Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1913-03-17
-Four Leaders in The Battle
For Public Utilities
Commission.

Like the ancient horse of Troy ar
rived the public utilities bill in tie
upper branch Of the 18th Maine Leg
islature. with its Is amendments.
Escorted with ceremony appropri-
ate to its immense dignity through TIE
gates. il was ready in few hours OF
darkness to betray its hosts. From It's
inwards issued ominous whispers the
little doors were flung ajar and men
AGING forces have secured foothold.
There the comparison hangs. Ii
NAV he a horse on" Hersey. EFea
so. that substantial warrior smiles
confidently as he shifts the fray ana
trains his guns for action. Scars
threaten in the ensuing three days
the majority. perhaps. for the be-
leaguered public utilities bill, but the
unseen wounds from Hersey's ruthless
tongue will reach deeply into the sous
of the measures assailants.
And. beyond the stretches of the
corridor, waits a heavy jawed young
man-triumphant once in tilt Win
the great Pattangall-to assure his
little band of followers as to his cal
ibre; to retrieve some may remafH'
the respect of his opponents from mis-
taken stands Alton c. Wheeler OF
South Parish. a leader in the Progress
sive party. has labored increasingly
for the new law and viii accord u
support with all means at his disposal.
These men will not fight alone, how
ever. With them will be found the
ablest men of the Legislature. Sena :
tor Cole of York has been selected as
senator Herseys team mate in tho
battle upon the half-hundred amend
ments They will be backed by eV-
cry Republican, it is believed. me
House situation is less secure, and the
lineup there is not yet determlheV
| nut pledges from every side afford Tie
hope that a solid array of Republicans
and Progressives will meet any as
| sault the Democrats may be pleased l.
| make.
| Members of the committees most in
| terested met informally, during the re-
cess. and carefully considered th'
| amendments in preparation Tor th'
Monday evening caucus.
Republican Plans.
The Republican plan of battle Ia
been decided.
ON Monday evening caucus VIII D
held. Here the amendments VIII y
considered to the last word and the
Significance pointed out by the me
who have so thoroughly devoted them
selves to study of the public utllltle
nroblem. If success be attained III IN
attempt to bring every Repuollea
into line behind Senators Jersey an
III Cole. TO prevent emasculation OF IN
bill. no difficulty will be experience
II in the Senate and two days viii SUI
flee for disposal of the amendment
The brunt of contest, as has bee
/ stated will fall upon Senators Hei
sew and Cole. AS each amendment
4 taken up in the order of its letter
number, they will alternate in explain
A ing it's bearing upon what they sel
| for a law. If the amendment, IN the
Judgment, will improve the bill, no OF
position will be declared to its az
ceptance. If. on the other hand 1t
regarded as useless or dangerous to u
intent of the measure, these two SCI
ators will demand it's rejection.
From interviews with members
would appear that any optimism ma
ifested by the proponents OF the mea
ure is justified. and that its passas
y virtually intact is assured in the Sc