Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1871-02-02

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somewhat at length in your columns and il
known of all men who have observer the
stimulus and strength impaired TO every in
terest and occupation by manufactures. This
part of the discussion, accordingly, may be
here permitted to rest. But the congruity o.
the municipal function il. debate, with Others
not debated has not received, here or else
where, any considerable attention. This, il
is now proposed to consider. The compari-
| sons before referred to, and necessary to be
made in persuing this part of the discussion,
| have, it is believed, really though perhaps
| not always consciously, underlaid the various
acts Of former Legislatures ratifying the poll
cy in question, and have permeated the vast
body of discussion had upon it amongst the
people in the present and past time.
1t may here be permitted by way of dgres-
sion, to express the opinion that nothing short
of the proof of trial in this concern will satisfy
the people. They know that manufactures
are absolutely essential to Metr prosperity.
They firmly believe that the most equitable
and ready way to establish manufactures is
by municipal cooperation. The trials already
made ratify in full the proposed policy. Leg
islature after legislature has endorsed it in a
series of special acts, and most emphatcally
in the general act allowing towns to exempt
manufactures from taxation. Those legisla-
tive acts, that popular approval, constitute for
all practical purposes the weightiest possible
Interpretation of the constitution attainable
under the circumstances. In that interpre-
tation it is safe to rest and to act, especially
as the power of correction is retained, as at
the worst the policy proposed could infct
only temporary and reparable injury, and I'M
questonably will be productive of great pub
lie and private prosperity.
THE FUNCTIONS OF MUNICIPALITIES.
1t is proposed, then, to consider the con-
gruity and harmony Of the municipal func-
ton in debate, with functions already in
exercise and approved. The first question in
order, is, what are the functions of munich
palities as put into open and unchallenged
exercise? Towns, in the first place, by COM
mon consent and under statute, exercise the
offices of political institutions or corpora
tons. 1t is through the town and it alone
that the citizen makes himself felt in his polit-
cal acts and relations. Towns are educo-
tional institutions, and in that capacity organ
ize and sustain public schools, erect build
ings, employ teachers, supervise school disci-
pine. As charitable institutions they care
for the sick and insane, and make provision
for the helpless poor. As judicial institu-
tions they maintain local magistrates; as
police institutions they provide constabulary
and fire and watch departments; as sanitary
institutions they regulate sewerage, distribute
water and guard the public health; as cont
mereial institutions they construct and main
tain highways, townways and bridges; also
of late years, since their introduction, aid
in building railroads. In the same capacity
they exercise supervision over and control
certain branches of trade. Several hundred
| liquor stores are operated by towns in Maine,
the public resource being invested and used
for the purposes of the business. Towns as
sumo the functions of manufacturing institu-
tons, as in manufacturing gas for both public
and private use either alone or in con junction
with private capital also in manufacturing
bricks for both public and private use. They
become, either independently or in associa-
ton with individuals, rater-supply irstitu-
tons, performing the whole service, both
public and private, even to making the pipes
and tubing houses and shops. AS ogr,eultur-
al institutions they operate farms, buy and
sell stock, keep breeding animals, whose
services are sold to private parties, as de-
sired.
The above functions, with many others not
enumerated, are as may be taken for granted,
constitutional, for they are, and have been
for an indefinite period in the case of some OF
them, put into exercises and SO far as known,
no objection on constitutional ground is made
to this exercise. w.