
amended that representatives shall be
so elected on the second ballot, after the
first has failed to show majority.
Senators Emery and Greene took part
in discussion, both favoring change
from present methods. Ii was a close
vote for the amendment, 13 to II. This
afternoon, the Senate reconsidered its
action and made the bill a special order
for next Tuesday afternoon. The fight
is between those who advocate represen-
tatives being elected by plurality on the
first ballot and those who favor it on the
second ballot.
The House has passed the bill lengthen-
ing the deer season. An attempt TO make
doe "killable" failed.
senator Greene has bill to make the
conditional discharge OF patients from the
asylum indefinite as to time.
A big million dollar gas trust incorpora-
tion bill came into the Senate from Bur-
lington.
New House bills:-
BY Crandall OF Wells, to elect listers for
three, two and one-year terms.
BY same, to fine officers at Freeman's 5
meeting who count ballots before O'Clock.
BY same, requiring weeds along high
ways TO be cut.
By Bundy of st. Johnsbury, providing
for Inspection Of steam boilers and licens-
ing of engineers by inspectors appointed
for each county.
By Cushing Of Bethel, authorizing reduc-
tion of rent Of school lands in that town.
BY Vincent of Burlington, enabling
toR ms and cities to unite for Improvement
of their highways, drainage, etc.
BY same, to abolish office OF judge adyo-
cate general.
BY Wells OF Cabot, freeing all savings
bank deposits from taxation to depositor,
with an undetermined rate for banks TO
pay.
(Other legislative matter on 9th pagel