Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1872-01-05
qailg Ntnnebet yournal
A U G. U s II A.
FRIDAY MORNING, Jan. 5, 1879.
THE GOVERNORS MESSAGE.


annual message of Governor Perham. To
the people of the State it will be highly
interesting and gratifying document.
Plain and direct in style. it is marked
throughout by sterling good sense and
Judgment. The condition of all the inter
ests of the State requiring to be noticed in
such paper is briefly stated The rec
concentrations and suggestions are impor-
tant, and evidently well considered. No
rash or crude opinions are advanced, no
measures recommended which have not
been well pondered and adopted in the
honest conviction that they are best for
the State.
The Governor first calls attention to the
prosperity of the country, to our friendly
relations with other powers, and particu-
larly to the settlement of our difficulties
with Great Britain also to the Inaugural
ton of the civil service reform, and the
reduction of the public debt and national
taxation.
The financial condition OF the State
shows a large Improvement. The public
debt, which at the beginning Of the year
was S,067 900, is now, after deductng
the sinking fund and cash in the treasury,
S6.27i,3l0. The appropriations made by
the last legislature have not been expend-
ed, a balance being left in the treasury of
$S6,06l.44. The reduction of the debt
has relieved the State of the payment an
nually of $50, 900 interest The State tax
for the present year will be reduced from
five mills to four and three fourths on the
dollar. The Treasurer has not been
obliged to borrow even temporarily.
Economy has prevailed. With such a
financial exhibit as this, which is the re-
suit simply of prudent management, our
people may hope soon to see their debt re-
moved, and taxation except for ordinary
purposes wiped out
OF our war claims $685. 3 have been
collected and paid into the treasury The
Governor pays high compliment to our
military companies. For pensions, the
sum of $26, S41.2S has been allowed.
In regard to education the message is
encouraging. Our teachers are mentioned
as becoming more efficient and our
schools "more profitable. The Normal
Normal School bnilding has been erected
at Castine under the appropriation of the
last legislature, the amount being too small
for the plans adopted and the bids made
to build it. a cheaper plan has since been
adopted, and the Governor now recon-
mends an appropriation of s17 800 for the
erection of a building. The State College
of Agriculture and Mechanic Arts is men,
toned in high terms of praise. 1t has
been beset with difficulties which are van
ishing, and it now promises to be one of
our best institutions.
The remarks of the Governor in relation
to railroads note with satisfaction the pro-
gress OF the last year in building and i'm
provements. He refers to the necessity of
the Aroostook projected road, but is silent
in relation TO State aid to!build the same.
He suggests that the Railroad Commission
ers should not depend upon corporations
for their pay, of which their duties require
them to be Independent.
The message gives a brief account of
the difficulty existing between the State
and the European and North American
Railway. The company's claim to certain
lands upon the Penobscot and St. John
rivers are disputed, and legal proceedings
are to be Immediately commenced to pro-
tect the rights of the State.
The agricultural interest of the State is
warmly recommended by Governor Per-
ham. He regrets that more attention is
not given to it, and mentions in tlattering
terms the advantages which Aroostook Of
fers to settlers upon its lands. OF the in
crease of manufactures in the State the
message speaks sanguinely. Much has
been done to build them up the last year.
He would have them wisely and literally
fostered.
Upon the subject of temperance the
message dwels somewhat, portraying the
evils Contemporaries and showing it to be
the duty and interest of the State to eradi-
cate it. The means primarily to be used
are the pulpit, press, platform, and organ
lied effort, these flo be supplemented by
legal aid The present law is deemed
better than its enforcement. The Govern
or suggests or advises that the sheriffs of
the several counties and their deputies be
charged with the duty Of inquiring into
| the violation of all criminal laws. and en-
forcing the same in their respective coun-
| ties where the local authorities neglect or
| refuse to do so. These officers are to be
responsible to the Executive and subie,l
| to his directions. They are not to be a
| new set of officers, but their duties are to
be enlarged, and the Governor may di-
rect and control them, power which he
has not at present. The Governor thinks