Norwich bulletin., 1913-03-11

The members of the Rhode Island general assembly from Westerly and the mem bers from Pawcatuck in the Connecticut legislature, are at more disadvantage than some other mem bers by reason of the longer distance from home towns to the state cap- itols of the respective states, though it costs Representative Chesebro of Pawcatuck 60 reach Hartford about fhree tinen as much as it does for Senator Arnold and Representatives f,augworthy or Murphy to reach Prov idence. The conditions regards mileage is about the same in both states. In Rhode Island the supreme court says 1t Is unconstitutional for members to receive more than one round trip during the session. while in Connecticut it Is conceded, without supreme court action. that it would be unconstitutional to give members daily mileage during the session In Connecticut the members are In the AoldrUms on the subject, having de- 3eated c measure that ordered the comptroller to secure and pay for the 1,9iIeage. with understanding that an- other bill was to be presented which would provide for @ reduction In the taxes of railroads to an amount equal to that paid for the transportation Of members. When action was being taken on another measure, Compelling railroads by revision of charters to provide free transportation to mem bers. members lodged the question by leaving the house without a quorum. Therefore, the same measure will be taken up for consideration today (Tuesday).
 not satisfied with the decision of the supreme court. and resolution Is pend 3n9 which, if adopted, will eventually result in continuance of the free pass system. It was referred to the com- Ynittee on Judiciary and promptly re- ported back with recommendation Of passage There are many repupncans
 bo1f nnf fI1l mileage should be paid the members as ft was never intended that they should pay railroad fares while in the service of the state.
 that public office is an honor and should not be viewed from a financial standpoint. These same men advance the idea that the man who works for & weekly wage and is dependent upon such earnings for support should not aspire to legislative honors and leave the government of the state with men of wealth. The argument Is advanced 1 Inv this same class that no one Is compelled to become a member of the general assembly and to any to whom the office proves an inconvenience can readily relieve themselves by re- TnainiIlg at home. It is probable that the mileage proposition will be def1- niteIy decided by the legislatures of both states before the end Of the pres ent week.
 Tn Rhode Island the members of the legislature have always received pass es which were recognized even after the legislature adjourned. When free passes were issued to Connecticut statesmen, the passes were no good after the legislature adjourned. About twenty years ago the free pass system was abolished and the mileage of members during the legislative session was paid for by the state No con- stttutiona1 question was raised on the matter, until Governor Baldwin de- clared the payment of mileage, other than one round trip, was uncohstitu- tfonal and in this he was supported by the opinion of the attorney general. It is probable that before the session ends this matter will be taken to the supreme court for definite decision.
 There Ie Co ho n change in the pro-