Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1871-01-06

interests, and allowing them to fulhll their
important mission.
No man who remembers the efficient aid
received from our shipyards and merchant
marine in furnishing vessels and experienced
seamen for the creation of a navy in the be-
ginning ofthe war, can fail to appreciate the inn
portance Of this subject to the national defence.
| 1t is vastly cheaper and better every way to
encourage and sustain interests which, in
addition to their means of prosperity in time
of peace, will furnish navy in time OF war,
than to maintain permanently such 4 naval
force as would otherwise be required There
| is no adequate reason for continuing this I'M
friendly legislation, which is paralyzing bus
mess of such Importance.
| / earnestly hope Congress will at an carly
| day remove the burdens of which we COM
plain. This would allow our ships and our
commerce to compete under more favorable
circumstances with those of other nations in
the markets of the world. Let this be done,
and we may reasonably hope that the sounds
of busy industry will soon be heard in our
ship yards: that the sails of our commerce
will again be allowed to whiten every sea,
and that the sight of our flag will gladden. the
hearts of our countrymen in all lands
BIENNIAL ELECTIONS AND SESSIONS OF THE Leg
IsLATURE.
My predecessor, in one of his addresses to the
Legislature called attention to the subject OF
biennial elections of State officers and sessions Of
the Legislature. The suggestion appeared tt. me
timely and worthy of careful consideration. III
A saving of forty or fifty thousand dollars, which
is about the cost of q session of the Legislature,
can be made TO the taxpayers of the State every
two years. besides an important reduction in
time and expenses incident to the elections with
out serious detrlment to other interests, 1t should
be done revision of the statutes has just been
ma Thay ehnulI up1npyn m n splpas q haGpps
The history of the State AMI country show that
the tendency is to too much legislation am OF
the opinion that biennial sessions would furnish
ample opportunity for all the legislation the IN
terests of the people and the State would require
CHANGE OF THE DAY EoR THE ANNUAL ELECTION
If you shonld deem the subject just referred TO
Of sufficient importance 10 submit to the people
the question of such amendment to the constitu-
ton as the change would require, suggest that
with it you submit the question Of changing the
day of our annual election TO the Tuesday next
after the first Monday in November, being the
day fixed by law for the Presidential Election.
There are some important advantages TO be
gained by this change. Every four years 1t
would save the time and expense of one election,
as the Presidential aud State elections would oc-
cur on the same day. 1t would be more favorable
to fair and full expression Of the wishes OF the
people. The present time of election makes 1t
necessary TO hold the preliminary caucuses and
conventions NJ Time Wutu III u part q! ttlS
State the people employed in agricultural pur
suits are more busily engaged than in any other
part of the year. As parties are now organized,
the character CT our public servants is generally
determined at these primary meetings. Unless
there is unusual interest IN the nominations many
of the most intelligent voters who are eusily en-
gagged, stay at home. This makes it easy for
few men, who may have private or other inter
ests adverse to the public good, TO control the
and If in the majority party, the
elections. | submit whether the interests Of the
State will not be better subserved by holding the
preliminary meetings and the elections AT time
when the largest number of the people can at
tend with the least sacrifice. 1t is generally be-
lieved that better understanding Of our duties
as voters may be obtained by intelligent and
thorough public discussion OF the questions at
issue and the merits of candidates. Here We find
again in the busy season that precedes the pres
ent day of election, the same difficulty. Many
Of the working people cannot leave their business
to attend such discussions. Two months later,
the longer evenings would be more favorable to
reading and public meetings, and laboring men
could better attend to both. Allwould be as well
accommodated, and many whose honest votes
are greatly needed, much better.
OUR JAZZ SYSTEM.
In our treatment of criminals, the chief object
should he the reformation of the criminal, and
the diminution of crime. Neither of these can
in inconyenient, unhealthy jails, like many in
this State, without employment persons who
have only taken their first step in crime, with
hardened criminals of both sexes. The opposite
result is sure to follow. The person accused
of, or under sentence for his first offence against
the law should not be confined with, or placed
under the tuition Of professional offenders har-
dened by life of crime. We cannot afford to ig.
more the laws of common propriety and decency
in our treatment of criminals and those accused
of crime. They should be supplied with suita-
BILE reading matter, moral and religious, in.
structiun and constant employment.
The report of the Commissioners recently APP
pointed 10 consider this subject, may be expected
at an early day, and will, trust, suggest some
practical plan of reform.
FISHERIES.
The course pursued by our neighbors OF the
Dominion in regard to the rights of our fisher
men, is exceedingly damaging to business in
which many citizens OF this State are engaged,
and calls for immediate action by the proper au-
thorities. 1t is gratifying to know that the Pres
ident Of the United States is not unmindful of
our interests in this regard. Whatever aid we
can give him in determining at an early day the
rights of American citizens on the waters where
they have SO long pursued this business, should
not be withheld. We earnestly desire TO contin-
ne friendly relations with our neighbors. IT,
however, the indignites that have been offered
should be repeated, it will become the duty of
the government to adopt such measures as may
be necessary to enforce our rights.
INDUSTRIAL ScHooL FOR GIRLS
The idea of an Industrial School for Girls
should not be abandoned. All the arguments in
favor of reformatory institutions for boys apply
with equal, and in some respects, greater force
to the establishment Of similar institutions for
girls.
| earnestly hope the finances Of the State, or
the munhcence of men of means. who desire to
aid such an enterprise, or both combined will,
at an early day, allow the establishment of an
institution essential to the moral well being Of
the State.
CONCLUSION.
In conclusion, pledge you my earnest coop
GRAFTON III all measures calculated to promote
the prosperity of the State and the happiness of
the people, and express the hope that your
councils will be harmonious, and result in last
ing benefits and blessings to your constituents
SIDNEY PERIAM.