The Somerset reporter., 1909-02-18
The State Legislature.

Senator Macon Der OF kenDebec
gave a grand reception to the mem
bers and the towns people last week,
at their elegant home on State street.
Mr.. and Mrs Macomber were assisted
in receiving by President of the Sem
ate Deasy and daughter. Rich re-
freshments were served, and enchant-
ing music and fragrant flowers helped
to enliven the scene.
Every speaker before the public
buildings committee, at the hearing,
was in favor of either the enlarge
ment of the State House or erection
of an office building in the rear. The
sum of S350,000 will be appropriated,
and if that isn't sufficient they are
ready and anxious to give more. The
enterprise will be in the hands of a
commission, and it is proposed to
provide ample room for every de-
partment of the government, includ-
ing perhaps new Senate chamber
and certain changes in the hall OF
the House.
The Legislature celebrated Lin
coins Centennial by a grand meet
ing at City Hall, Friday evening,
at which the soldiers of the National
present. Music, which could not be
surpassed by any musical organization
in New England, was furnished by the
Home Orchestra. Eloquent address
es. apprecative of the character OF
the great martyr President, were de-
Iivered by Prof. w. 3. Mitchell of
Bowdoin College; Hon. Leure b. Dea-
sy, President of the Senate; and Geo.
Z. Fellows, President of U. of M.
Speaker Weeks of the House presided,
and his opening speech was perfect
gem. The immense hall was beauti-
fully decorated.
The House passed by the strong
vote of 81 to 81, the bill providing
for a constitutional amendment (to
be voted upon by the people) pro-
viding for the election of state
treasurer, secretary of state and at
torney general by direct vote of the
people, instead of by the Legislature.
A great mistake was made by Mr..
Jersey of Houlton in giving this
question party turn. AS was
humorously remarked by Mr.. Pattan-
gall of Waterville, "the question of
craftsmanship has no more place in this
discussion than the Lords prayer in
poker game"
Those who are in favor of retain
ing on the statute books the Sturgis
bill are certainly making themselves
heard, for RATS of petitions have been
coming in asking for that very thing,
and against the submission of the
prohibitory amendment.
The Senate has passed the bill TO
nrou;Ja for Gtata EYna N I
farm, leaving it in the hands of Ger
tain gentlemen, where it shall be
located.
Mr.. Colby of Bingham, from the
committee on forestry and water
supply reported same on bill, An Act
authorizing the Governor to issue his
proclamation to prevent the use of
firearms in the forests during a
dangerously dry time.
Mr.. Bemis of Harmony, from the
committee on agriculture reported
same on bill, An Act to appropriate
moneys for the protection of trees
and shrubs from the introd uction and
ravages of dangerous insects and
disease.
Mr.. Colby introduced an act amend
ing the law relating to the school
fund and mill tax by reducing the per
capita which towns must raise for
schools from 55 cents to 80 cents and
increasing the mill tax from 1 12 to
to 1-2 mills.
Mr. Thompson of Skowhegan in
troduced an act to incorporate the
Shawmut Water company, to supply
the village of Shawmut with pure
water, naming Augustus S. Burke,
j. w. Brankley, E. A. Emery and NJ.
MCGEE as incorporators and fixing
the capital stock at $4,000. Mr..
Thompson also presented au act to
provide for a fire and police COM
mission in Skowhegan.
Mr.. Donigan of Somerset intro
duced an act prohibiting fishing in
Little Big Wood pond in Somerset
county through the ice. Mr.. Doni-
gan also presented an act making it
unlawful for the Somerset railroad to
collect fares from mileage books on
its road in excess of two cents per
mile for any passenger travelling on
said railroad.
The educational committee has re-
ported in favor of building a dorni-
tory for the normal school at Castine,
appropriating Si5, 900 for the next two
years; also establishing a normal
school at Machias.
The time for the reception of bills
of private nature was extended to
the 23d. The Legislature is now on
the last half Of the session, and work