Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1873-01-03
THE GOFERNERS MESSAGE.

The third annual message Of Governor
Perham, presented in these columns to-
day, is characterized by The prudence and
sterling sound sense of his previous mes
sages. Had he hoen disposed to exhibit
considerable self qualification At The con-
dition Of public affairs under his admins
tration he might have done so with good
reason, but he gives the simple statemen,
OF facts upon most subjects, leaving them
TO speak for him and the people to draw
their own conclusions. Certainly q. no
period OF or history as I State have we
stood in so promising a condition as ~ the
opening Of 1873. Nor has the republican
party been more united, vigorous and
strong than at this time. The recommcn-
dations OF Governor Perham are modest,
practical, and will meet with general APP
probation. We give the following sum-
mary Of his address.
National affairs are first noticed. Sat.
isfaclion is expressed with the settlement
nj Geneva and the question of the San
Juan boundary. A brief bat comprehen-
sivc and interesting review is made of our
condition as nation, giving an excellent
idea of our prosperity. The Governors
remarks upon the political campaign ex-
hhit political matters in 4 sagacous man.
ncr, with n spice of pardonable humor
which will he appreciated even by the
opposition.
The State finances show q steadily i'm
proving and gratifying condition. Exclu-
siye of the mi!l-tax, for the support of
schools, the State debt was reduced the
last year some fifty or sixty thousand dol
lars. The State tax will be reduced in
1873 to five mills on y dollar, making 4
reduction of taxation for the year of Sl70,-
o00. The sinking funds established are
gradually accommodating and will be amp
~ sufficient to meet the State debt a. it
natures.
For the educational interests Of the
State the Governor makes an able
and earnest appeal. lie calls attention to
the fact that the wages of teachers are
less in this State than in others, OCCASION
ing many OF our best teachers to seek en-
ploymcnt elsewhere, and points to the
effect such q state of things must have up
on the schools. He calls attention to the
low wages paid females in comparison
with male teachers, and says it is unjust
and should not be so. The common
schools he would make equal to the best
in the land, so that the children of the
poor should be on level in regard TO OBJ
tanning IN education with those of the
sick
The message notes the growth and
spread of our industrial interests. Upon
this topic it will be perused with pleasure
by all our citizens. The Improvement in
shipbuilding is especially mentioned
The State Prison continues to show the
same good management as heretofore I'M
der Warden Rice. 1t has paid its expen-
scs and more than seven thousand dollars
beside, the last year.
The management OF our railroads is
commended. They have been conducted
with more care and efficiency the past
wear than ever.
The Insane Hospital is crowded and
new provisions must be made for the in
sane. The necessity of more stringency,
or for other regulations, in relation to the
expenses of those sent to the institution,
is brought to the attention Of the legisla-
ture. The State College of Agriculture
and the Mechanic Arts is highly COM
mcndcd In this connection the Cover
nor speaks of the admission to this and
othercollegps of women and approves Oft.
In regard to the militia the Governor is in
favor of an econoVical but efficient mill
tary system, making however no special