Daily Kennebec journal., 1916-09-18

Although Governor Curtis in his
proclamation calling q special session
Of tho Legislature for Friday. Sept. 20.
mentions three things. the adoption OF
the sixth revision Of general and public
laws, the disposition Of moneys re-
ceived on account Of lands reserved for
public uses and the alteration Of the
limo Of Portland harbor. those who
ought to know say that any kind OF q
measure may be presented for the con-
sideration of the Solons. They contend
that the expression in the proclamation
calling the special session in order to
receive such communications as may
then be made to them and to consult
and determine on such measures as
in their judgement will best promote
the welfare of the State is broad
enough to allow almost anything to
creep into the meeting. Unless some
thing unusual develops, however, and
it does not now seem likely, this ses-
sion is not expected to last more than
two days at the outside. AS 1t 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 impeach-
ment of sheriffs or county attorneys
for the alleged failure to enforce the
prohibitory liquor law at this special
session, the second one to be called
since the civil war.
The last special session was IN 1917
during the administration OF Governor
Frederick w. Plaisted. The Legisla-
ture convened on March 90, and ad-
journed April 6. The proclamation
calling this special session asked the
LEGISLATURE to consider a revision OF
the ballot laws, the apportionment OK
the State by congressional districts
and the submission of the prohibitory
liouor law to the people. But when the
legislators gathered they found an
other matter for their consideration
which was not on the program. I'M
parchment proceedings against Charles
O. Emery Of Sanford, sheriff OF York
county, for alleged malfeasance in Of
flee. The trial was a long and sensa-
tional 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
bringing Impeachment proceedings
against Asa A. Richardson of Kenne-
bunk for alleged neglect in the con-
duct Of his Office as relates to the en-
forcement Of the liquor law. County
Attorney Richardson was conVlcteo
and removed, his successor belng eA-
Mayor Nathaniel B. Walker OF Blooe-
ford.
Four Democrats will be absent at
the special session Of the Legislature
Representatives Frank Robinson OF
Rangor and Frank S. Lord OF Els
worth having died: Arthur 5. Noyes
of Falmouth having resigned to as
sumo the Office Of register OF DEEDS 1of
Cumberland county. and Joseph w.
Small of Mount Desert having re-
signed to become postmaster In MS
town. Representative James E. Null
ligan Of Nobleboro, Lincoln county,
has forwarded his resignation as
member Of the House but no action mas
as vet been taken by the Governor
on it.
Seventy four Democrats. 69 Repup-
licans and four ProgressiVes VIII 10
the political complexion OF the House
of Representatives at the special ses-
sion. while the Senate will consist OF
II Republicans and IA Democrats. me
Democrats will have So, the Repuoh-
cans So and the Progressives rour
members on Joint ballot. Hon. Ira G.
Hersey Of Houlton, congressman-eiect
in the Fourth district, Will preside over
the deliberations Of the upper branch
in his capacity as President OF the
Senate.