Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1913-03-15


utilities bill from all directions in the
Senate chamber, Friday morning. For
| the Senators, who didn't have their
| own desires concerning changes, be-
lieved it only fair, however doubtful
they may have been in other direc-
| tones, that the lobby demands re-
ceive the consideration of the upper
branch.
Governor Haines sat beside Presi-
dent Milliken and saw the introduction
of about 10 proposed changes in the
bill which accompanies the report on
the recommendation Of his> message.
| And as he Witnessed and listened the
Governor busted himself with taking
| notes.
The Amendments offered.
Senator Morey offered an amend
mcnt which provided that the commits
sion should be non-partisan AMI
should consist Of Republican, Il
Democrat and a Progressive. He al
50 offered an amendment which climb
mated stages, ceasting vessels and
steamers and other small common car
riers from the provisions OF the act,
but Senator Burleigh of Aroostook lat
CT presented an amendment which re-
turned those carriers to the control of
tho commission, and added further
village corporations, water DIS
tricts and other municipal corporations.
Senator Morey also offered amend
mentf tota1lng nearly Is, many al
them striking out entire sections
Amendments offered by Senator
Dutton of kennebee aim principally at
changing words CT phases III several
sections To enhance the clcarncSS OF
the meaning or To effect closer appll-
cation to state conditions. 1t IS IN
derstond that the definitions of what
constitute public utilities, coming from
tic California law. are assailed ~
many thorough students of the situa-
ton as not being consistent III some
lines with Names needs. With TINS N
view some controversy is likely 10
evolve over this section, constituted
by more than 1900 words
Among the other amendments offered,
several being from Senator Cole ct
York. were changes of phraseo'ogS,
definition of some public utility or Of
the powers and duties Of the commits
sioners or of the officials of corpora
lions involved.
senator Ffcf5ty 5ofNSS'
senator Hersey. after the entire list
Of amendments had been read, face
tiously asked if the title to the bill
had been amended, intimating his sus-
picion that every timber had been
shattered Even Governor Haines
Joined in the laughter over this sally.
Rumors persist to bring furry after
furry of excitement about the State
House. Sensational tales are sprung IN
whispered conversation until scarcely
member of the Senate now remains who
has not had his integrity questioned IN
Some secluded corner. Probably start
| ling revelations will fly about the
state in the next week, all tn be taken
with a grain of salt.
Following are some OF the fears born
Of certain wcfghty inteileets about the
| city, Friday:
as the present vigorous attack upon
the public utilities commission bin "a
feint 10 draw public attention from the
real object of the lobby's fire? TIE main
| measure which they desire to put out of
| the running is the workman's compen-
| sation law"
~The men here today are the strongest
| men who ever went upon the field OF bat
tie in behalf of great cooperative inter
| ests to prevent legislation detrimental. or
| thought to be so, to the vested interests
| of the state, or to secure the enactment
of laws which would work to the benefit
of these same interests, even if against
the well being of the people
| Certain men who no longer ago than
Saturday were enthusiastic for the bill
have begun to point out what they say
| may be serious defects which ought to
be stricken out"
And those are mere launching OF the
! prophecies and insinuations to come
! Poor. beleaguered senator's, What is to
! be their fate2
Amendments to Be Printed.