Vermont phÅ“nix. [volume] (Brattleboro, Vt.) 1834-1955, 1904-10-21
THE LEGISLATURE

husband and wife competent witnesses in
causes to which either is a party-in
other words, removing the ban of silence
in accordance with the trend of modern
Jurisprudence.
The house has passed a bin amending
the law relating to the taking Of school
lands so as to give persons aggrieved the
right of appeal from the decision of the
selectmen.
The house has passed the bill making
the auditor a certifying officer and pro-
viding that his vouchers shall not be
open to public inspection without his con-
sent.
1t has also consented to Lamoille
countys taxing itself for the purpose Of
repairing It's official buildings
The house has also endorsed the idea of
giving women place on certain state
boards, and IT is now up to the senate
to decide the matter. This same bill
came in two years ago, but was killed
Some Of thursdays Bills.
Among the bills introduced yesterday
was one providing for the election Of
tree wardens and town appropriations
not over 30 cents per ratable poll-for the
protection of public shade trees and the
destruction Of insect pests.
Two more bills amending the local OPP
ton law came in yesterday. one of them
provides for the election Of three liquor
commissioners in each county to be
chosen mainly from license towns. TO
hold Office for six years each and to be
paid FIVE dollars a day and expenses. The
other bill doubles the license fee.
Speaking of doubling. a measure has
been introduced making the state high
way tax 10 per cent. instead Of five. 1t
win be remembered that a bill of this sort
was rather unceremoniously killed at the
last session. one member Of the house
Z el.Fas
led and the retention Of the present high
way commissioner. there wouldn't be
much trouble about the condition Of Yer
mont roads.
Penalty Of from 500 to 5000 for bri-
berry. threats. or undue influence Of voters
is the theme Of a recent bill
Pck.ups.
| Joint resolution calls for invcsti-
| cation Of the condition Of certain state
property near the Bennington battle mon
1 ument. with a view to putting it into bet
ter shape.
The subcommittee examining the an
/ ditor's account have finished with the
/ house Of correction vouchers and are now
] busy with the industrial school expenses.
The farmers club has elected Senator
| Pierce vice president made its president.
| secretary and treasurer its executive
committee, and chosen Mr. Aitken OF
/ q
/ senator Pierce as its legislative com
/ mittee.
/ Several OF the smaller and poorer towns
are asking for relief in highway build
! ing and maintenance.
Petitions for protection from the au-
| tomobile have begun to arrive
Senator Pierce has introduced by re-
/ quest bill appropriatng $500 to take
! care Of the William French monument
and burial lot at Westminster Another
/ bill provides for specific appropriations
/ FOR municipal expenditures
/ The bill Incorporating the Hemlocks
Hospital at Brattleboro has passed the
upper branch.
The caucus committee Of the house and
the judiciary of the senate give public
hearing on caucus legislation next We'd
nesday afternoon. The combined judic-
larry committees give a public hearing
ON capital punishment and the commute q
tion of Mrs Rogers's sentence.
Licenses tn hunt deer must he obtain
ed OF INC fish and game commissioners Of
the state.