Norwich bulletin., 1909-07-22
Connecticut
Legislature
SENATE REJECTS THE Auromo-
BILE BILL. ~
DAMAGES FOR FATAL INJURY
Senate Refuses to Change Law Limit
ing Amount to s5,ooo-Rsports on
Public Utilities Bills In.

Hartford. July 21.-The senate was
called to order at 10.45 by President
Pro Tenn. Brooks. Prayer by Chaplain
Sexton.
Stools for TroIleymsn. ,
On the motion OF Senator Middle
.ton the senate acceded to the request
of the house for a committee of con-
ference on the bill concerning the use
of stools for trolleymen on street cars.
Senator Bowen was appointed on the
committee. 20
Automobile Law Rejected.
The senate took from the calendar
substitute for senate bill No. 121 for
the appointment OF commissioner of
automobiles, the commissioner to be
appointed by the secretary OF state.
There was an amendment offered by
Senator Alsop creating a separate de-
partment and making the commission
er Independent of the secretary's ONCE
and authorizi ng the governor to ap-
point him.
Senator Barnum said he saw no rea-
son why there should be a change in
the present law. The automobile law
Of Connecticut is admittedly the best
in the country. He moved that the
whole matter be indefinitely postponed.
This motion was passed unanimously.
On the motion OF Senator Latimer
the bill was transmitted to the house
under suspension of rules.
Damages for Fatal Injuries.
Senator Searls opposed the passage
of the bill reported by the committee
on the judiciary removing the limit OF
$4,000 from the amount of damages
that may be recovered for negligence
resulting in death. He said the COM
mittee was divided on the matter. The
bill will open the door for damages
oil ~
can be no value placed on human life.
The amount OF damages recovered is
of no benefit to the man who was kill
ed. The damages recovered may 20 to
people who never saw the dead man IN
life or who may not have known his
existence. 1t will open the door to
ambulance chasers." The basis OF all
cases for recovery OF damages is TO
compensate the person injured. You
cannot compensate a person who Is
dead. He moved the rejection OF the
report of the committee.
After much discussion the bill was
rejected by vote of is to a.
On the motion of Senator Searls the
bill was transmitted to the house un-
der suspension OF rules.
Employers Liability Bill Rejected.
Senator Searls opposed the employ
ers liability bill reported by the Judi
reported by the commission appoint-
ed under a resolution passed at the
last session. ~A-f
Senator Fem spoke In support of the
bill and urged its passage.
Senator Latimer also opposed the
bill.
Following debate II was decided to
take a vote on the bill, which resulted
in tie, is to is. President Pro Tenn.
Brooks voted against the bill and II
was declared rejected. 4t
On the motion of Senator Searls the
bill was transmitted to the house. 81
Reports of Committees.
Judiciary-Favorable on substitute
bill making the salary of the messen-
ger of the superior court Of New Lon-
don county $1,000 a year and that OF
field county $500 a year. Calendar.
ncorporations-Fav on resolu-
tion Incorporating the Yalesville Water
company Calendar.
Appropriations-Appropriating s1f,-
500 for deficiency in the highway de-
partment.
Sale Of Electricity.
The committee on the judiciary re-
ported bill In. regard to the sale Of
electricity II repeals section 1916 OF
the general statutes.
Senator Latimer offered the follow
ing amendment: No person or corpora
tion. unless acting under authority
from the general assembly. shall, in
any city or town OF this state whose
population exceeds $4,000, manufacture
for sale any electricity for purposes OF
lighting or power: but this section
shall not prevent such manufacture for
the purpose of the business of the
manufacturer or for the sale thereof
for use within the block where IL is
manufactured, so that it is not trans-
mitted or conducted across any high
way or public grounds.
Tabled for calendar and printing.
Public Utilities Bills.
Senator Barnum presented the ma
jority and minority reports OF the
joint special committee on the public
utilities bill. Calendar