St. Johnsbury Caledonian. [volume] (St. Johnsbury, Vt.) 1867-1919, 1902-10-29

eraI Assembly was MADE the OBJECT Of
strenuous and concerted prayer for one
hour last week by the National W. {. T.
u, in session at Portland, with the hope
that it would influence that body to re-
tain the prohibitory law. The combina-
ton was carefully watched during the
hour to note the effect, but no outward
change Of heart was visible. Possibly
the ORDEAL may have taken hold of their
inner consciousness, but it's effect is not
apparent up to date.
As was expected, the bill to abolish
capital punishment was followed by bills
to commute the death sentences of all the
murdelers now under the death penalty,
Doherty, Shaw and Eastwood. The
former has been alluded to before. Shaw
is the party who was hunted through
central Vermont so vigorously two years
ago, and wound up his career of crime
by shooting and killing Deputy Sheriff
Hoffman of White River Junction. East
wood will be remembered as a Middle.
bury desperate who ran amuck and shot
several of his family and neghbors, kill
ing one Of the latter. Doherty, Shaw
and Eastwood What a trinity for
which to ask that the law be nulli6ed
and the courts set at defiance! 1t is Just
such birds as these for whom the Legis.
lature is asked to abolish the Just and
righteous death penalty and give them
time to secure pardonl These are the
offspring of that which would make a
dastardly murderer guest OF the state
until his pardon can be quietly worked
In view Of all these facts it is not thought
that the parent bill to abolish the penalty
or any gifts hideous offspring can sue
coed. 1t cannot be possible that the
Legislature of Vermont will sanction the
first step which will turn these vermin
loose on the community again. God
forbid!
Up to Monday noon the senate had
passed II bills and the house II. The
time limit for the introduction of bills
except by unanimous consent expires
Nov. 1st and it no W looks as if not much
more than one,half the usual number of
bills would be introduced. Among the
more important bills introduced the past
week were; To compel payment of total
loss in case of fire, where insured is not
to blame. To repeal six inch trout law
and shorten season last fifteen days. To
compel road commissioners to do their
full duty. To enable towns and cities to
unite in highway improvements. To
elect listers for one, two and three years.
To compel examination and licensing of
stationary engineers. To remove the
$500 savings bank tax limit. To re-
peal liquor injunctions. To elect town
superintendent Of schools at March meet
ing. To enable women to hold office of
town treasurer. Creating a commission
of five to investigate prevalence of con-
sumption and suggest possible improve
ment in conditions. TO compel phvsic-
ians to report all cases of consumption.
This afternoon the ways and means
committee will give a hearing on the
corporation taxation bills, and this even.
ing another warm hearing will be had
on the cattle commission question.
Wednesday afternoon the portrait paint
ing of Admiral Clark will be formally un.
yelled, at which ceremony the Admiral is
expected to be present.
The legal regulation and restriction of
tuberculosis in the cattle of the state
appears to be as much in doubt as when
the legislature first began to agitate the
subject, hewide and serious differences
OF opinion of the subject seem to be i'm
possible of compromise, and vet, finally
some measure will probably be hastily
agreed upon and passed to take the place
OF all present legislation on the subject.
Owing to the vital disagreement on
what should be done, however, it is
doubtful if anything practical and gen
orally satisfactory is evolved. The out.
look for the best regulation of the mat
ter is certainly not promising.
The regulation of the Demon Rum con-
tinues to be the most important oues-
ton by far, and what the end will be is
as uncertain as it was the day the legisla,
ture convened. The committee is vet
hard at work on the six bills before it.
together with copies of various state
laws and the personal preferences of the
individual members. What the harvest
will be no one knows, but the feeling is
general and strong that the committee
will be equal to the emergency and sub
NIT fair, just and acceptable measure
for ratification. There seems to be little
doubt of this, and the question is only
one OF ways and means. Friday evening
OF this week Mr.. Clement will address
the committee i'll support of his bill. |
his Will draw a very large attendance
and will be most interesting occasion.
Mr.. Clement believes most heartily in his
measure, and will give some strong rea,
sons tor the faith that is in him.
ho |.