Burlington weekly free press. [volume] (Burlington, Vt.) 1866-1928, 1917-01-11

Montpelier, Jan. ?-Aithouph the mem
beers of the Legislature probably worked
more diligently to-day than any day since
the assembly convened week ago, it
was work which did not appear ON the
surface, the appointment of the commit
tees and subsequent Introduction of %
bills giving the legislators some busy
hours. The House was in session less
than an hour this forenoon. the Senate
but 20 minutes. and this afternoon the
House met only long enough to have sew
eral measures presented and the upper
body did not convene at all.
COMMITTEES BUSY.
The committees, however. improved the
most of their opportunity and the ante
rooms were crowded with the smaller
groups while the fate of the score and a
half of bills was being decided. 1t is
entirely probable that the latter part of
the week will see the enactment of few
acts and probably the first measure to
pass both Houses and reach Governor
Graham will be II. /, repeating tho pro-
hibitory license law, better known the
Perry act, which would, il il We're not
repealed, make Vermont "A dry" State
in i9g1 The people by referendum vote
HAY ing strongly emphasized the fact that
the majority do not wish for dry regime.
II. /, introduced by Mr.. Durham of Brat
tleboro, will undoubtedly be passed with
out debate. Thus the first act of the
present body will be destructive not con-
structive legislation.
Bills have already been introduced in
the House relating to vehicles, other
than motors. carrying lights at night. and
sentiment seems to- be strongly in favor
of passing a law which will compel all
vehicles carrying lights at night. The
1915 session considered such a measure,
NJ. after much discussion and heated
debate decided not to enact such a law.
FOLLOW GOVERNORS SUGGESTION.
Bills embodyng the recommendations of
Governor Graham rs clearly explained by
the chief executive in his inaugural adj
dress last week are anXiouSly awaited
and while there exists a general feeling
that many of his suggestions are some
what startling, nevertheless the Cover
nor is sure to have strong backing if
members vote along the same lines as
they converse in the corridors. Presum-
ably many Of the measures prepared with
the Governors approval will he present
ed as committee bills.
This afternoon before the House CON
vened the members gathered on the steps
of the Capitol and posed for a group pic
turc.
ON SENATORIAL VACANCIES
Mr.. Cudworth Of Londonderry is sponsor
for an interesting bill which was intro
duced this afternoon, providing for the
filling of vacancies in the Office of United
States senator. The bill provides that a
vacancy be filled at n special election
to be held at the time of the
next general election; provided,
however, that the Governor may
temporarily fill the vacancy By
appointment the person so appointed to
serve only until the vacancy is filed by
the people. The bill has been referred to
the committee on suffrage and elections.
DRASTIC MOVIE BILL.
One notable bill introduced to-day was
fathered by Senator Dunton of Rutland,
1t would prohibit the exhibition of moving
pictures dealing with immoral or vulgar
subjects or depicting scenes of burgares,
train robberies or other felones. A fine
of $500 or Imprisonment for six months,
or both, is provided for violation of the
proposed law. Senator Dunton also in
troduced bill prohibiting the attendance
Of children under 16 at moving picture
shows unless accompanied by parent or
guardian.
STRONGER AUTO LAW.
Mr.. Fenton of Rutland introduced y
bill in the House which is intended I,
carry out Secretary of State Bailcy's
views in regard to strengthening the auto
mobile law by more searching inquiry
into the ability and habits OF chauffcUrS
providing penalty for any persons oper-
ating an automobile while under the in
fluence of liquor; requiring the prompt
report to the secretary Of states Ollie,
of all auto accidents, etc.
A joint assembly will be held Thursday
at 2:3o O'Clock to hear the report Of tn,
special committee on the election OF
county and probate officers, and another
January Is to hear the report o.f Tia,
special committee to canvass votes fol
members of Congress.
FARMERS CLUB ORGANIZED,
The Farmers club of the 1917 session
was organized tonight in Representa-
tives' hall with about 125 present and thu
following officers We're elected: President
l.. D. Colburn of East Montpelier: vice
president. John d. ConFdon of Iittstord
secretary. f. o. Mcrrineld of Grafton
treasurer, Il. W Hunt of Danvillo: leg
islative committee l.. *. OsgOod of Rut
land town, Frank ID. Gill of Springfield
and Senator Leavcns of Cambridge. Th'
club will meet every Wednesday cVcninl
during the session and plans to sccur
a speaker to address the members On
subjects of interest at each session
H. M. Farnham is the clubs rctirin:
president.