Legislature Debates 'March 17 Day' Bill

It was a great day for the Irish yesterday as the State House of Representatives adopted a bill to make St. Patrick's Day a legal holiday.

The law could go into effect this year by an "emergency preamble," according to Representative Daniel M. O'Sullivan, although it must be approved by the Senate and the Governor.

The new holiday, to be called "March 17," will provide for a joint celebration of St. Patrick's and Evacuation Day, which commemorates the British withdrawal from Boston during the Revolution. It would be observed by a closing of stores and public offices.