Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1907-01-23
MAINE LEGISLATURE.
CONTINUED from Page One.)

The three contracts to accompany
the request"
/ Mr.. STAPLES: Mr.. President before
introducing this order I wish to ex-
JIain why I introduce it at this time.
During the past few years there has
been much controversy in this State.
among the leading lawyers Of the State
! in regard to the ,COnstitutionaltty and
| legality Of certain contracts whereby
the Washington County Railroad, the
/ r. and A. Railroad and the Somerset
Railroad received a rebate Of IS per
cent upcn the taxes assessed upon
| them.
| II know it is a mooted question
among lawyers ard that there is a
| great deal OF unrest in the State Of
| Maine in regard to that subject; and
now, as two Of these roads are asking
| for an extension, the question occurs to
| me, as it must to every lawyer in the
State whether that rebate OF IS per
cent. under the original contracts. will
extend to the line tina. is being extend
| cd on two Of the roads, at least. 1t
| becomes a serious question in regard
| 10 it's constitutionality, and one which
ought to be settled. There is an un-
rest among the people IS TO whether
| those contracts are constitutional, or
not; and the still greater question
whether that rebate will apply to the
extension OF those lines. If it is de-
! termined to be constitutional it Will
quiet the unrest throughout the State,
lIpon that question. II it is not con-
| stitutional then the sooner the roads
and people Of this State know it, the
| better. Upon this question the con-
5iitution gives us this right which is
! for the protection and settlement or all
these great questions, which we find
| III Art 6, Sec. 3 Of the Constitution of
Maine, that. upon request the Justices
| of tho Supreme Court 'shall be obliged
, to give their opinion upon important
questions Of law, and upon solemn oc-
cas;ons; when required by the Gov
crnor, Council. Senate or House OF
Representatives"
Now as this matter can only be set
! tied BY the authority OF supreme
Judicial Court, I introduce this order;
and move its passage.
The order was tEereupon passed.
Read and Assigned.
An Act authorizing the erection of
| a bridge or roadway across tidewater
between Mackey's or Mackworth Is
land in the town Of Falmouth and the
/ mainland of said town.
Resolve in relation to early York
| deeds.
Resolve in favor of the Central Maine
General Hospital.
Resolve in favor of the York Hospi-
tai.
Resolve in favor of Young Women's
Home at Lewiston.
Reports Of Committees.
Mr. Heselton of Kennebec presented
majority and minority reports Of the
joint special committee appointed by
the order of the last Legislature to as
| certain and report: what in their
judgment are the just obligations Of
the State to the University Of Maine.
| On motion by the same Senator said
! reports were laid on the table and two
| thousand copies as one document We're
ordered to be printed, pending refer
| ence.
Passed to Be Engrossed.
An Act to incorporate Frontier Trust
Company.
| Resolve in favor Of Finance Commit
| tee.
Orders Of the Day.
! On motion by Mr.. Mills Of Hancock
it was voted that the order relating to
publication Of notices in La Messenger,
I've taken from the table and on further
motion by the same Senator. the SEN
ate non-concurred with the action Of
the House and voted that the same be
. Indefinitely postponed.
| Tho President announced as the
Longfellow Committee on the part of
, the Senate Messrs. Clarke Of Lincoln,
Heselton Of kennebec and Philoon of
Ardroscoggin.
On motion by Mr.. Staples Of Knox
the Senate adjourned.