Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1874-01-09
THE GOTERNOR'S ADDRESS.


THE GOTERNOR'S ADDRESS.
The message of Governor Dingley to
the legislature will attract special atteh-
ton wherever it is read. Though some
what extended on account of the numer-
GUS topics with which it had necessarily TO
deal, there is not sentence in 1t without
interest, not recommendation or sugges-
ton that is not worthy of place IN such
q State paper. 1t is ably written, present
ing clear and comprehensive statement
of the condition of our State affairs, leav-
ing no interest untouched that could claim
notice, and treating all with the independ-
ence and freedom of bold and upright
Executive. No message, we venture TO
say, ever went out from the Executive OF
our State, that drew more attention ana
comment abroad. or created more favor
able opinion of our State. than will this OF
Governor Dingley. Especially will the
terse but wonderfully clear and striking
summary, near the close of the message,
of the growth and capabilities OF the State
in an industrial point of view, take the
eve and thought of intelligent readers in
other States. Who will say after peruslng
such an exhibit of our affairs that Maine
is not a we'll governed and prosperous
State, rich in its enterprising, thrifty peo-
pie, and the capabilities of its soil, forests.
quarries, mines, sea-coast, and manufac-
tories, and happy in the men who make
and administer its laws and manage its
public concerns? We briefly notice the
various topics contained in the address.
The message opens with an expression
of gratitude to Divine Providence for the
blessings which have attended the State
and nation the past year.
The late financial panic is next adverted
to; while the State is congratulated upon
having escaped the extravaganza which
prevails elsewhere, the necessity of econ
omy in public expenditures, and of Elf
cheney and integrity in the State depart.
ments, is forcibly urged. The State fl
nances are shown to be in an excellent
condition. The treasury had balance
of receipts over expenditures at the end
of the year of $i36, 430.GS. The public
debt which came due in 1878, amounting
to $40 900 has been paid. The State debt
after deducting the sinking fund is $685.
654. 1t has been reduced during the past
year 1884, 499, and since the close of the
war $2,366,746. The suggestion is made
that some additional provision is needed
for the oversight and security of the sink
ing fund.
Attention is called to the fact that a.
most the only resource of the State to
meet its expenditures is direct taxation.
The State tax last year was five mills on
the dollar, but the Treasurer is Of opinion
It may be reduced this year to four and a
half mills. The Governor suggests the
consideration of other modes of taxation,
as for instance upon the corporate stock
of railroad and other corporations, and
upon the business of life and fire insurance
companies. The insurance department
paid 10 the State the last year, ending in
July. $1100, and conferred other benefits
upon the public.
The State prison has yielded net profit
to the State in the year of $6,544.9S. De-
Quoting the salaries of the Warden and In
spectors, which are paid according to Gus
tom from the State treasury, and there is
still balance in favor of the State of
S2,OS4.63. 1t is suggested that hearing
may be had in relation to the subject of
employing the convicts, whether by con-
tract or as at present. The Reform School
is said to be faulty in the arrangement
of the buildings, SO that the benefits ex-
pected are abridged some change is rec
commended. The number of patients at
the Insane Hospital steadily increases.
The duties of Superintendent have been
we'll discharged as usual, but the report of
the Trustees is not yet received. The
present hospital is oyercrowded and more
accommodations are required. The sum
expended in State charities is large,
amounting to $4,000 for deaf dumb and
blind, and $50 900 for insane State pau
pers. Some amendment of the law in re-
lation to these charities seems to be need
ed. The condition of the Indian tribes
within our limits is noticed. A warm
recommendation is made for State and to
establish the Industrial School for Girls.
The educational interests of the State are
noticed at considerable length. The Free
High School system has been a great sue
cess, and is rapidly extending over the
State. Towns have directly contributed
for the support Of schools $625,6ls, and
the State 1874, 1913; il to these sums were
added the amount raised and expended
for various purposes additional to
the foregoing, the total would be mil
lion and half dollars. This large expen-
diture the Governor thinks is a complete
answer tn tie suppe stion that the nooule