On March 24, 1909, Representative Joseph Madden, of Keene, made a motion to reconsider the normal school bill calling for two new normal schools, as he had learned that Gov. Quimby would not sign legislation providing for more than one additional school.
Keene Evening Sentinel
March 25, 1909
Page 5
TAX COMMISSION BILL PASSES
Goes Through House Under Roll Call by Vote of 185 to 124 –
Gov. Quimby Will Sign Bill for Only One Normal School.
Concord, March 24. – The bill to establish a state tax commission was the subject of another redhot debate in the house today after which it was passed for the second time by a roll call vote of 185 to 124. It will be remembered that the first passage of this measure was followed by a reconsideration on the ground that it should await action on other taxation measures. The friends of the bill argued today against further delay and won out as stated.
Five other bills were passed in the lower branch, including the important bill for a law uniform with that of other states upon the subject of negotiable instruments; to prohibit the carrying of concealed weapons; an amendment of the fire escape law; requiring street railways to sprinkle streets through which they pass; and incorporation the Conway Light and Power company….
As soon as the tax commission bill passed the house this afternoon the quorum disappeared from that body and Chairman French of the appropriations committee was able to keep his promise to prevent the consideration of any appropriation bills until all of them are on the same footing.
One, the normal school bill, was sent back to the appropriations committee for revision. It provides for the establishment of two normal schools, one at Keene and the other at Nashua; and Mr. Madden of Keene, who made the motion for reconsideration, said he had been told by Gov. Quimby that the latter would not sign a bill providing for more than one. So the question is, which one?
The senate passed the bill in relation to Union school district in Keene; the bill to legalize the March meeting in Gilsum; and the bill covering contracts for high school tuition in and out of the state schools.
O’Neil of Walpole made one of the strongest speeches in support of the tax commission bill. The vote of Cheshire county on this roll call was as follows: For the bill: Dodge of Alstead, Andrew of Dublin, Bemis of Harrisville, Poole of Jaffrey, Aldrich, George, Swan. Huntress, Jones, Madden, of Keene; Honey of Marlow, Clement of Surry, O’Neil and Prentiss of Walpole, and Kathan of Westmoreland; against the bill, Davis of Chesterfield, Wilder of Gilsum, Locke and Pike of Hinsdale, Cutter of Jaffrey, Robertson of Keene. Bullock of Richmond, Goodnow of Sullivan and Hanna of Swanzey.
H. C. PEARSON