A Souvenir of Massachusetts Legislators 1900 Volume IX

Hardcover. Book Condition: Very Good. A.M. Bridgman, Stoughton, MA 1900. First Edition. 1st Printing. 204 pages. Nice Firm Clean copy ! Light general wear. Size: 8vo 7.75 - 9.75'' tall. PREFACE. As has been noted by the editor of these Souvenirs, each session has some unusual feature to distinguish it from every other. That of 1900 certainly rounded out the century as, in many respects, the most remarkable Legislature that for many years sat beneath the gilded dome. It began with a peculiarly 'strenuous' contest over the Speakership of the House. To the credit of the contestants be it said that the result was accepted with a good grace, and the unsuccessful competitors of the winner became his able and efficient supporters on the floor. Death early claimed a member, and within the first four months of the session two other members passed away. These were Messrs. Rivers of Milton, Wright of Fitchburg and Keyou of Medford. There were two unusual investigations, a state board in each case being the object of attack. Their results, as shown by legislative action, did not justify the time and expense of the investigations. There was also an investigation of the allegation by the newspapers of improper influences attending the passage of a certain bill, but the committee's report completely exonerated the members from any suspicion. But the unusual feature of the whole session, and that which drew out its length beyond that of all its predecessors, with a single exception, was the contest over the lease of the Fitchburg railroad to the Boston & Maine and that of the Boston & Albany to the New York Central. These subjects occupied the attention of the railroad committee until June 8 and they were not entirely disposed of until July 17. But in spite of the unusual and laborious nature of the session, the members voted down the proposi tion to allow themselves additional compensation and the close of the century was reached with the dignity and decorum that characterizes the fitting representation of the law making power of the original and typical 'Commonwealth.' The legislators of 1900 can certainly claim distinction of membership in a body marked by enough events out of the ordinary to make it a notable 'One in a Hundred' of similar bodies of the old Bay State. Each Souvenir has some peculiar and unusual feature, and that of this year's is the copy, on page 127, of the very rare painting of Daniel Webster under his favorite tree at his home in Marshfield, after he had retired from active participation in public life. A. M. BRIDGMAN, Editor. New England::History New England::Biographies/Memoirs History::Localities History::U.S.A.::1900-1950 6068