Oxford Democrat. [volume] (Paris, Me.) 1833-1933, 1875-02-09
InricuIfmraI Report.

Among the various things suggested
by the Governor, in his special Message
on rctrenchmeni Of expenses, he alludes
TO the Report on Agriculture. lie simply
asks that the Legislature give this subject
with others, careful consideration. The
reason for such Il Recommendation will
be found BY glance at the following
table:
lslo-B.rtog ami sttchips De- 900,
ise-BiaaiaSS aai stitching go a..
Printing 'i'
| ls-4-BiLi,ug AMI ~tirf.U- .'iy
Printing -'"'t- .-'l''
In fourteen years the expense for
printing and binding this RspOlt has
risen from $500. 10 the large sum OF
So, 10 The question arises with the
Governor sud with every tax payer: Is
ibis large expenditure necessary Can it
be reduced
Tue Agriculture, data are not q, hand,
which demonstrate The necessity aad ex
pedieucy Of this large sun, tor this pnr-
pose. The true principle which governs
al propositions OF this nature ought not to
be departed from in this instance. Ii the
Report is worth 80 ooJ TO tee agriculiur
lists oil the Stale and Yields an income OF
knowlodge, science and practice, equiya-
eul 20 that sum. By all means submit to
the cost aud the tax. But, on the con-
rary, il the half OF the Report will be as
good as the whole and haitol the cost or
more can be dispensed with without Inv
jury 10 any body. let Us have the reduction.
One fact is perfectly certain. The real.
actual and true advance 10 tie practical
improvement OF agriculture, As adapted
20 aud applied by the farmers OF Naiae.
viii aot aad can 10, require Report OF
one hundred pages, annually Let "a
have the meat 10 The cocoanu; and throw
the shell away.
1t must be admitted that tle farmers
are large and important cla,s in Maine.
They arc hardy. generous, and indie
pendent body of men asking fer no special
privileges They. as g boiy, do not
want this .argo expense injured tor
their benefit. They know very well that
if this large sum is expended for Re-
port on their specially. other classes and
speciailies can demand sin liar appro.
prialion. The mechanics " III want their
Report published By The State. Religious.
medical and charitable societies will pre-
sent theirs; and PRETTY SCOT we shall
want . report setting forth the value and
progress OF every division Of labor and
every class 10 the State. This would be
expensive, unnecessary. and in ,xpedIen:.
There seems 70 be Il disposit on on III @
part OF certain persons, claiming TO
champion The agricultural in erests Of
tie State. who may be called took, of
cial OF speculative farmers, - arraign
and assai. the Governor FOR this sugges
tion OF retIenchment No greater Injustice
can bo done 10 honest man who 10 the
discharge Of 4 solemn du,y is striving in
every legitimate way 20 relieve this same
class rom al unnecessary burdens OF
taxation. The present Gov ernor Of
Maine is The las, man that can b. charged
with unlaiihfulness 10 the agricultural
Interests Of The State. The a tempt 10
blacken his name OF lame rs tue friend
Of this interest can come irorl no well
informed man. The LeUiSt0B journal.
which he has conducted tor years, has
been eloquent in support OF eve;y meas
ure for The advancement OF the farmer.
This journal can hardly be said TO occupy
4 second position as an agricultural ad-
vocate. To call il first would not dis
parage VI undeuate the Mime Former.
The reason and argument for 'etrench-
ment on this Report aud on all tho various
items mentioned By the Governor, ought
10 receive the sanction and CO operation
Of every agriculiurist and every owner
of real estate. No elamor from any
quarter should deter the Representatives
and tho special Committee from seizing
every possible opportunity to promote the
rigid economy which the nature of the
case and the times demand. There is
nothing in the suggestion OF the Governor
that shows him inimical TO the true in.
terests OF the farmer On the contrary.
every act Of his, in public or private life,
proves him TO have been the friend of the
farmer; and that he has done nothing to
forfeit his esteem and support
Merchandise of any sort, not weigh
iug more than four pounds, can now be
sent " mail. For two cents one may
send a package weighing quarter OF
10 California and