Norwich bulletin. [volume] (Norwich, Conn.) 1895-2011, 1911-06-09
LOBBY INFLUENCE
ON UTILITIES BILL.
Suggestion Made in House that "Long
Green" Might Be Used.
Especial to The. Bulletin,

Especial to The Bul1etin.)
Hartford, June S.-By unexpectedly
moving the suspension of the rules and
immediate consideration of the all i'm
portant public utilities bill, Represent
ative L. E. Wilton of New London
Sprang a surprise on the house Thurs
day afternoon and before the debate
on the proposition was concluded
there was some very plain talk. Incl
dentally it led to the first real defini-
ton of his position on the public utiIi-
ties question by Representative Banks,
republican house leader and member
of the Judiciary committee, and brought
a statement from him to the effect that
If he were forced to vote at once that
he would do SO in favor of the minor
ity bill that passed the senate on Tues
day. although he believed that as a law
it would be shown to be unconstitu-
tional on a test before the supreme
court.
Fear of Lobby's Influence
Fear of the influence Of the lobby
was also openly expressed during the
discussion by those who were in favor
of immediate action, that this possi-
bility might be avoided, and Repre-
sentative Johnson of Newton went so
far as to abruptly interrupt MF. Chand-
Ter Of Rocky Fill to inquire Of the
speaker if lobbyists were going to be
allowed in the chamber, as they were
two years ago.
Il just saw one of them, a man who
used his influence in this house two
years ago when the public utilities bill
was being considered, slide in here like
a snake in the grass and take a. seat
up back there said Mr.. Johnson. TT is
up to this house to decide whether rail-
road attorneys shall be allowed IN this
chamber while this bill is being dis
cussed.''
Name him; name your man. came
the call from a dozen members.
Attorney MoreI1ouse'' (New Havenl,
replied Mr.. Johnson.
Lobbyists Might Use "Lons Green"
At this point ATr. Dunn of Windham
urged immediate consideration of the
bill, so that the lobbyists will have no
chance to fixe things by working the
telephone and automobiles, and proba-
bly, by using the long green"
Mr.. Banks agreed that he would be
in favor of excluding everyone from
the house not members, excepting the
senators and reporters.
Wilton Explains His Action.
In explaining his unusual motion,
Mr.. Wilton said that he felt that ali
were thoroughly familiar with the sub
ject matter 10 be discussed, and that
it seemed to him that the members
had had full opportunity to inform
themselves as to the provisions of the
bills and their general purport. There
was no need for further delay, with all
its dangers.
There were declarations in favor of
remaining until midnight, if necessary,
to dispose of the matter, and further
objections heard about rushing the bill
through, before Mr.. Dunn moved the
previous question refusing to withdraw
the motion TO let Mr.. Johnson of New
town ask more questions.
The debate ceased.
Banks States His Position.
This gave Mr.. Banks his opportuni-
ity to say some things.
Il am in favor of the single commits
sion bill,' he said. Il never have been
in favor of the so o-cailed majority bill.
IL | have to vote today I will vote for
the minority bill, and maybe l will vote
for it later. I fully believe that the
minority bill will prove absolutely in
effective and that the supreme court
Will declare it SO on test. and this is
my honest belief on my oath as a rep
resentatlve and upon my honor as a
lawyer: but I will vote for the bill in
preference to getting no bill at ALL
Referring to the fact that Governor
Baldwin vOucheS for the constitution
ality of the minority bill, Mr.. Banks
said: Il have the highest respect for
Governor Baldwin, but I do know that
during the last few years he was on
the bench he was four times wrong ON
constitutional questions, or else the
other Judges of the court were wrong.
So toe much weight is not to be placed
upon his opinion in this matter. The
two particular instances in which l
personally question the Constitutional
ity of the provisions of this bill are in
that it attempts to delegate to an ad-
ministraiive board the power of MAX
ing rules and confers upon the board
the right of appeal, tFi shaving previ-
ousiy been found unconstitutional
With the members hungry and rest
less from the long sitting it was not
difficult TO reach an agreement to make
the bills the order of the day for
Thursday next at 11.3e o'clock.