Ellsworth American. [volume] (Ellsworth, Me.) 1855-current, 1863-01-16

ion has been made tor the allowing those
absent as soldiers in the Union army to
vote at the general election. think this
practice is wise. expedient, and just
1t would seem absolutely unfair aud un-
equal that those who are perilling so
much for the common veal should be de-
prved in the slightest degree of the COM
mon benefit and common privileges of the
citizen. We all owe an immeasurable
debt of gratitude to those who are bat.
tling in the field for our civil rights and
our nationality, and it certainly becomes
us to manifest cur appreciation of their
heroic devotion and patriotism, not by
mere words Of culogy or thanks, but by
substantial tokens of our sympathy and
our regard. l recommend, therefore,
that adequate provision be made for al
lowing our soldiers to vote while in SER
vice, and if the extension of this privll-
eye should even require a change in our
State Constitution, it would, | think, be
wise to make it. This necessity might
involve delay, but it would have CON-
pensating advantage in the fact that the
change, when made, would embody 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 Treasurer, soon to be laid before you.
Our expenditures have been increased in
various ways by the existence Of the war,
but not in such a manner as to affect our
credit. Indeed at no previous period
have onr State bonds commanded SO high
a premium in the market as they have
during the past year. Let it be our con-
slant 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 mutations and trials to which we may
be subj bjccted.
At the outbreak Of the rebellion, our
State debt amounted to S699,0O Of this
sum S250,000 was on account of the
Massachusetts, lands, purchased in 1893,
and the remainder was incurred dming
the Aroostook war and in the years ante
rior thereto. During the year 1861, war
loans were negotiated to the gross amount
of $500, 600, while in March last the
maturing inst lIment of the old debt,
amounting to $4,000, was paid. The
precise bonded debt of the State at this
time. therefore, is s ,4G9 600.
The total outlay from the Treasury on
account Of the war, up to the close of the
past year, amounts to s ,l27, ,I61 %. 1t
is confidently asserted that these expcn-
ditures have been characterized by the
most judicous economy; and the accounts
have been kept with accuracy and per-
spicuity, sustained throughout by the
most authenticated vouchers. Primarily
the whole sum thus expended constitutes
claim against the United States, and up
to this time accounts in detail to the
amount Of S1,09l ,069.6l, have been pre-
scnted to the Federal Treasury for audit
ing and liquidation, leaving balance OF
s36,G79,9l yet to be presented On
these accounts the Secretary Of the Treas
ury has paid s20,000 lie has further
ordered our State to be credited with the
payment of its share of the direct tax
under the twenty million bill of August
5, 1861. The tax after the deduction OF
Is per centum for the States assumption
of its payment, amounted to S351,i02,'
10, and its credit to US, together with the
$500, 900 Just named, make an aggregate
payment to us from tho Federal Treasury
of S611,702, 10 on account-leaving still
balance in our favor of Si50,0 900, ~
to be farther increased, as just mentioned
by the sum Of S36,697,9l. OF this sum
it is entirely probable that the amount
paid as bounties to the first tel regiments
viz: Sl96, 6,S97,4l will not be allowed,
and hence the amount to be expected from
the General Government is $3.50, ,SO5, 90
This will doubtless be paid to us in cash
or its equivalent, as soon as the accounts
shall have beef audited by the proper bu.
reau in the Treasury Department. The
latest information we have as to the ac.
counts does not lead us, however, to ex.
pect their payment in season to have the
money used for any of tho appropriations
you may be called on to make at :his
session.
The exigencies of the past year in en-
listing additional troops under the calls
from the President, compelled the raising
of large sums of money for the payment
9 xrh, ,h ~ A. y
pedient but absolutely necessary to give
The amount desired was advanced by va
rious banks on the request of my prede-
cessor, in the full faith that you would
legalzc the transaction and assume pay
ment of whatever is due. | take it for
granted that there will be no hesitancy in
adopting this course. The action of my
predecessor was doubtless in accordance
with the wishes of very large majority
of our people; it was dictated by the
highest patriotism, and it was done when
the exigency was so pressing that it was
deemed impracticablc to assemble the
Legislature for seasonable cooperation in
procuring loan. The total sum thus c.
cotiated with the interest accrued, amounts
to some S340, 900 and the details Of its
expenditure will be fully exhibited in the
Report of the Adjutant General. | re-
spectfuly urge that you provide promptly
for its paymeut.
A further uso of the State credit will
be called for in carrying out the provi-
sious of .'an act in aid of the families OF
volunteers" passed by the Legislature -
The net cnntem mates the asSumntion by