Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1875-01-20

culture, is appropriated for the voluminous and
valuable report of the Secretary, embodying not
only the proceedings of the Board OF Agriculture,
but also all the papers read in full, in two volumes
containing about seven hundred pages. If small
or number of copies OF pamphlet in paper covers
of less than half the size, embodying only the pro-
ceedings and a brief abstract Of the papers, could
be substituted for the present report, several
thousands of dollars might be saved, should the
Legislature consider such course advisable.
The expenditures on account of the Insane Hos
pital {including about S. 900 on account of ey-
pcnditures Of Hospital in 1872 Reform School,
State Prison support of paupers in unincorpora.
ted places, education of deaf, dumb and blind, and
aid to Indians, have nearly reached $4,000. /
invite special attention to the appropriations for
these objects. The expenditures of the several
State institutions are made BY the several boards
which have them in charge
have already recommended such legislation as
will not only make the Office of COMMISSIONER of
Insurance self-sustaining, but also will secure
revenue to the State. 1nasmuch as it was intend
ed that all expenditures account of the Railroad
Commissioners should be paid by the several rail
road corporations, l suggest legislation provid-
ing that the expense of their annual report be
included in the assessment.
The expenditures for printing and binding dar-
ing the past year We're about 1913 900 of which a
little more than $1,000 was for binding, and
little less than S26 900 for printing; at least half
the expense Of printing, however, consists in the
paper used. The large expense for printin. and
DlHulnS L. NOT uue 10 excessive contract rates,
for SO far as the contracts apply to most of the
classes Of printing and binding the prices are very
low; but TO the large amount OF printing and
binding ordered by the Legislature, or required
by existing laws. The printing contrac; should
establish definite rate per page Tor each en-
crossed bill or resolve. 1t will be seen that the
printing and binding of the Legislature, the Agii-
cultural Report, snd the Reports of the Superin-
tendent of Common Schools and of the Insurance
Conmissianer,-sll of which may be reduced,
comprise more than three-fourt of all the eX-
penditurcs for these purposes. Probably you viii
ind il eypedient TO modify existing laws Is 10
reduce the amount Of printing and binding 10
very considerable extent. As the expense of
printing and engrossing the numerous acts of IN
corporation. which are for the benefit OF private
parties, is large, i. might be wise to impose Il
charter fee such private legislation. as i d0Le
in many other states.
suggest legislation providing that ali the sta
tionery ami other supplies required for the several
state officers and the Legislature he purchased by
some Sta officer under the direction of the Cow
erner and Come |, and accounts be kept Of the
distribution OF the same. Also that the public
documents distributed to towns be placed il the
hand, of the Librarian or Superintendent Of Pub
lie Buildings, TO be forwarded by HIM in one
package. should it be deemed advisable con-
siderable sum might be saved by distributing only
those documents which will be likely TO be of adj
vantage to the public generally.
Without ind ,ating further appropriations
which may be reduced if it shall seem advisable,
| submit the accompanying detailed statement
OF expenditures Tor Your careful consideration.