Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1870-01-05
MEETING OF THE LEGfsh4TURE.

MEETING OF THE LEGfS3s2d IChE'
The annual meeting Of the Legislature
at the State House to-day is not attended
with any unusual interest. The matters
which will chiefly occupy its attention
have not aroused special notice, or drawn
out any strong antagonism, as they have
from time to time been mentioned IN the
columns of the press. Appearances indi-
cate an harmonious session, devoted close
" TO State interests, which are increasing
in Importance and demanding more and
more the time of our Legislators.
The election of United States Senator
to fill the unexpired term of MIR. Fessen-
den, will be one of the first important acts
of the Legislature. Fortunately there is
no division among republicans in regard
to the person to fill this place, and Hon.
Lot III. Morrill, will be elected without OPP
position.
The consolidation of the railroad inter-
ests of the State will be presented, and
will be leading subject for consideration
and settlement, involving several other
important questions. There is no doubt
thai travel and transportation of freight
would be better accommodated under the
proposed consolidation, than at present,
the management Of the roads improved,
the expense lessened, the railroad system
of the State more symmetrically developed,
and the Legislature relieved of many an
noyances with which it has been troubled
in times past, but some fears are expressed
that the power created by the union of
these railroad interests may be used to
over shadow and control other important
interests to the disadvantage of the people
and the State. 1t is probable that those
who favor consolidation will be able to sat
isfy the Legislature that they have no
grasping policy in view, and win be will
ing to take such terms as will insure the
general safety, and dispel the fears of a
monopoly" There will be new railroads
seeking charters in various parts Of the
State, particularly in the east, so that al
together railroads will be the most en-
crossing topic of the session. tits surpris-
ing to see how projects for new railroads
start up, and how, when once started, they
are carried forward against all obstacles
to completion. According to appearances
Maine will soon be traversed by a railroad
system that will be felt for good in every
town in her borders.
The Improvement of our common
schools will again be pressed upon the at
tention of the Legislature. During the
last year there has been an awakening in
all parts of the State to the subject of ed
ucation, through the agency of county
and county institutes es-
tablished last winter. The Superintendent
of Schools can fairly claim success for his
measures SO far adopted, and in conse-
quence will ask with more confidence and
a better right to favorable consideration
the farther adoption of his plans. There is
no money the people pay more willingly
than that which is expended upon their
public schools, or for which they receive
so large return, and whatever may be re-
quired to render them more efficient will
be cheerfully given. The liberal and
vigorous policy which other States are pur-
suing towards their schools is compelling
us to do likewise lest we lose all our best
teachers, and CTR schools fall below the
common rank. We cannot afford to allow
this great interest to be neglected. Super
intendent johnson has fully developed his
plan and discussed it freely. We do not
understand that he will urge the adoption
of the whole at this session, only such part
as seems to be most Indispensable and
necessary.
There are other matters of importance
that will be before the Legislature, sufii-
cient to keep it occupied the usual time,
and test its good sense and ability. The
friends of temperance may ask for legisla-
ton, but there is no well defined move
ment in that direction. The encourage
ment of manufactures is subject to which
attention will be called, and towards which
the report upon the water power of the
State will give additional stimulus. If the
valuable power which is running to waste
through our rivers were well employed in
driving factories it would add immensely
to the wealth of the State The State val
uation and the districting of the State
anew, will require attention, also savings
banks and insurance companies.
The present Legislature has amongst its
members many of marked ability, and will
doubtless make an honorable record when
with other Legislative bodies.
OF speaking talent there is sufficient of the
best quality for any and every purpose,
and in legal talent and learning, as well
as in sound common sense-which is one
of the best qualifications for legislator
there is no lack. Everything promises a
pleasant and profitable session.
The New York Tribune says western
are greatly eyert.isad oypr the