Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1870-01-08
NO.. T..


Maine. But school embracing all the ma
teria industries, teaching our young men skill
in the handicrafts which invite them to worthy
and profitable employment, training and
ing them to strike a and good blow in
the manly riyalries Of peace war--sueh school
in fact hundreds Of young men 90 out of
the State to seek, would not only live and flourish
but would be powerful and pre-eminent good.
Whether we can make such a school Of ours | do
not know; but such an one we must have or our
money and efforts will have been spent in vain.
The splendid volume published by the Historical
Society forming the first in the series of the Docu-
mentary History Of Maine authorized by the Legis-
lature of 1861 which traces the discovery Of this
coast from the Northmen in 800 to the Charter of
Gilbert in 1913, has doubtless been laid before you
volume quite as remarkable containing the
first publication Of original manuscript of tho
celebrated Hakuyt in which he urges upon Queen
Elizabeth the vigorous prosecution Of colonization
on this coast is in course of preparation 1t is pro-
posed to 60 with the history OF the actual
patton of this territory under the influence and
efforts of Sir Ferdinando Gorges. These works are
credit to the liberaity of the State and the learn
ing of the society, and attracting much atten-
ton as valuable contributions to American History.
MILITARY.
/ The question of an efficient and economical
Militia system has been long agtated, but
still unsettled. For the last three years
have given the matter much thought. You
will bear me witness that | have not shown
disposition to cxalt unduly the military ele-
ment to incur the expenses or abuse the pow
ers which the law places in the control of the
Executive. 1t is unsafe however to be with
out some military force at call in case of
need. The moderate suggestion was made
and adopted at the last session. of authorizing
ten companies of Infantry to be fully equip
ped by the State. The orders of the Depart
ment will show with what care and caution
( the intent of tho I.ap slaturn has haep ;aJ
out. Applications have been thoroughly con-
sidered; companies have been accepted only
where the several localities appeared fully in
earnest to maintain them, and only those men
mustered, who upon rigorous examination
were found able to do full duty. The result
indicates the wisdom Of the statute. We have
now an incentive to military duty, and
premium on good soldiershp. 1t will be work
and not play, school of discipline for mani-
ness. Seven companies with an aggregate of
4l3 men have been accepted. The appro-
priation intended to accompany the Act hav-
ing been overlooked, no uniforms have as vet
been issued with the exception of overcoats
for the two Portland companies, which are
under orders TO appear on duty. We can the
better afford to cXpend money judiciously,
because we have not expended any foolishly
These companies were not TO be organized as
regiment That especially / wished to
space to be best handled in that way. 2. The
rank of Colonel would be too low for the ac-
tual command of our whole effective force.
3. This office being elective, the personal
and local rivalries that would ensue would be
harmful to good discipline. 4. 1t was the
pith of the whole plan to have these compan-
les independent corps, responsible only to the
Commanderin- Chief, and capable by the char
acter of the men, their military knowledge,
a,,l % I'D
regiments and even brgades at very short
notice, with officers ali ready competent and
understanding. This am satisfied is the
right way for us, and at a triffing expense we
may have body of soldiers which might well
be pride and example as well as defence
to the State. Our present Militia Law is
good one and sufficient for all exigencies, and
need not be touched.
A large lot of material accumulated in the
Arsenals and practically worthless to tho
State, has been very advantageously sold
under the direction of committee of the
Council, and the proceeds, 50. .56f 81, paid into
the Treasury.
The State Pension Law has been admins
tered with much care. The whole number
of applications for 1869 is 712 OF these e35
have been allowed at various rates. The
whole amount expended to date is S2+ 562.
The pension year ends somewhat awkwardly
ders complete report to the Legislature
impossible. 1t would be better to make the
pension account end with the year. II is esti-
mated that some 80 claims more will be presen-
ted and allowed, rendering the whole number of
pensions some 700, and swelling the amount
paid for the full year to about S35 900. These
figures we may now regard as about the set
tied amounts of our liabilities on the score OF
pensions. The law and its application is now
well understood that few butmeritorous cases
will apply, and these, it may be presumed are
now nearly all in. 1t will be seen that the
amounts received by the pensioners fall very
far short of the maximum allowed by law,
viz. 500 each. The average is now very
nearly $50. The appropriation being limited,
we are, of course, anxious to keep within the
amount; while the applicants are so many
that to render aid to all, the sum allowed to
each must necessarily be small, and some
have to be sent away empty, and perhaps
rather summarily. You will doubtless continue
this aid. 1t seems indeed pitifully small, COM
pared with the great gift these widows and
orphans and wounded men have made to the
nation in her hour of peril This pittance
does not restore health, nor the son, or hus
band, or father. The guide of youth and the
stay of age is smitren from their sight. The
best we can do is pOor-the most we can give
is little. That at any rate we should do and
should give. The cost OF the Ienslon ONCE
will be 81, 100 for the year, Perhaps some
saving might be made and some other advan-
tagcs secured by placing this business in the
Adiutant Generals Office The ordinary
duties of that office will naturally be less as
we gradually settle up the accounts of the
war. One disadvantage would be obviated
the changing of hands each year. In all
doubtful or disputed cases as now, appeal
might still be had TO the Governor.
The Board of Guardians of destitute Or
phans of soldiers and sailors have used such
diligence as they conid in fulfilling their
trust. The duties Of this Board are varied
!, and wide. Besides receiving applications
they have to search out cases. visiting distant
places for the personal inspection of reported
destitution, and sometimes assuming the en-
! tire care Of the homeless and unprotected.
The result has saown many bereaved families
! and much suffering. The number Of or
phans now on our list is 2,27o. OF these,
: 200 have more or less been aided Sixty
have been absolutely taken into our care, and
most of them placed in those beneAcent In
! stitutions which are well called Homes. Tho
Drnhap Asylt,r, at RaSuor has rarniye1 2l