The advance to third reading in the House by a vote of 147 to 54 of the sterilization bill on Friday would seem to assure the passage of the bill at this evening's session, unless some unusual change of opinion takes place over the week-end.

Debate of the bill in the House on Friday was marked by bitterness and unparliamentary remarks from both proponents and opponents of the measure which might better have been left unsaid. Such remarks often leave sore marks which do not quickly heal.

However, Mrs. Bickford of Bradford deserves credit for an excellent exposition of the purpose of the bill. She spoke to the point, in a sensible reasonable manner and the members listened appreciatively to what she had to say. Mrs. Daniels of Grafton and Representatives Martin of Shrewsbury, Dawson of Woodstock, Harding of West Fairlee and Powers of Vergennes also spoke convincingly for the bill. Mr. Wishart of Barre City added a fine note when he urged tolerance of other people's views in a matter of this kind.

Among those who opposed the bill, Mr. Murphy of St. Albans City made the best impression, we believe, judging by the manner in which the members of the House listened.

There are indications that one of the best assets for any bill in the House these days is to have Mr. Burke of Burlington and Mr. Ellis of Fair Haven speak against it. However, every member has a right to be heard and the slamming of desks is not only bad legislative ethics, but it produces the impression that the members of the Legislature will listen only to those they wish to hear. This, of course, is not so, for this House, like all others for many years at least, has listened carefully to both sides of the various questions submitted for discussion. Vermont legislators are usually fair.