Ellsworth American. [volume] (Ellsworth, Me.) 1855-current, 1857-01-16


by all true. friends Of Constitutional lib
erty.
The Constitution of the United States
declares " that a we'll regulated Militia
is necessary Of a free State" and requires
Congress to provide for organizing. arm
ing, and disciplining, the Militia Of the
several States, reserving to the States
the appointment of officers. and training
the troops according to the discipline
prescribed by Congress. The Coustitu-
ton of Maine provides that " NO person
of the age Of eighteen years. and under
the age of fortyz6ve years except Ger
tain specified class shall be exempt
from military duty, unless he shall pay
an equivalent to be fixed by law" 1t
will be within your province to inquire
whether our present militia laws are in
conformity with these constitutional re-
auirements, and to provide by Legisla-
tive enactment. for any important defects
that shall be found to exist. 1t cannot
be doubted that sufficient numbers of
our citizens, can at all times be relied
upon, whose zeal and patriotism will in
duce them to engage in voluntary mil
tary organizations suitable for present.
and which shall form sufficient nucleus
for all prospective purposes. They
should nndersta and that they may conf
IDENTIFY rely upon al; proper aid. and be
protected in the enjoyment of ther rights.
The small amount which would be found
sufficient to tighten the military labors
of our citizen soldiers would bear no
comparison to what we should be oblig-
cd, as a State, to contribute for the sup
port of standing army. The entire
abolition of the Militia wonld tend to
that result. 1t is presumed that such
system may be enacted as will impose
upon the soldier only contribution Of
his time, and the cost of the uniform OF
his corps. The whole subject is one OF
great Importance, and is commended to
your careful consideration.
STATE REFORM SCHOOL.
The State Reform School was. it is
believed, most wisely instituted. AMI
promises to accomplish all the good re-
suits that were anticipated. 1t will un.
doubtedly. be the means of retaining, by
its system of discipline and education.
many of the youths who become its in
mates, from habits of vice and make them
useful members of society. Its true
value cannot we'll be over estimated. It
ia wise even in an economical view with
out regard to the more important aspect
oc it in a moral sense. 1t is cordially
commended to the fostering care . tho
Legislature.
The reports of the Trustees and Of Su-
printendents present very satisfactory
account of the condition of the School
its management, and importance. These
reports will be submitted to you for your
examination and will furnish you with
information of the School in detail. 1t
will be noticed that there is deficiency
in the current expenses for the year end
ing March 81, 1857, Of five thousand
dollars. This deficiency it will be seen.
has mostly arisen from an under estimate
of the number of inmates for the prece-
ding year. Unless that deficiency shall
be supplied at an early day the useful
ness of the School will he imoeded wy
mich, by the embarrassment it must
necessarily oscas'on.
1t is belived that all the affairs OF the
School have been managed with rigid
economy. prehaps with more economy
than its best interests. and the interest
of the State will justify. A rigid econ.
omy, in all the departments of the School.
is not only desirable. but is demanded.
But it may be a want Of economy to
Withhold necessary appropriations. when
demanded for public objects. The at
tention of the Legislature is invited 10
early action on this subject.
INSANE Hosr1rAL.
have not been able to examine. ~ I
have not seen the report Of the Sup"rin.
tendent Of the Insane Hospital RI the
State. For information Of its condi ion,
Tn it's necessities, must refer the Leg
islature to that report. And commend
the Ir s.itution to your liberal and gen.
erous care. 1t was founded by the State
for most humane and noble purpose.
and is entitled to receive its support
Its unfortunate inmates appeal tn the
humanity and benevolence of the State.
and are entitled to it. from every eonsid.
Grafton that should govern an enlightss.
ed community.
GENERAL EDUCATION.
Intelligence ia the sure basis of frss
government. A wcll-informed psople
is the only security upon which we can
rely for the perpetuity OF our liberties.
The Common School is one Of our most
cherished institutions, and marks the
wisdom of its founders. There ia no du.
ty more important, than in providing, by
Just and wise laws. for the general ad-
vance,nent of education. In q revision
Of the laws. our school system. in all ito
departments. as am sure it will, receive
your careful attention. Our schools
have always received the fostering caro-
Of tho Legislature aAd it cannot DO
doubted or justly questioned that our
common schools have much improved
within the past few years. Much more
may, however. be accomplished. and tf6t
may he more useful and efficient ID sdu.
eating the children Of State. Wise 1ass