Daily Kennebec journal., 1917-01-04
HOUSE
Wednesday,

This being the day designated by the
constitution of the State for the meet
ing of the 18th Legislature, the mem
bcrs-elect of the House Of Representa-
ives assembled in the hall of the
House Of Representatives at 10 O'Clock
NJ. and were called to order by
Chandler c. Harvey, clerk Of the last
House.
ingston Of Hallowell.
communication was received from
the Secretary of State transmitting a
certified roll of the representatives.
elect of the 18th Legislature.
A cell of the roll by the clerk reveal
cd the presence Of a quorum. JAG men,
bers-elect answering to their names.
On motion by Mr.. Holt Of Gouldsboro.
Messrs. Holt of Gouldsboro. Babb of
Sehago. Williams Of Auburn, Averill of
prentiss, l5oman of Vinalhaven, Reed
Of Bangor and McNally of Ashland
we're appointed a committee to wait
upon the Governor and inform him Of
the presence of a quorum of the MEM
rs-eect of the House of Representa-
tivea in the hall of the House of Rep
resentatives. and request his attend
ance to administer the oath required
BY the Constitution to enable them to
enter upon the discharge of their Of
fetal duties.
Subsequently Mr.. Holt reported that
the committee had discharged the duty
assigned it and that His F,xcelIency,
The Governor, was pleased to say that
with his Council he would forthwith
attend upon athe convention for the
purpose indicated in the message.
The report of the committee was ac-
cepted.
Thcrcupon, the Governor. accompa-
MED by his Council. came in and ad-
ministered and the members elect sub
scrbcd the oaths necessary to qualify
their official duties.
The Governor and Council then
withdrew.
On motion by Mr.. Barnes of Houlton,
Messrs. Barnes of Houlton, Washburn
Of Perry, Jenkins of Kingfield, Ryder
Of Brownville. Lawrence of Fairfield,
Godthwait of Biddcford, and Clement
of Montville were appointed a commit
tee to receive, sort and count votes for
Speaker
Having attended to the duties as
signed it, Mr.. Barnes from the COM
mittee reported Jag votes cast; neces-
sary for "A choice "A; Mr.. Harmon of
Stonington had Il; Mr.. Bonney of
Bowdoinham had 105.
The report was accepted.
W. l.. Bonney was thereupon de-
cared Speaker of the House for the
present session. and was conducted to
the chair by Mr. Harmon.
MIR. HARMON: Gentlemen of the
House. it gives me great pleasure to
present to you the honored gentleman
of this House from Bowdoinham
whom we have just elected Speaker
for the present session. (Applause.)
The SPEAKER: Gentlemen of the
House. any citizen of Maine may we'll
have sense of pride in being chosen
10 preside over the deliberations of
this body, coordinate branch of the
great law-making department of our
State government. 1t seems entirely
hitting that my first words as Speaker
be an expression of appreciation and
OF thanks to the members of the ma
Jority party for comforting upon me
the signal honor of being installed into
this Chair, which has been filed by
60 many able and distinguished men,
many of whose names are written in
conspicuous characters in the evolu-
tion of State, national and internation-
al affairs. :" g.,
Several of my friends AMONG the mem
hers Of the opposite political faith have
expressed to me wish that they might
by their votes help elect me to this posi-
ton. This gives me feeling of salts
faction and security. / do not expect
mat my election here this morning will
on motion be made unanimous, party tra-
dition and custom running to the contra
ry. hope and do expect that in devo-
ton to duty in the discharge Of our off,
cial obligations. in team work, in the
interchange of parliamentary courtesies,
we shall have absolute unanimity. l ap-
preciate the difficulties of this position
understand thoroughly, better perhaps
than some of you, certainly as we'll as
any Of you. in what large measure the
successful and harmonious working Of
'nis body depends on the prompt, exact
and impartial decision of it's presiding
omcer. Other speakers have made their
mistakes; I shall make mine; speakers
who come after me shall make theirs. I
ask from each one of you your courtesy.
your forbearance, and all your charity.
Gentlemen, l wish that we might in our
defoerations here be governed entirely
oy what we regard as the best interests
Oh the State Of Maine whose servants we
are and to whom we are responsible.
Gentlemen, I thank you. (Applause.)
message was received from the Sem
a'e through Senator Davies of Cumber-
'Aao informing the House that the Sem
A'e had been duly organized by the choice
VI hon. Taber d. Bailey of Penobscot as
resident, of William E. Lawry Of Au-
susta as secretary
oh motion by Mr.. harrington of Au-
sus'a' Messrs. harrington of Augusta,
oarceion of Auburn, Hammond of Van
ouren, Wilson Of Portland. Grant OF
houiton. Fleming of Bangor and LARA
'ee OF Bath were appointed commit
zee to receive. sort and count votes for
''erk Of the House for the present ses-
sion.
having attended to the duty assigned