The Union and journal. [volume] (Biddeford, Me.) 1858-1882, 1863-01-16
Volume ID.

er form one of the proudest chapters in the
history Of the State.
In several Of our sister States provision has
been made for allowing those absent as SOL
diers in the Union army to vote at the general
election. think this practice is wise, expe-
dent and just. 1t would seem absolutely
unfair and unequal that those who are peril
ing 80 much for the common veal should be
deprived in the slightest degree OF the COM
mon benefits and the common privileges oil
the citizen. We all owe an immeasurable
debt of gratitude 10 those who are battling in
the field for our civil rights and our nationals
ity, and il certainly becomes us to manifest
our appreciation OF their heroic devotion and
patriotism. not by mere words Of eulogy or
thanks but by substantial tokens Of our SYM
patliy and our regard. recommend there
fore. that adequate provision be made Tor al
lowing our soldiers to vote while in service,
and If the extension OF this privilege should
even require change in our State Constitu-
ton, il would, I think. be wise to make IL.
This necessity might involve delay, but II
would have a compensating advantage IN the
fact that the change, when made, would EN-.
body the direct will Of the people and would
have the stability of organic law.
STATE FINANCES.
The condition of the State Finances will be
fully exhibited in the Report of the Treasu-
rer. soon to be laid before you. Our expendl-
lures have been increased in various ways by
the existence OF the war, but not in such
manner as TO embarrass the Treasury. oppress
the people, or affect our credit. Indeed at
no previous period have our State bonds COM
manded so high premium in the market as
they have during the past year. Let 1t be
our constant aim, by prudence and economy
in our expenditures. and by the most rigid
observance of public faith, to maintain our
State credit untarnished through all the mu-
tations and trials TO which we may be SUBJ
jec,ed.
AT the outbreak of the rebellion, our State
debt amounted to S699,000; Of this sum
$3.50, 900 was on account OF the Massachu-
setts lands, purchased in 1858, and the re-
mainder was incurred during the Aroostook
war and in the years anterior thereto. Dur
ing the year 1861, war loans were negotiated
to the gross amount of SS00,000, while in
March last the maturing installment OF the
old debt, amounting to S30,000. was paid.
The precise bonded debt OF the State at this
time, is Sl,i69,OOO.
The total outlay from the Treasury on ac-
count OF the war, mp TO the close OF the past
year, amounts to Sl,l27,767.52. II is CONT
IDENTIFY asserted that these expenditures have
been characterized by the most judjcious
economy, and the accounts have been Kept
with accuracy and perspicuity. sustained
throughout by the most amply authenticated
vouchers. Primarily the whole sum thus ex.
pended constitutes claim against the United
States, and up To this time accounts IN detail
e nnt n haua haa
presented to the Federal Treasury for audit
inr and liquidation, leaving balance Of $780,
697.9l vet TO be presented. On these ac-
counts the Secretary of the Treasury has paid
$500, 900. lie has further ordered our State
to De credited with the payment of its share
of the direct tax under the twenty million bill
of August S, 1861. This tax, after the de-
duction of IS per centum for the States as
sumption OF its payment, amounted TO S3oI,-
7O2. 10, and it's credit TO US, together with the
s32O, 900 Just named, make an aggregate pay
ment TO us from the Federal Treasury ot
S677,702.lO on account-leaving still a bal
ance in our favor OF Si50.065,i2, to be far.
ther increased, as Just mentioned. by the sum
of S36,6y79l. Of this sum it is entirely
probable tina, the amount paid as boun,ies to
the first ten Regiments, viz Sl96.S934l,
will not be allowed. and hence the amount to
be expected from the General Government is
S2S9, ,sG592. This will doubtless be paid to
us in cash or its equivalent as soon as the ac-
counts shall have been audited by the proper
bureau in the Treasury Department The
latest information we have as TO the accounts,
however, does not lead US to expect their pay
ment in season 20 have the money used tor
any of the appropriations you may be called
on TO make at this session.
The exigencies of the past year in enlsting
additional troops under the calls from the
President. compelled the raising OF large
sums Of money for the payment OF bounties'
which it seems not only expedient but abso.
lutely necessary to give. The amount de-
sired was advanced by various banks on the
request of my predecessor, in full faith that
you would legalizo the transaction and as
sumo payment of whatever is due. l take 1t
for granted that there will be no hesitation in
adopting this course. The action OF my pred.
ecessor was doubtless in accordance with the
wishes OF very large majority OF our people;
il was dictated by the highest patriotism, and
il was done when the exgency was so press
ing that il was deemed impracticable to as
sembe the Legislature for seasonable eo.op-
Grafton in procuring a loan. The total sum
thus negotiated, with the interest accrued,
amounts TO some S3t0,000, and the details OF
It's expenditure will be fully exhibited in the
Report of the Adiutant General. lrespectful.
ly urge that you provide promptly tori's pay
ment.
A further use of the State credit will be
called for in carrying out the provisions OF
ian act in aid of the families Of volunteers
passed by the last Legislature. The act con.
templates the assumption by the State within
certain prescribed limits. of whatever expen-
di,ures towns may make to aid the families OF
those who are in the ranks OF the Union ar
NV. Its object Is just aud benetcent, and It's
effect has been very marked in inducing men
% enlist who would have been 10th TO go
had they not seen this provision made for
those dependent on them for support. In
this view. the act constitutes a species OF con-
tract on the part of the State with the SOL
diers, and we thus stand pledged to its faith
ful observance. Its repeal, or any modihca-
ton which would render IL less beneficial to
those for whose advantage it was intended.
would be breach OF faith on the part OF the
State. The maintenance of the act in its full
spirit and effect has, therefore. passed from
question Ct legislative expediency to one oil
public honor.
There is a change. however, which may be
made in IL, entirely consistent with the views
Jus, expressed. BY the 4ih section oil the
act i, is directed that the amounts found due
to the several towns shall, on the hrst day oil
March. be passed to their credi, by the State
Treasurer ain book kept Tor the purpose,
and shall draw interest on and alter that
date. And on the said first day oil March the
Treasurer shall issue to such city, town OF
plantation. in his capacity Of Treasurer. his