The independent-reporter. [volume] (Skowhegan, Me.) 1909-1955, 1913-01-23

lie HT6l SUGGESTIONS OF Clashes ar
rived in both branches of the Legisla-
ture, Thursday morning. Senator Her
sey and Stearns forced Senator Morey
to place himself to their satisfaction
as in a position to furnish evidence
sufficient to justify the investigation he
seeks regarding the high prices OF
coal. A goodhumored discussion in
the House carried threat of serious
conflict, next Tuesday morning, in the
House, for which time the question OF
reference of the public utilities com
mission bill is scheduled.
Senator Morey of Androscoggin went
so far with his assertions concerning
an alleged combine for the boosting of
prices that Senator Stearns of Oxford
withdrew all his opposition to the pro-
posal and rendered his support. Sena-
tor Hersey voted in the affirmative
when the question was put, as did the
% other members present
Mr. Hersey's opposition to the meas
ure was based upon the huge expense
to be incurred by the summoning of
witnesses and the clerical services
necessary, and the inadequate laws for
dealing with offenders whatever the
result He averred himself as ready
to cooperate with Mr.. Morey in every
rd mi, on r
factory laws but. declared any such
project absurd at this time when,
whatever the result, our laws would
not admit of effective coping with the
situation.
PUBLIC UTILITIES BILL.
Conclusive evidence was afforded In
the House that there is movement
toward sending the bill for an act to
establish a Public Utilities Commits
sion to a joint special committee. 1t
has been reported that the legal af-
fairs committee will stand as unit
against any such action. One men,
Der, Thursday forenoon, made the
statement that there was little doubt
in his mind that deeper significance,
than appeared on the surface, rested
in the attempt of those interested in
a joint special body of consideration.
1t is understood that Representative
Wheeler is preparing to fight to the
end reference to such committee,
making the motion that the order be
laid upon the table and that it be
Wednesday morning, after
the report of the committee on the
Governors message has been received
The order was introduced as provd-
ing that copy of House document
TAP, entitled An Act to Establish a
Public Utilities Commission be pro-
cured by the clerk of the House to
replace the bill referred from the last
and meanwhile lost from
the files, and that the same be refer
red to the legal affairs committee.
The advocates of the public utili- |
lies bill plan doing away with the /
commissioners In the place i
Of these will be a body of men who
will have supervision of not only the
steam and electric roads, but the cleo
ric light and power companies, and
he gas and water companies The at
orneys for the railroads have allowed
he impression to gain credence that
hey are in favor of the public utili-
les commission If it be composed of
nen of the highest intelligence, men
Who will be fair lawyers and able to
i've righteous decisions. 1t is under
TODD that three would be named for
he body.
Adjournment was taken in both
until 10 A NJ. Friday.
After short sessions, Friday morn
ng, devoted to minor matters, the
adjourned until Monday
lfternoon at four O'Clock.
The investigation of the causes for
he high price of coal Is assured, the
Iorey order being passed by the
House in concurrence with the Senate
No opposition was manifested, not
member of the lower branch voicing
IN opinion or requesting further in
ormation in the matter.
Further business in the House in
;luded passing, in concurrence with
he Senate, of resolve declaratory of
certain amendments to the constitu
ion of Maine; approval, also in con-
urrence. of the bond of Joseph w.
simpson. treasurer of State; present
alton of the annual reports of the
University of Maine, insurance COM
nissioners, and estimates of expenses
or the ensuing two years from the
State auditor; taking, in concurrence,
he bill for an act to amend the char
err of the Portland Gas Light Co. from
he committee on judiciary and re-
erring it to the Portland delegation,
md passing, in concurrence, of an or
Ter limiting the time for reception OF
,ills for private and special leglsla
ion to Feb. 5. 1918, tamended by the
senate from Jan. 80 The bill for on
lct to amend the section of the Pub
lie Laws relating to clerk hire in the
ouictry r,f v,rohoto ~ Kappohoc rOup !