The independent-reporter. [volume] (Skowhegan, Me.) 1909-1955, 1916-09-28
The Special Session of the Legisla-
turP


AUGUSTA. Sept. 16-Altho Govern
or Curtis in his proclamation calling
special session of the legislature
for Friday, Sept. 90 mentions three
things: The adoption of the sixth
revision of general and public laws,
the disposition of moneys received on
account of lands reserved for public
uses and the alteration of the line Of
Portland harbor, those who ought to
know say that any kind of measure
may be presented for the considera-
ton of the Solons. They contend
that the expression in the proclama
ton calling the special session "in
order to receive such cOmmunica-
tons as may be made to them and to
consult and determine on such meas
ures as in their judgment will best
promote the welfare of the state" is
broad enough to allow almost any
thing to creep into the meeting. I'm
less something unusual develops
however, and it does not now seem
likely, the session is not expected to
last more than two days at the out
side. AS it is so near the first of the
year when the newly elected officers
will take their positions and as the
election is over, it is not expected
that proceedings will be instituted
looking to the impeachment OF sher-
ifs or county attorneys for the al
legged failure to enforce the prohibi-
tory liquor law at this special SEES
sion, the second one to be called since
the Civil War.
The last special session was in
1912 during the administration Of
Governor Frederick w. Plaisted. The
legislature convened on March 90,
nation calling this special session
asked the legislature to consider
revision of the ballot laws, the APP
portionment of the state by congress
sional districts and the submission of
the prohibitory liquor law to the peo-
pie.
But when the legislators gathered
they found another matter for their
consideration which was not on the
program, Impeachment proceedings
against Charles o. Emery of Sanford
sheriff of York county, for alleged
malfeasance in office. The trial was
a long and sensational one after
which Sheriff Emery rendered his
resignation to Governor Plaisted and
Dr.. Harry A. Weymouth of Saco was
appointed in his place But the
Emery trial was the means Of bring
ing Impeachment proceedings against
Asa A. Richardson of Kennebunk for
alleged neglect in the conduct of his
office as relates to the enforcement Of
the liquor law County Attorney
Richardson was convicted and re-
moved, his successor being EXMayor
Nathaniel B. Walker of Biddeford.
DEMOCRATS AT SESSION
-Four Democrats will be absent at
the special session of the Legislature
Representatives Frank Robinson of
Fangor md Frank S Lord of a'ls-
worth having died. Arthur S. Noyes
of Falmouth having resigned To as
sumo the Office of register % deeds
tor Cumberland county and Joseph
w. Small OF Mount Desert having re-
signed to become the postmaster in
his town. Representative James e.
Mulligan OF Nobleboro. Lincoln
county. has forwarded his resignation
as a member Of the House but 40 ac-
Ion has as yet been taken - The
governor on it. Seventy-four Demo
Gratis, 60 Republicans and four Pro-
grcssiyes will be the political com
plcxion OF the House of Representa-
lives at the special session, while the
Senate will consist of II Republicans
and IA Democrats. The Democrats
will have SO. the Republicans Sc and
the Progressives q members on joint
ballot Hon. Ira G. Hersey of Houl-
ton, Congressman in the fourth
district will preside over the DELHI
erations of the upper branch in his
capacity as president of the Senate.