The Union and eastern journal. [volume] (Biddeford [Me.]) 1854-1858, 1857-01-23
has sought him, and which is the natural
rsul. Of, unquestionablo ability and I'M
swerving integrity. L. o. &. =
ArGusra, Jan'y 20. 1857.


werving integrity. L. o. q.
ArGrsrs, Jan'y 20, 1857.
Tho revision of the laws is to occupy n.
good portion Of the time and attention Of
the Legislature. The two commissioners
that have been at work ON them the last
year and that of the year before, have got
them in good shape for the action Ofthe Leg
stature, but questions respecting the expe-
diency Of retaining this provision Of law, or
that section, will arise and elicit discussion.
Judge Shepley has bestowed much labor ON
his revision. but with all his industry and
legal acumen, and desire to render his work
perfect, it would DO strange indeed, If, in all
its parts, the work is complete.
The committee to which has been referred
his revision, is very able one, and I'M
doubtedly will press the work of legislation
on them forward as fast as possible.
Among the subjects presented for the con-
sideration of tho Legislature, is a petition
from the Justices of tho Supreme judicial
Court asking an increase of their salaries
The general feeling, among the members, is,
think, favorable to the increase. Their
salaries now cover travelling expenses, board,
&c, and taking into consideration the grea,
augmentation Of prices of living, there are
certainly good reasons for the increase. In
connection with this subject Of compensation
to State Officers, there is an impression
among all classes, that the salary of the
Governor Of the State is much less than it
should be, and that the per diem of the
members Of the legislature is too meagre.
The Governors salary $500, was establish
cd when the Constitution was adopted as
was also the compensation TO members OF
the Legislature. 1T that period dollar
was worth nearly double what it is at pres
ent. The Governors salary is not now suf-
fcient to justify him in keeping house in
Augusta, and living in such manner as is
suitable to maintain with dignity the position
he occupies. Hence, our Governors have
resorted to the Hotel, and their reception
room has been and is a commonly furnished
room in public house. The interest OF
the State would be promoted by giving the
Governor u salary to enable him to live
decently, and afford him the means Of eIer-
cising the virtues of hospitality, and giving
occasional social parties, Some of the States,
We believe most of them, that have lauda-
bic State pride, have House for their chief
magistrate, furnished, and the Governor ana
his family stand at the: head Of social life.
In all this there is u cOmmendable State
PRIDE worthy of imitation.
The pay of the members is beggarly
, enough. After the Session, If respectable
board has been had, the members may have
enough to pay their travelling expenses home,
but not much more. There are many men,
bers, men who are not ex rayagant either,
who are glad if their pay is sufficient to COW
er their expenses. Ii is true, that OCCASION
ally there is one who manages, by finding
cheap board, and denying himself the com.
fort ola single room and fire, to save per-
haps dollar day, but the number is small
and very few men who arc suitable to be
representatives. are such niggards Us to prac-
tice so severe economy. The pay of the Gov
ernor should be raised to $3.50, and that
Of members to 50 per day. Under tho pro-
visions Of the Constitution tins cannot be
done to affect the Governor and the men,
bers of the present Legislature, but it should
be done for the benefit ol these who are to
govern the State hereafter. The people
would approve it.
The severe storm Of Sunday night, and
Monday, blockadinS the roads, and pre-
venting the cars from running, has kept
most of the members who went home on
Saturday, from returning, and tho House
being thin, no business Of Importance has
been done. Two feet ofsnow ut least must
have fallen here during the storm, and it
piled up beautifully. Loo.