Vermont phÅ“nix. [volume] (Brattleboro, Vt.) 1834-1955, 1902-11-07
Montpelier, Nov. 4.

On the last day for the introduction of
bills unless from a committee or by con-
sent of two-thirds of the members. the
flood gates were lifted and the legislature
was fairly swamped. las bills being pres
ented, singly and in punches of two three
and four. The congestion before the
committees will be relieved somewhat by
the adoption of a resolution providing
that all bills must be reported within Is
days. 1t is the purpose of the legisIa-
ture to get the smaller bills out of the
way as soon as possible to allow discus
sion of the important measures without
interruption.
The most far reaching bill is undoubted-
ly that by Mr.. Bundy of st. Johnsbury,
| relating to the reduction of state ex-
penses about 100000 1t is not expected
to pass unless in greatly amended form
| 1t consolidates all existing boards of
penal. lunacy and charitable institutions
into board of three members, gives
them $500 per day and an allowance for
| expenses; abolishes the normal board
| and turns the duties over to the state
| superintendent of education: provides for
| support of insane at Waterbury and Brat
tleboro by towns instead of by the state;
abolishes the cattle commission and puts
| its duties on the state board of agrlcu-
| ture fixes. the salary of the state
| treasurer at 5000, secretary of state $780,
| auditor $1,000 with no clerk hire, COM
z,
| superintendent of education $4,000 and no
| clerk hire, adjutant and inspector gen.
| eral $1,000 and no clerk hire. 1t abolish
es the printing commission and throws
| its work upon the secretary of state. 1t
| provides that estimates for appropria-
| tions be carefully scrutnized by the
ways and means committee before being
voted on. Provision is made for distri-
| button of a part of the surplus in the
| treasury to the several towns for per-
| manent work on highways. and part to
go to towns for school purposes and for
| the adjustment of the state school tax
| whenever a certain limit is reached
To add to the confusion of the temper
| ance committee a seventh license bill has
been presented by Senator Brown of
| Franklin. Briefly. 1t proposes to have
| liquor sold only in the original pack
| ages. Anyone may sell anywhere after
he has paid the state 800 for license
and has furnished bonds in the sum of
5000 to guarantee the purity of liquors.
| The secretary of the state board of
health may take sample from any
package of liquor offered for sale and
have 1t analysed to determine its purity.
Mr.. Gales elections law, which is re-
viewed elsewhere is of great interest
and has been well received in the legis-
lature.
A bill for removing the state capital
from Montpelier to Burlington was in
Mr.. Warner of Vergennes by request.
1t provides for the payment of 900 by
the city of Burlington TO the state. 1t
was referred to a specially appointed
committee of one member from each
county. The bill appropriates $4,000 SO
that a total expenditure of 100000 is
contemplated.
| Among other important bills introduced
in the Senate Friday and Saturday were
the following:
BY Senator Sheldon providing for the
appointment of health officers by state
board of health upon petition of select
men, and not otherwise.
BY Senator Sutton, providing for the
representation of Vermont at the st
Louis exposition by governor, ex-officio
and six commissioners. two to be women
BY Senator Backus. to prevent the
sale of impure milk. cream. butter and
meat 1t provides compulsory test OF
cattle before their product shall be sold
| expense to be borne by the state. II
cattle are ordered killed IL found free
from disease. full value shall be paid
IL found diseased three-fourths value
The penalty is $50 for violating the pro
vision.
BY Senator Downer by request, provid
ing for a forest commission and com
missioner The commissioners expens
: es are to be paid. but he is to receive ne
salary, and shall report to the next legis
| wood preserves
BY Senator Downer, prohibiting Civ
ing of passes, free transportation OF
. other gratuities by railroad corporations
to state officers, members of the legis
I lature, judges. justices, and states at
t torneys. and prohibiting their acceptance
By Senator Brownell, providing tina
the contract for state printing must b.
i given to a firm in the state.
BY Senator Russell, to compel the sup
port of poor persons chargeable to &C
count by relatives in proportion to thei
respective ability.
! Among the important bills introduces
! in the House were the following: BY Mr.
!. | Goodhue of Westminster. relating to dis
g | tribution of state school tax. Sum
$4,000 set aside from state school rum
| to be divided among smaller towns a
: they may deserve and need, accordin
10 Judgment of state treasurer. state sup
erintendent of schools and county ex
aminer of Washington county Balanc
| of fund to be distributed as at present
to committee on education.
Nv Mr.. Peck of Brandon, for committe
repairs for the hospital for the insan
| and Brattlekoro retreat; ordered TO II
and be printed. Appropriates S6.0Ol
for improvements, including new build
| ing for tuberculosis patients; and 4O'
Q for repairs and Improvements at Bratue
boro Retreat.
!, Bv Mr.. Conland of Brattleboro re
r lating to judges of probate In cas-
of incapacity, disqualification etc, regis
C ter may act; TO committee on judiciary
9 The bills passed by the House IN
clude an act to change the name OF tn
Mount Kilburn hospital, by Mr.. Wheele
of Rockingham.
The Senate passed their own bills I
insure the purity OF ice, and relating
tramps.