The Somerset reporter. [volume] (Skowhegan, Me.) 1868-1909, 1907-02-28
The State Legislature


5. RroWn (Denl coofesiine the zeal of
Lafayette B. Nadron fRepD Of Dexter
was argued at length by Mr. johnson
tDem) of Wateryile and Representative
Smith (Rep) On a yea aud nay vote
Waldron's seat was secured TO him by
yea and nay vote of 81 to 50. This vote
showing the temper of the House, Mr..
johnson made no special effort IN the
other election case In which Alexis o.
Robbins (Dem J contests the seat Of
Dana l.. Iheriault rep Of Fort Kent.
by vote of II 10 55 voted TO allow Hr
Theriault to reta his seat
The committee on financial affairs
have reported fought to pass on the
bill carrying $4,000 annually for two
years for the establishment of home
for the feeble-minded
Mr.. Danforth of Skowhegan recently
appeared before the Judiciary committee
in behalf of his resolve for cOnstltu-
tional amendment providing for the cleo
ton of the secretary of state, state treas
urer and attorney general by direct vote
of the people instead of by the legisla-
lature as they are at present elected
A protracted and somewhat spirited
hearing was held on TUESDAY before the
committee on Temperance on the bill
permitting registered apothecaries TO
sell intoxicating liquors under proper
restrictions. The temperance organiza-
tons are all bitterly opposed to this bill,
taking the ground that it would greatly
increase the number of druggists, and
make all of them practically rum-sellers.
While the city and town agencies in
many cases are nuisances this new law
wouldn't be any improvement over the
present state of things.
Three tax bills were presented in the
House by Mr.. Irving of Pressure Isle re.
lating to the taxation of express COM
panies, railroad companies and corporate
franchises. The express bill provides
that express companies shall pay annu.
ally three per cent of their gross re-
ceipts. The three per cent shall be on
all business done in the state, including
a proportional part on all express bust
ness coming from other states and coun-
tries into this state The corporate
franchise act provides that every corpo-
ration shall pay an annual franchise tax
proportional as follows: For companies
whose capitalization does not exceed
$50, 900, ten dollars; up to 5000, 600
twenty dollars; up to $500 600 thirty
five dollars; up to $1,000 600 seventy
five dollars and the further sum of $50
per year for each additional million dol
lars The railroad bill provides that
railroad corporations shall pay an annual
excise tax on their amount of gross
transportation receipts
The committee on insane hospitals
reported fought to pass' on the $40 600
bill to erect building on the arsenal
grounds at Augusta for the criminal in-
sane One of the wings for females will
not be rebuilt at present.
The committee on railroad reported
''onght to pass in relation to the amend
ed bill to authorize the Somerset rail-
road to extend its railroad to Canadian
line.
The committee on Temperance has at
last made its report. On the resubmis-
sion of the prohibitory constitutional
amendment to the people, two reports
are made. The majority report fought
not to pass" il signed by seven members
of the committee. Senators Hastings of
Oxford and Mills of Hancock and Rep
resentatives Dow of Brooks, Libby of
Amity, Waldton of Dexter, Irving of
| Pretque Isle, and Perkins of Alfred
| The minority report fought to pass"
is signed by three members, Senator
! Brown of Kennebec, tho chairman, and
representatives Pooler of Waterville and
Newbert of Augusta. 1t will be taken
up for discussion in the Senate on Thurs
day. 1t is evident that resubmission
will not come at this session, and the
chances for the repeal of the Sturgis law
are slim.
An act is presented establishing the
act of State Comptroller to have charge
of auditing all accounts Salary S2500,
and clerk at a salary of 1920
At the present time 1t Is shown by the
committee on finances that bills pending
before committees, bills pending before
the Legislature and bills approved by
the Governor call for 81 63s S45 .0s.
Some of these will have to be trimmed
down.
large contingent from the halls of
legislation accompanied the committee
on agriculture to the L of Vi. on Tues
day.
The beaver has become such mus
ance as to call for legislative action. \
hearing was had Tuesday afternoon be
fore the committee on fisheries and game
on bill for an open time on these den
liens of the forest, that have done
great deal of damage to the numbering
holdings especially in Somerset and
Franklin counties. The Hon Forrest
Goodwin of Skowhegan opened the case