A Souvenir of Massachusetts Legislators 1903 volume XII

Hardcover. Book Condition: Very Good. A.M. Bridgman, Stoughton, MA 1903. First Edition. 1st Printing. 196 pages. Nice Firm Clean copy ! Light general wear. Size: 8vo 7.75 - 9.75'' tall. PREFACE It has already been noted in this Souvenir that each legislative session is made memorable for something entirely unlike each and every otber sesson; That of 1903 was no exception to the rule. It was made mernorable by the dedication of the monument to Maj. Gen. Joseph Hooker upon the State House grounds; by the death of four members of the House while that body was still in session, and by one on the day after prorogation; by an investigation into charges of alleged bribery in connection with legislation in 1902; and by the suspension of two senators for refusing to obey a direct order of that body. Indeed, there were 'strenuous' days before the final hour was reached. And yet the legislative work was done with intelligence enough to reject a larger proportion than usual of the proposed changes in legislation. There was also the thorough investigation into the supply and distribution of coal, resulting from the coal famine of the previous fall, which resulted in the passage of the bill to license coal dealers, although a bill from the same committee, to prevent 'combinations', was defeated. The session was also in marked contrast to that of 1902 in that not even once did either branch receive some distinguished guest to whom a general reception was given by the members. Never before, however, did any legislature receive so many vetoes from the Governor, not even in the days of Gov. Butler, when there was constant friction between the Executive and Legislative departments of State. These vetoes, 14 in all, were all sustained by an average large majority and besides these, the Governor allowed five bills to become law without approving them with his slgnature. The remaining two mural paintings have been placed in Memorial Hall, and will be a source of continual pleasure and delight, aside from their historic associations, to the thousands who look upon them each year. On page 101 will be found a fine representation of the unveiling of the statue to Gen. Hooker, June 25, This Souvenir is presented by the editor with the assurance that it will continually give pleasure and atisfaction to those who possess it. A. M. BRIDGMAN, Editor and Publisher. New England::History New England::Biographies/Memoirs History::Localities History::U.S.A.::1900-1950 Genealogy 6068