Litchfield Enquirer

Connecticut Legislature:
Tuesday Afternoon, May 19th.
Resolution authorizing the Secretary to
enter the petition of S. W. Collins and
others, and also of School Society of the
town of Chester-and the petition of Allen
S. Stillman; and T. W. Cowles and others;
passed.
The committee on judiciary, on petition,
of various B. Smith for change of name,
of Isaac Ackley Smith to that of Isaac Ack-
ley, Jr., reported favorably; bill passed, report accepted and prayer granted.
Remonstrance of Conn. River Co against
the erection of a bridge across the river at
Middletown; referred to committee on Rail
roads.
Report of County Commissioners of
Hartford County read and referred to com
mittee on State Prison. Whole number of
prisoners 115, 109 male, 6 female, 91 white
6 colored; under sentence 67: earnings of
the prison $852.69. The prison has been
occupied to some extent by Litchfield
county, during repairs of Litchfield county
prison.
Report of the Trustees of Conn. Mis-
sionary Society, accepted and transmitted
into the Senate. Receipts $890.82, Dis-
bursements $1878.90. Permanent Fund by
donations $30,000.
Resolution offered by Mr. Kasson, allowing petitions to be entered in the Secretary's office until Wednesday next. Passed.
Resolution authorizing the Comptroller to
draw an order on the Treasury for $100
in favor of Curtis Bacon, Montague and
Hall and Charles H. Austin, for services
in pursuing and arresting the murderer of
Mrs. Bacon; referred to the committee on
claims.
Bill for an act limiting the concurrent ju-
risdiction of the superior court to $200
and justices jurisdiction to the extent of
$100; read first time.
Remonstrance of James Hardy and others, of New Haven, against repeal of the
license law; referred to committee on that
subject.
Report of the committee on State Prison,
on petition of Jos. W. Norton, praying re-
muneration for injuries received while an
overseer in said prison. The petitioner was
injured by an assault from one of the convicts. Bill in favor of appropriating $94,
read first time.
Bill for an act to prevent the destruction
of woodcocks, from February to July; of
pheasants, partridges and quails, from Feb.
to Sept, and also protecting other ordinary
game-read first time.
Mr. Burrall offered a bill relating to electors, allowing them to vote for Representa-
tives where they reside, and for sheriffs, &c.
upon a residence of four months; also, modifying the registry law; read twice and re-
ferred to committee on the Judiciary.
Communication from Charles Larabee,
on the subject of Temperance and Peace;
referred to committee on Licence Law.
Petition of Albert G. Davis and others,
for commutation of punishment of A. R.
Potter; referred to committee on that sub-
ject.
Adjourned to 9 o'clock to-morrow mor-
ning.
Wednesday Morning, May, 20th.
Report of New London Savings Bank-
referred to committee on Banks,
Remonstrance of Samuel Hall and others, claiming that the sitting members from
the town of Union are not entitled to their
seats--referred to committee on contested
Elections,
Petition of Henry L. Nathan and others,
for an alteration of the military laws-of
Robert Friend and 35 others, for the repeal
of certain military laws-of Merrit Hum-
phrey, with the same prayer-referred to
committee on Military Affairs.
Petition of Thomas Clark and others for,
aid to Hale Monument-of Henry H. Corbin
with the same prayer-referred to committee on that subject.
Petitions of Benjamin Lester and Wheeler Morgan, each praying for discharge
from State Prison-of Stephen Cogswell,
for restoration to forfeited rights-of Patrick O'Brien, to be discharged from State
Prison-of Benning Mann and others for the discharge of Patrick O'Brien-referred to committee on State Prison.
Petition of Thomas Ray and others, for
an extension of the liens of mechanic on
buildings-of Samuel Clark and others,
regarding the inspection of Shingles-of
Abel Hine and others, concerning School
Society in New Milford-of Girardus Rob-
erts and others, concerning School Society
meetings-referred to the committee on Ju-
diciary.
Petition of F. W. Cowles and others, to
amend the charter of New Haven and
Northampton Company-of Daniel Russell
and 200 others, for a Railroad-from
Norman Kellogg and others, for a Railroad
on the banks of the Canal-of Joshua R.
Jewett and others, with the same prayer-of
Samuel Hall and 104 masters of vessels on
Connecticut River, for a Railroad-of Ira
Gregory and others, for a renewal of the
charter of the Fairfield Co. Railroad-referred to committee on Railroads.
Petition of the electors of Marlborough as against the repeal of the license law-of J
H. Frost and others, with the same prayer
of W. Storer and others same prayer-of
1244 citizens of New London, with the same prayer-referred to committee on the
License Law.
Petition of the town of Sharon against
the town of Goshen, relating to a turnpike
gate-referred to committee on Roads and
Bridges.
Resolution, changing the name of the
Horticultural Society of New Haven to New
Haven County Horticultural Society; passed.
Committee announced on Engrossed Bill:
-Messrs. Hull, Stevens, of Glastenbury
and Nettleton.
The Governor transmitted by the hand of his Private Secretary the following
MESSAGE:
To the Senate and House of Representatives
Authentic intelligence has been received
that war has broken out between the United
States and Mexico. It has been commenced by Mexico, and the blood of our citizens-
has been freely shed. Congress has recognized the existence of the war, and authorized the President to call into the field,
in aid of the regular army, a volunteer force
of Fifty Thousand men, in order speedily
by prompt and decisive measures, to restore peace upon just and reasonable terms.
In this emergency, when energetic action
may early produce that result, and
many lives and much treasure, I beg leave to submit to the wisdom and patriotism of the Legislature the propriety of manifesting its hearty concurrence in the action of Congress, by adopting such further measures as may befit the occasion, and sustain the well earned fame of this Commonwealth.

ISAAC TOUCEY.

GENERAL ASSEMBLY, May Session, 1846.

Read and referred to a Joint Select Committee of one from each County on the part of the House

Petitions.

Of Merrill Humphrey and others of Norfolk, for repeal or alteration of Military Laws—referred to Committee on Military Affairs.

Of O. S. Weller, for discharge of Cyril Cady from State's Prison—referred to Committee on State's Prison.

Adjourned to 10 o'clock to-morrow morning.

Thursday Morning, May 21st.

The Committee on Roads and Bridges asked leave to be discharged from the petition of the Commissioner of the Mystic Bridge, and that it be transferred to the Treasurer; granted.

Same Committee asked to be discharged from the petition of Derby Bridge and Ferry Co.; and that the petitioners have leave to withdraw; granted. The parties have settled their difficulties.

Petition of A. G. Davis and others respecting the commutation of the punishment of A. P. Potter, came from the Senate referred to a joint Select Committee.

Report of Superintendent of Common Schools with a resolution providing for the printing 2500 copies of the report and the distribution thereof.

The Select Committee on the Message of the Governor respecting the Mexican war—are Messrs Burrall, Catlin, Boardman, Jackson of Middletown, Belcher, Minor, Steele of Ellington, and Riggslow of East Hartford.

Petition of C. Goodrich and others for a rail road on the line of Farmington Canal; referred to Committee on Railroads.

Remonstrance of J. N. Ayers and others concerning a certain portion of the Governor's message; paper read.

Mr. Minor, of Stamford, on introducing this paper to the notice of the House, remarked that he knew these petitioners personally. They are capable, intelligent, well informed men; honest and patriotic. They are astonished to find such insinuation and charges in the Message of His Excellency. They did not believe them true of any of the people of this state, to any such extent as alleged. On their part, they hurled back for themselves the imputations of the Message with indignation and defiance. He said—These petitioners were not persons to be bribed, or who could in any manner, either open or covert, attempt to bribe others. They considered it a crime of deep dye to trifle, as has been charged, with the sacred rights and immunities of a freeman. They would not suffer the imputation to lie against themselves, and the whole body of employers, without repelling and denying it with spirit and determination.

Had they heard it from mere partisans, in the purlieus of a caucus, they might have regarded it lightly—but coming from the Governor, in his official capacity, it was a most weighty matter, and demanded serious consideration. They wished the facts, if any there were, brought to light and spread before the community—that the innocent might not be involved with the guilty, and the condemnation might fall only where it was deserved.

Mr. M. moved that the paper be referred to a select committee.

Mr. Clarke, of Lebanon, did not feel he was pointed at. Some did. He opposed the Committee—he would have men keep cool.

Motion for a select Committee—lost—

Ayes 105—Noes 109.

Mr. Chalmers moved its reference to Committee on the Judiciary.

Mr. Minor asked the mover to accept an amendment—that they send for persons and papers.

Mr. Scofield advocated the amendment.

Some one called for the ayes and noes. The Speaker decided it out of order.

Amendment lost: Ayes 101—Noes 108.

Original motion passed.
Remonstrance of Mayor, Common Council, &c., of the city of Hartford, against the Railroad Bridge at Middletown; read and referred to Committee on Railroads.

Resolution passed that B. A. Copp be Judge of County Court of New London County; and Latham Hull, Albert Latham, and Julius Clark, Commissioners of the said Court for said County.

Petition of W. S. Hempsted, for the commutation of the punishment of A. P. Potter; house reconsidered and referred to the select committee on that subject.

Public act to incorporate the Magnetic Telegraph Co. and to punish those who injure the property of said company; read twice and referred to the committee on incorporations other than banks.

Public act regulating the pay of grand jurors and the talesmen to have 75 cents per day, &c.; read twice and referred to the judiciary committee.

Public act to authorize town clerks to take acknowledgment of deeds; read twice and referred to judiciary committee.

Public Act respecting summary processes—providing for giving notices to lessees &c.; read twice and referred to Committee on Judiciary.

Committee on the State Prison reported in favor of the petition of Alfred Sawyer to be discharged from Prison. Mr. Clarke explained the circumstances of the case.

Mr. Dixon of Enfield favored the report—the prisoner was doubtless not guilty of the crime for which he was confined—he was poor and not well defended on his trial.

Mr. Foster thought the Court at the time of trial were better prepared to pass upon his case than we are. The public treasury is open to every man—the witnesses are dead—the circumstances look suspicious; Is there nothing else in his favor: On such grounds I cannot agree with the gentlemen in their views.

Mr. Arnold stated the circumstances in which his crime was alleged to have been committed.

Mr. Hall, of Winchester related the circumstances of the trial—it was fair—his means of defence ample. Sawyer's character was previously bad. So was the woman's. He was rightly punished for his general sins—even if not guilty of rape.

Mr. Robinson, of Fairfield, said the person was well tried—unless the witnesses were now impeached before the Committee, he could see no reasonable ground for his discharge.

Messrs. Clark of Milford, Phelps of Granby and Catlin gave their views upon the petition and report.

Mr. Seymour of Litchfield also stated the bad character of the witnesses, by whose testimony this person was convicted.

Mr. Perkins said it was difficult to convict a person of such a crime—Juries are very unwilling to bring in guilty. If they do so, the evidence must be conclusive. We must not pay too much deference to such petitions and testimony as come before this standing committee in these cases.

Resolution passed and the prayer granted.

Resolution offered that Levi Barnes 2d of Southington be Judge of Probate for the District of Southington. Mr. Perkins moved that it be re-committed. Motion passed, and the resolution re-committed.

Mr. Darling was excused from serving on Committees on account of ill health.

Adjourned to Friday at 10 o'clock.

Friday Morning, May 22.

The committee on new towns and probate districts reported in favor of the petition to annex a part of the town of Ridgefield to Danbury. Mr. Sturges of Newtown advocated the bill. Mr. Northrop also advocated its passage, and bill in form passed.

The Speaker announced the following select committee on the petitions for the commutation of the punishment of Andrew P. Potter—Messrs. Perkins of Hartford, Russel of Middletown, Peck of Greenwich, Terrill of Kent, Bronson of Middlebury, Rockwell of Lebanon, Ormsbee of Ashford, and Waldo of Tolland.

Petition of Elias Hotchkiss and 230 others to release firemen from military duty after six years service; referred to committee on incorporations other than Banks. Of A. M. Holley and others for incorporation of a life insurance company; same reference. Of Horace Rice for discharge from State Prison. Of H. R. Haight for change of act in regard to Equestrian performances: referred to the committee on the license law. Of C. Thompson for remuneration for injuries sustained in arresting a criminal: referred to committee on claims. Of Reuben Mansfield and others for relief of Golden Hill tribe of Indians; referred to committee on claims.

Bill for public act in alteration of an act of 1832 extending it to machinery in buildings; read twice and referred to judiciary committee.

Public act in alteration of an act respecting Sheriffs, providing that Commissioners may remove Deputy Sheriffs for sufficient cause; read twice and referred to committee on the judiciary.

Remonstrance of Connecticut River Steamboat Company against a bridge at Middletown; referred to committee on Railroads. Committee on Roads and Bridges reported against the petition of the Tolland and Mansfield Turnpike Company; report accepted, and petition not granted. Same committee reported in favor of petition of Fair Haven Turnpike Company; recommitted with instructions to state facts, &c.

Saturday Morning, May 23.

The Committee on Claims to whom was referred the petition of Sturges Selleck, for remuneration for the support of John Tyler, a pauper, reported that from the facts presented to them and the associations connected therewith, they concluded to report in favor of the petitioner.

The Committee on Contested Elections, to whom was referred the petition of William T. Jones and Zenas Chapell, of the town of Hebron, made the report setting out that the petitioners subpoenaed certain persons from the town of Marlborough to testify in the case, but that the witnesses had not yet appeared, and asking the House to give power to the Speaker to issue his capias to bring the witnesses before the Committee. Resolution passed authorizing the Speaker to issue his capias, to arrest the persons named, and bring them before the Committee.

The Committee on Contested Elections, on the petition of John Peek, of Naugatuck, praying that the present sitting member, Thomas Spencer, may be turned out, and his seat given to Leonard Spencer, reported resolutions declaring that Thomas Spencer is not entitled to his seat, and that Leonard Spencer is entitled to his seat in the House. Mr. Catlin made a long statement of the facts as found by the committee, which were too numerous and too tedious to mention.

Mr. Buel followed Mr. Catlin with an able argument against the resolution, declaring Leonard Spencer entitled to a seat. Mr. B. is a deliberate, systematic speaker, and gives much clearness and force to his views on any subject upon which he addresses the House.

After some further debate between Messrs Burrall and Buel, the resolution turning out Thomas Spencer was passed without a dissenting voice.

The resolution admitting Leonard Spencer then came up, and the debate was continued by Messrs. Selden, Catlin, Buel and Burrall, till near 1 o'clock, when the resolution passed.

Resolutions appointing Benjamin Pinney, of Ellington, Judge of the County Court, and Talmon Cross, of Tolland, Gurley Phelps, of Coventry, and Alpheus Kingsley, of Columbia, County Commissioners for Tolland County.—Passed.

Resolutions passed appointing the following Judges of Probate:

David A. Fox for the District of Bozrah.
Lodowic Bill	Lyme.
George Kingsley	Lebanon.
Thomas P. Wattles	N. Stonington.
Christopher Newton	Ledyard.
William P. Eaton	Norwich
Ephraim Williams	Stonington.
Adjourned to 10 o'clock Monday morning.