Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1874-01-09

of soldiers and seamen, be abohsheo, anu
their duties and funds transferred to the PEN
sion Department of the Adjutant Generals
office, which can discharge this trust more
conveniently, systematically and economical
" than under the present system. 1t will be
incumbent on YOU either to continue in force
the pension act of 1871, which expired by linz
itation at the close of 1873; or il this shall not
seem to fully meet the obligations of the State
to enact another law more liberal in its pro-
visions.
THE ORPHAN AsYLUMs.
The Bangor Home is general Orphan
ASYLUM, eminently deserving of the contribu-
ton of generous people and SO far as 1t
cares for INDECENT orphans of soldiers, 1t should
receive aid from the State. The Bath Home
has at the present time nearly GO children In
its charge, all but three Of whom are soldiers
orphans; and has found homes for other
soldiers orphans in private families during
the year. This work reflects the highest
honor on those liberal minded men and wo.
men who have contributed to found Soldiers
Orphans Home, and deserves continuance
of the bounty of the State.
MEMORIAL DAY.
In view of the fact that the thirtieth day Of
May of each year has been designated by the
Grand Army of the Republic as the Soldiers
Memorial Day, and is every year coming to
be more generally dedicated to services COM
memorative of the noble men who in the late
struggle for national life gave their lives in
defence of the Union, there seems to me to be
eminent propriety in giving the same legal
recognition to the day in this State, as is given
to other holidays, and as has already been
given by the State of New York. Such a
graceful act would be deserved and tender
tribute to the memory of that noble band who
responded to the call for of thi State aid in her
time of need, and who rest in cemeteries in
this and other States, or in nameless graves
where they fell, in Virginia, in the Caroinas,
wherever the banner of freedom was borne.
Nay, it would be an eloquent teacher OF the
duty and honor Of patriotism, and would
place the day which honors the nations sal
walton side by side with the day which cele-
brates its birth.
THE NATIONAL CENTENARY.
By authority of an act of Congress, ap-
proved March 3, 1871, a Board of Commits
sioners was appointed by the President to
prepare and superintend the execution of a
plan for the national celebration of the One
Hundredth Anniversary of the Independence
of the United States, by the holding of an
exhibition of arts, manufactures and products
of the soil and mine, at Philadelphia, during
tl6 SUMMER VI 1910. i S AtuteuUtdl Yum
mission, ably represented on the part of the
State by Hon. Joshua Nye as Commissioner,
and Hon. Charles 2. Kimball as Alternate
Commissioner, have made most successful
progress in arranging such an international
exhibition as will serve as a fitting recogni-
ton of so important national event, and at
the same time as worthy exposition OF our
progress in literature, art, science and indus
try. To further the objects Of the Exhibition,
and secure an appropriate representation OF
the industries of the several States, the Com
missioners invite Maine to appoint a Board
of Directors consisting of five members, who,
with the Commissioner and Alternate Com.
missioner, shall constitute the State Board Of
Centennial Managers, upon whom will de-
volye the responsibility Of seeing that the
State is properly represented in the Exhibi-
ton, and all its interests there faithfully
cared for. l recommend that you authorize
the appointment of such Directors, to serve
without compensation.
MAINE IN THE NATIONAL STATUARY HALL
BY an act of Congress passed few years
since, the several States were invited to fur
nish not exceeding two marble or bronze stat
ues of citizens illustrious for their patriotism
or distinguished services, to be placed in the
old hall of the House of Representatives Al
Washington, which was set apart as Nation
al Statuary Hall. Many States, including al
of New England, except Maine and New
Hampshire, have responded TO the invitation
1t would be peculiarly appropriate for you tC
take such preliminary action as might result
in giving this State, on the approaching cen
tennial anniversary of American Independ-
ence, the honor of contributing to this nation
al collection the statue of Major General
Knox, the distinguished citizen soldier, whose
illustrious services, both in the struggle tina,
gave our nation birth. and subsequently, in
the cabinet of the ilustrous Washington,
have conferred imperishable renown upon the
State and the nation.
RAILROAD INTERESTS.
The report of the Railroad Commissioners
gives a detailed account of the progress and
condition of tie important railroad interests
of the State, and makes recommendations to
which your attention is directed. Inasmuch
as the Board of Railroad Commissioners
must, from the growing Importance of rail-
roads, be charged with as high and delicate
duties, within the sphere in which they act,
as are imposed even upon the courts of JUS
tice, ! suggest whether it would not better
comport with the dignity of the State and the
independence of the Office, if the salaries of
the Commissioners should be paid from the
State Treasury, and the State itself should
assess the several railroad corporations for
the amount of the same.
Railroads have become so indispensable an
agency in the material development of a state
and exert SO important an influence over the
public interests, as to make the laws relating
to them worthy of your thoughtful attention.
The pressing necessity for the extension of
new railroads into large sections Of our State,
as yet partially or wholly destitute of
means of communication so essential to their
convenience and development, and the partial
competition afforded by exceptional facilities
for water communication, have thus far made
restrictions on railroad corporations in the
public interest, seem to be less essential than
in many other States. The fact that such a
feeling Of confidence exists to great extent
makes the present time peculiarly favorable
for such careful revision of our railroad leg
islation as will, on the one hand, impose up
on railway corporations just responsibilities
and restraints; and on the other hand, prop
erly protect invested capital, and inspire that
public confidence which is so essential to the
true interests of railroads. as well as of COM
munities.
Inasmuch as railroad corporations are
granted extraordinary powers which partake
of the nature of sovereignty, it is only after
many limitations and restrictions that they
can be said to be private corporations at all.