Vermont phÅ“nix. [volume] (Brattleboro, Vt.) 1834-1955, 1902-10-24
THE LEGISLATURE.
Mr.. BattelI's State Stores Liquor
Law the Weeks Main Feature.
Social Functions---Heari Before
Committee on Temperance---WeIl
Timed and Well Phrased Praise for
President Roosevelt.


Committee on Temperance---WeIi
Timed and Well Phrased Praise for
President Roosevelt.
Montpelier, Tuesday, Oct. 21.
The fourth week of the legislative
session opened yesterday afternoon
with only a handful of members pres
ent on account of the late arrival of
the Central Vermont train from the
north. In the House it was necessary
to turn back the hands of the clock
twice before a sufficient number Of
members were in their seats to make
a quorum. That this is ladies' week
is already in evidence by the large
number of wives, daughters and other
lady friends of the members who are
seen in the state house. Every train
brings additions to the number.
A notable feature of the proceedings
is the steady stream Of petitions from
different parts of the state for the pres
ervation of the prohibitory liquor law,
and asking that women be given the
right to vote in case of referendum.
This forenoon notice was given in
both houses from the Vermont Sec
ton of the national convention of the
w. c. T. u, now in session at Port
land, Maine, that prayers had been Of
fered that the legislature may favor
retention of the prohibitory law.
The first public hearing on the pro-
posed license law was held by the tenn
perance committee last evening. Few
people from outside we're disposed to
speak. Rev. W. r. Davenport, prin-
cipal of Montpelier seminary, and Rev.
George w. Morrow, president Of the
Vermont Anti-Saloon League, ad-
dressed the committee. There was a
free interchange of opinion among
the committee members. Rev. Mr..
Goodhue of Westminster said he be-
lieved that the license law should con-
tain a section providing that village
within a town or ward Of city
should have the privilege of local op-
ton, on the petition of two-thirds of
the residents of such a village or ward.
Mr.. Dunklee, of Vernon, advocated
| the plan of giving the state the whole
proceeds of the licenses issued, as 1t
would serve to deter many towns from
issuing unnecessary licenses, as 1t
would not increase the revenues OF
that place. DR.. Conland of Brattle-
boro defended the provisions Of the
Democratic license bill, introduced last
Friday morning.
The most important bill introduced
SO far this week is that by Senator
Emery Of Orange county, for the pre-.
vention of corrupt practices In elec'
tions. This bill limits and defines the
purposes for which money may be
spent by candidates to secure either
nomination or election. These ex
penses are for travel, printing, sta
tionery, postage, telegraph and tele-
phone tolls, and other similar per
sonal expenses. Publishers OF news
papers must not support a candidate
for compensation direct or indirect
The penalty for violation of any pro-
vision of this act is 500.
Mr.. Porter Of Wilmington introduced
last Friday afternoon a bill providing
I for the payment OF the total amount
of fire insurance policies in case OF
| total loss, unless there Is evidence OF
criminal fault. Mr.. Porter also in
| troduced bill regulating the
catching of brook trout. This bill
repeals the six-inch clause, and makes
| the open season end Auguest 15 in
stead of Auguest 81. A bill by Mr.
Bridges of Athens to protect fish pro
vides a fine of $40 for fishing in posted
waters and of tearing down notices
The bill of Mr.. Morrill, Of Strafford
extending the open season for killing
deer to November Is, passed tht
House yesterday, as did also the bill
limiting the speed of automobiles OF
public highways and in village or city
streets.
There was lively discussion in thu
Senate yesterday on the bill making
plurality vote elect town representa-
tives. The bill was finally amended
making a plurality elect on the sec
ond ballot, and passed the Senate IL
this form, but as several senators wer'
absent vote to reconsider was after
ward carried, and the bill was made
special order for next Tuesday. Sen
ator Spencer's womans suffrage bill
was, at his request, withdrawn from
the general committee and referred t.
the judiciary committee.
Mr.. Gale of Guilford introduced thi
afternoon a bill amending the charte
of the Brattleboro Gas Light company
The bill permits the increase of tn
capital stock of the company to sun
not exceeding 100000, and provide
for the issue Of bonds to refund tn
company's Indebtedness or to increas
its plant. The bill allows the col
poration to enter upon private lands
the courts consider this necessary 70
the proper transaction of it's business