New Britain herald., 1918-03-19
LEGISLATURE MEETS ID GIVE SOLDIERS VOTE Governor Holcornb Asks Both Branches to Pass
 Measure.

Hartford, March 19.--For the sec- ond time since the Civil War the gen. eral assembly of this state, today met in special session to enact emergency legislation. The previous special ses- sion was on September 12, 1916, when the law was passed by which it was possible for electors who were national guardsmen from this state on duty at the Mexican border to vote in the field in the 1916 election.
 Today the general assembly met to adopt a somewhat similar law under which Connecticut soldiers who are electors and who may be on duty out side the state, either across the seas or in the United States may vote for certain nominees of political parties next fall. The statutes contain no constitutional provision for absent voters and it has become matter of history in connection with the admin istration of Governor Holcomb to convoke two special sessions to deal with emergencies involving the right of franchise. The bill to be enacted during the day was drawn by Attorney General George E. Hinman at the request of Governor Holcomb and it had been carefully scrutinized. The bill is of considerable length and much detail. Its acceptance with some slight amendment was anticipated with little delay during the afternoon session. One amendment suggested and which was likely to be incorpor- ated was that which would permit sol dier electors to vote for members of congress and for county sheriffs.
 Will Limit Action.
 Action by the legislature today was to be limited to the bill in question. No effort was likely to induce the body to take up any excise matter as had been reported. H. H. SpOoned, who has represented temperance and church interests told Governor Hol- comb that he had no interest in any proposed legislation to give the gov ernor the power to regulate saloons during the war period. F.. l.. G. Hohenthal who has represented the prohibition party told members he had no saloon regulation bill to offer or resolution which would attempt to bring up the question of action on the ratification of the national prohlbl~ tion amendment.
 Lieut.. Governor Wilson opened the senate al 11:30 a. m. and Chaplain Cooke made the prayer.
 Senate clerk John Buckley, in the uniform of a major, was at hlS desk and called the roll. There were only five senators absent, three of these, Purcell, OSullivan and Whitney be- ing in service. Routine matters were taken up, these providing for pay- ment of members transportation, adoption of last sessions rules the raising of committees to arrange for the joint convention and finally of the senate with the house in joint session. Governor Holcomb sent in the resignation of Senator O'Sullivan.
 In the house Speaker Healy called to order, and clerks r. J. Kenealy and Arthur Countryman, were at their desks. The calling of the roll took up considerable time.
 In the house Rev. MT. Smith of Mansfield, who took Chaplain Ben- nets place, asked Gods guidance in these perilous times and that the president and other public officials be given wisdom"
 Asks Votes for Soldiers.
 As soon as the joint convention was organized, Governor Holcomb ap- peared, unattended. He said: "Mr. president, MT. speaker and members of the General Assembly:
 Ut is common knowledge that to- day many thousands of our electors who are in the military and naval service of the United States are ab- sent from this state on the battle front in France or in cantonments in Continued On Ninth Page).