Essex County herald. [volume] (Guildhall, Vt.) 1873-1964, 1913-01-31
LEGISLATURE
Foss' Engineers Bill
Passed the House
at Last

results, and although the number O
bills was not largely decreased, we
it placed matter in shape, where
little hard work will make a goo
showing. There are several bill
which are to be drawn at the sug
gestion of the special committee ol
suggestions from the Governor.
Gov. Fletcher went to Boston Fri
day noon and spoke to the Vernon
Association there, Saturday evening
While in Boston he also conferred
with the Governor of Massachusett.
upon railroad matters and othel
Legislative plans.
One of the most progressive pieces
of Legislation has passed the Assem-
bly,; namely, Sterilization. This was
fought to the bitter end by the Catho-
lie people from the religious stand
point of view. Donnelly of Vergen-
mes made an impassionated address
upon this.
One of the amendments to the
Constitution has been killed. This
was done by the Senate. 1t is a.
mendment 5, which relates to the
eligibility of Senators or Representa-
tives to hold offices created during
their terms. Each branch has passed
the second amendment, which is that
the sessions shall convene in January
instead of October. The people will
have a chance to vote upon all these
amendments that pass the two
Houses.
Among the more important bills
which passed the House last week
were provisions for a live stock COM
missioner, relating to two years en-
ployment before an engineer or con-
ductor can handle a train. The
House killed another bunch of high
way bills Friday afternoon. The bills
relating to Primary elections were
hung up again last week. The CON-
mite on appropriation has only four
bills, but their total expense, if al
lowed will amount to 100000, and
they are for Brattleboro Retreat,
Waterbury State Hospital, Middle
town Spring Agricultural School and
an Orphans Home.
Another move is being tried to be
made to get rid of the toll bridges
on the Connecticut river by a bill
introduced in the Senate, Friday
Interchange of mileage was killed by
the Senate Friday.
Two Irevenue measures have be-
come laws, namely, more taxation on
steamboat, car, and transportation
companies. sleeping, dining and
parlor car companies which have been
raised about one half of a per cent
on their appraisal of property in Ver-
mont. The nine hour proposed bill
for work on railroads, did not get
very far, and was killed Friday.
The Senate favors railroad desires,
and the House kills them excepting
to increase their taxation.
The taxation measures are hung
up because of the opinion of the At
torney General, but will probably be
passed along on the first of the week.
A committee to investigate the re.
bate of money for advanced edu-
cation has been appointed.
One of the biggest measures signed
by the Governor this session regard
ing the interests of children was
House 439, which provides for juve-
nile courts, by taking from the
munlclpal and any other court, the
prosecution of any child under 16
years of age and placing them under
the probate courts with the provision
that no officer can commit one of
these to any other Institution other
than the Industrial School, even tc
keep them over night, and many
other provisions are in the same
measure.
Mr.. Cook of Lyndon, started some.
thing in the House Saturday morn.
ing when they tried to order bills to
lie. He said he was willing they
would advance any bill but they
must not try to make an appearance
by taking up bills and then result
ing in no action. He called for thu