The independent-reporter. [volume] (Skowhegan, Me.) 1909-1955, 1911-12-21
AN EXTRA LEG|SLA-
TIVE SESSION
The Governor Thinks 1t
Necessary
One Month ReekOned as the Shortest
Time Maine Legislature Could Make

With no definite statement from Gov
Plaisted on the subject it is accepted
as settled thai he viii call the legis-
lature together in extra session. The
extent to which the governor has com
mitted himself on this subject is to
say that it seemed to him to be an oc-
casion for calling the law-making body
of the state together to consider mat
tiers of good to the state This state
ment was made to the members of the
council at the special meeting held on
Monday, Nov 6.
Since then, the governor has said
that he can see nothing to change his
opinion.
1t is very we'll understood that His
EXeellency has talked over the idea OF
special session at great length with
the members of the executive council;
that the major part of them, if not all,
agree that his premises are right; that
an extra session is advisable. 1t is eX-
pected that the call will be issued
soon after the holidays. No official
ntimation of this has been had, but
the governor has hinted that February
would be the time for said session. In
order TO get the law-malling body to-
gether during that month, the procla-
nation calling the members to Angus
L. lC1n l.ff ar
the holidays. While it might be argued
that but six days elapsed between the
date of issuance of the proclamation
by Gov. Washburn and the conVening
of the Legislature for the special war
session in 1861, conditions are differ
ent at this time. Three vacancies in
the senate must be filled, and twelve
in the house may, probably will, be
filled The law required to elect sena-
tors is much different from what it
was in 81. requiring more time and,
again. the demand for the enactment
of the measures which, as understood,
the governor proposes to urge upon
the Legislature, is not SO imperative as
were those of the war.
Even though the proclamation call
ing the legislature together shall be
issued Immediately after the holidays
there is some question as TO whether
the body can get together much before
the middle of February. The new
direct primary law will figure into
/ this to a very large extent. The pro
/ cess of selecting three new members
of the senate is not quite SO simple
as heretofore despite the fact that il
seems to be. Senator James Mullen
of Penobscot county died the first week
of the last session. As obliged by law
Governor Plaisted Immediately issued
a proclamatio ncalling for a new cleo
tion in Penobscot county. Within three
weeks both parties had held conven-
tions, nominated candidates and the
election had taken place.
1t cant be done quite so quickly
this time Sufficient time must be
given for those who desire to be candi-
dates for senator's, to secure the re-
! quired number of signers to their peti-
tions, file them with the secretary Of
! State. give that Official time to prepare
i the ballots for the primary election
issue the specimen ballots, and after
that the primaries must be held il
each of the three counties. Then the
ballots for the regular election must
be prepared and the election held
While it may be possible to do al
this in a month, it is believed the
governor will allow a longer time
possibly six weeks