The Bennington evening banner. (Bennington, Vt.) 19??-1961, 1908-12-09
Most Important Measures Of Present
Session Have Not Yet Been
Acted Upon.

Ol lut Important WOIk was really start
ed toward settlement None of the
work that was done counts much tow.
ard shortening the session. Some of
the members have said that they are
willing to remain all winter, that they
would like to have the session last
longer than usual, as they are making
more money here than they could at
home. Such as these, however, are
not the men whose work or naction
has any appreciable influence on the
session. The business could be done
as well without theS,
There is a conscientious effort on
the part of most of the members to
do their work well and dispose Of it
as quickly as possible. Those whose
works count for much are anxious to
have their duties here ended that they
may attend to important private mat
ters at home.
The Legislature as a whole may de-
serve some Of the censure that has
been visited upon It, but not in the
degree some people appear to believe.
If it is true that it's work has been
slow, dilatory and inefficient and
sometimes unintelligent, this is partly
the fault of the members, who, mex
perienced themselves in public affairs
have been jealous and unwilling TO be
guided by men capable of directing
their efforts and partly to the unwil-
lingness of other capable and trusted
men to assume the leadership and dir
ection of affairs Though there was
a process of elimination early in the
session which removed from consider
alton some men who had been expect
ed to take a prominent part in shap-
ing legislation there remain others
who are listened to and followed when
they speak or lead. but who have not
appeared willing to take the respou-
sibility their capacity and standing
would seem 10 impose on them.
In q house OF 2i6 members tor Pa
as there are al this session. one mem
Der having died and one town having
failed TO elecU when two thirds Of
them are unfamiliar with public az
fairs except in the most general way.
and three fourths Of them have never
had actual experience in legislation,
when the great majority come without
personal acquaintance with state Off.
GERS or with fellow members except
those from their own immediate vic
unity. weeks must elapsc before they
are capable OF really advancing their
ideas OF cooperating TO advance tho
idea OF others They need leadership
and are willing 90 accept d If offered
in the right manner and the right
spirit They do not enjoy being lee
tured nor are they willing to follow
certain road just because somebody
has pointed 10 out. The members OF
the house are said to De fairly repres.
entative OF the great body OF The cleo
toratc which they represent. men OF
standing and substance and judgment
placed among unfamiliar conditions.
bur bringing with them the desire TO
do the correct thing. for the welfare
OF the state and OF their communities
willing 10 follow such leaders as shall
commend themselves. but capable OF
distinguishing capacity from assump
ton. generally good judges OF men
and OF business propositions. Yet II
Is not surprising that such men. act
ing collectively and with no guide but
their own judgment untried In such
matters, should make errors that they
recognize and repent
The senate is apparently Oh,
stronger body. having Ia its member
1 ship men we'll known IN business an,
professional life and in public Affairs
and more than onc-third of It's mem
beers having had previous Legislative
experience. yet lbs work has not hcel
OF character to- allow the senator
to- assume amy airs OF supororit,
The two most important matters
has had TO consider have been the DO
bin and the trustee process bill Il
the first case % appears to have gon
contrary TO the public opinion that d,
volopcd after the house passed Oh
bill I'm the second Il has vitntc
the promises made by the Republica
platform. To be sure, the senate ha
not enjoyed the assistance OF IN
most competent presiding officer tina
over held the chair In that body, bu
that cannot excuse its mistakes, sine
the number OF members Is fewer tha
in the house and their experience
larger, so they do not stand in tn
same need OF guidance.
No matter what may be the caus,
OF delay or incompetence, there r
main only twelve possible worklr