Norwich bulletin., 1913-02-13
LITTLE BUSINESS FOR
 THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY,.
Senator Johnson of MontviIIe Explains
 His Vote Against CadDeii.

Hartford. Conn, Feb. 12.-There was insignificant amount of business for the general assembly to give atten- ton to today.
 The tension among the democrats over the rejection of the governor s nomination of MT. Caldwell was shown by incidents in the senate, and sen ator Johnson of Montville made per sonaI explanation of his vote against the nominee Governor Baldwin also in a statement declared thai he in tended to send in another name, ana that he was against a three headed commission. The feeling prevailed that the governor would not have Attorney General Light press charges against Commissioner Macdonald at this tune.
 The mileage for members problem was in the senate. and While there was unaninfty of opinion that mem bers ought to have transportation al the states expense, there was dlner- ence of opinion as to the means 10 pe employed to get it from the falifoaos. AS it now stands, the bill to compel the railroads to give transportation n m exchange for the constitutional "a cents a mile round trip has been re- ferred to different committees by the two branches. and committee on con- ference has been named to oecloe which committee shall get 1t.
 This afternoon the judiciary com mittee gave hearings on appointments of higher court judges, while the spe- cial committee of the senate looked into the circumstances of the thfee finger bribe offer" spoken Of by sen ator Hurley in connection with the highway commissionership-
 Senator Johnson's Statement.
 Senator Johnson's statement was as follows:
 Because of an article in the news papers I find it necessary to explain why I voted against Mir Caldwell did not enter the debate because or personalities that had cropped up In them. It was stated yesterday that there was no opposition two years ago against the name of MT. Caldwell, but there was great opposition, more than there was this time. committee or men who were not from New Lonoon county, but from other parts Of the state. waited upon the governor and showed him how widespread this op- position was to MT. Caldwell. I ct the governor saw fit to send in his name. I also regret through threats of malice the effort to hold up the New London harbor bill I had the honor to be a member of the sub committee that helped to draw up the demoerat1c platform. and I want to state l stand by every word that the democratic platform infers in relation to the high way commissionership l want that office put on business basis so that S1.oo0, 900 worth of goods will be de- Iivered for every million dollars in money. These pointed shafts have been directed at New London county. and I want to say right here that 1 have opposed Bryan F. MahaE in any measure in which I did not agree with him and I will continue to do so when I do not agree with him and reserve the right in this senate to oppose any measure in which I cannot consistent ly agree. The democratic party Is on trial in this state and did not get a majority of the votes of the electors. It is. here by chance I stand with that party for comeptent highway commissioner, but I do not approve of the mere swap of one incompetent for another incompetent and l could not stand for it yesterday"
 After the senate adjournment Sen ator Peck had a short discussion with Senator E. 4. Johnson which was con- cluded by the former saying to Mir. Johnson: Fred, after the wau you voted yesterday I have lost all respect for you.'