The Bridgeport evening farmer., 1909-04-22

that even his bitterest opponents would discontinue their fight against him and show a willingness to give him a fair trial as governor. The fight against him was carried on to within a few days of the inauguration. owing to proceedings started by George L Fox or New Haven. who charged that the governor-elect and his political agent. Colonel I. M. Ullman. had vio- lated the corrupt practices act and an "electio1 court" was held at New Ha- ven on December 26 and January 2 Judges William l.. Bennett and Silas A. Robinson presiding.
 A week later, the judges declared that section 13 of the act was uncon- stitutional and dismissed the petition. MT. Lilley was inaugurated four days later.
 His term as Congressman-at-large did not expire until March 4, and the national House of Representatives, with a continuance of the spirit which had been shown towards the Connecti- cut member at the time of the investi- gation of the boat scandal, finally de- clared his seat vacant. Governor Lil- ley had, before the expiration of the lin S. Woodruff, offered his resignation as Congressman-at- but, after consultation with Attorney General Marcus H. Holcomb, Governor Wood ruff had decided not to accept it.
 Governor Lilley showed. in his in augura1 message, that he had not for gotten his campaign text. as he made another vigorous plea for a public utilities commission and this was fol- lowed. a few weeks later, by a special message to the Legislature on the sub iect-
 He attended to his many duties as Governor but the strain of the year was telling upon him and he was feel ing so badly as a, result of the physical and mental strain that he had been under that on March 17 he went to Lakewood, N. J., for a short rest. He stayed at Lakewood three days. and feeling better started for his home, but was so exhausted by the time he arrived in New York that he was un- able to leave there until the next day. when he went to Waterbury. In spite of his weakened condition he transact ed a large amount of business in that city.
 Governor Lilley arrived in Hartford March p on his return from New Jer- sey. and he did not leave home after that time. his illness continuing, with it's varying stages. until his death. For a time there was every hope of his ultimate recovery, but the first turn for the worst came April 5.
 There were times during the Cover nor's last illness when his mind was clear. but this had been the exception for some time, as he was practically all of the time for days either uncon- scious or in a semi-conscious condi- ton. On April the Legislature pass ed a resolution authorizing the Lieu tenant Governor to act as Governor while the latter was incapacitated while within the State, and Governor LilIey was able to sign the resolution and also a letter to Lieutenant Cover nor F. B. Weeks. requesting him to discharge the duties of Governor.
 On June r, 1884, he married Anna F.. H. Steele, who survives him with three sons, John L., born July 1. 1885; Frederick P., born December 15, 1886, and Theodore. born December 1, 1888.
 Governor Lilley was a member of the Republican State Central committee. He was a member of the Union League Club of New Haven, the Waterbury Club, the Masons. the Elks and the Foresters. He was a director of the Torrington National Bank and was member of the Episcopal church.