Oxford Democrat. [volume] (Paris, Me.) 1833-1933, 1907-01-29

| Two quite lengthy reports were mad
to the legislature Tuesday from til,
committee Of the preceding legislator,
chosen to investigate the relations of thu
state to the University of Maine. Th'
majority report, signed by four Nom
bers Of the committee, favors q liberia
policy OF the state toward the university
such al will place It on financial stand
ing equal to institutions Of Q similal
character in other states. The minorit,
report, signed by three members, alst
favors liberal policy, but recommend
it with less enthusiasm, and thinks tina
the university should not confer the de
gree of Bachelor of Arts, thus directly
competing with the other established
colleges of the state which receive ne
state aid.
Senator Heselton has introduced re-
solve providing for the appointment of a
tax commission, whose duty 1t shall be
to investigate systems of taxation and
see IL our methods can be improved.
Senator Heselton has also introduced
bill carrying an appropriation of $40, 0OC
for the purchase of farm on which to
conduct experimental Investigations In
orcharding.
The bill establishing third term oil
court for Oxford County has been re.
ferred to the judiciary committee.
The committee on legal affairs has
voted ought to pass on the bill to re-
move the $500 property clause In the
statute exempting civil war veterans
from payment of a poll tax. If this
passes it will make all such soldiers
exempt, whether they have property or
not.
The hearing on the act allowing the
Union Water Power Co. to deepen the
outlets to the Rangeley Lakes is post
poned until Feb. II, when it is expected
that there will be quite lively contest.
The water power company wants to
lower the outlets of the lakes 80 as to
draw them down about six feet lower in
winter than at present, and the cot
tagers and resort owners around the lakes
object, as they assert that it will kill
lots of fish and injure them in other
ways.
Representative Stearns has presented
a resolve proposing an amendment to
the constitution of the state, relating to
the qualifications of electors, 80 that six
months residence in a town would be
required to qualify a man to vote, in
stead of three months as now. 1t would
further provide that no elector should
be deprived of the right to vote in q
town until six months after his resi-
dence there had terminated.
The superintendent Of schools is be-
ing investigated, the state and town
liquor agencies are to be Investigated,
and not to be left on anything, Repre-
sentative Milliken of Island Falls has in
troduced an order for the investigation
of all state departments.
Several petitions have been presented
by Mr.. Dyer that Bear Pond in Turner
and Hartford may be opened to ice fish
ing for pickerel only.
The investigation of the state super
intendent of schools began Thursday
afternoon before the committee on edu-
cation, and so many were interested in
it that it was adjourned to the house of
representatives. Superintendent W. W.
Stetson was on the stand for quite
long examination, Mr.. Gleason of
Mexico conducting the examination.
Mr.. Stetson was asked about the matter
of conducting the financial affairs Of his
office, as to his riding on railroad pass
and charging his fare to the state, etc.
He did not make particularly favorable
as though he treated the
charges which had been made against
him by Democratic paper as unworthy
of attention, he was shifty and evasive
in his replies.
The druggist bill, allowing druggists
to sell alcoholic liquors under certain
made its appearance in the
senate Thursday, being presented by
Senator Brown, chairman of the COM
mittee on temperance.
Mr.. Hastings has introduced petitions
for legislation to prevent throwing saw
dust or mill waste into Bear River in
Grafton and Newry.
The act permitting the Fryeburg
Horse Railroad to extend its line into
Lowell and Stow has been favorably re-
ported.
Mr.. Dyer of Buckfield has introduced
bill making some changes in the form
of the official ballot used at elections.
A bill to incorporate the Kezar Falls
Water Company has been introduced by
Mr.. Lord of Parsonsfield.
Friday was the day when the commit
tee on state prison made its visit to that
institution, and as is the usual custom,
large number of the other members &C
companied them, leaving not much more
than quorum of the two houses in
Augusta to attend to the business of the
days session.
Johns Letter.