Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1875-01-08
THE G0TERY0R'S MESSAGE.


THE GOVERNORS MESSAGE.
The message of Governor Dingley will
be read with hearty satisfaction by thu
people of our State. 1t is devoted entirely
to State affairs, which it treats with
thoroughness and presents in clear and
able manner. Its many suggestions and
recommendations have been evidently
carefully studied. and are the fruit oflone
experience in public concerns. 1t makes
an exhibit of which our people may well
be proud. The following summary will
give an idea of its contents.
1t is pleasing to know that the State
finances are in excellent condition. The
receipts into the treasury the past yea
over expenditures amount to 1922, 1854.
The ordinary expenditures have been bul
s320,694. The State debt has been re-
duced the past year 1921 ,575, leaving the
total State debt after deducting the sink.
ing funds S5,56l. 076. Inten years nearly
seven millions of dollars have been paid
on the State debt Should taxation con-
tinue as at present the whole war debt
will be paid in fourteen years more. The
governor suggests in view OF the rapid
payment of the debt the ACCESSIBILITY of re-
ducing the rate of taxation on account oil
the debt to two mills on the dollar, in Or
der to lessen the burden OF present taxa
ton. He also makes important sugges-
tons as to the sinking funds.
The facts in relation to the railroad tax
assessed by the governor and council are
stated at considerable length. Afew COM
panies have paid the tax assessed upon
them, but the larger part of them have de-
clned to pay. No action has been taken
against the delinquent companies to en-
force payment. as the provisions Of the
statute for that purpose are inadequate.
The governor therefore recommends that
the statute be amended by the legislature
so that payment may be enforced as in
other States. He discusses the subject with
earnestness and ability. 1t is matter in
which the legislature will doubtless coin
eide with the opinions expressed in the
message.
1t is suggested that the act in relation to
taxation of insurance companies needs
amendment to make its provisions palmer.
An increase of the fees on insurance
brokers and on foreign insurance compan-
les is also recommended. The governor
believes that much may be done to equal
ize the burdens Of taxation, by measures
reaching to subjects that are not now
reached. or only partially so. Steps were
ta.en.by the last legislature to reach some
of these. The message recommends far
Their steps In that direction, and mentions
banks, railroads. insurance, telegraph and
express companies. as interests to be con-
sidered in that connection. 1t Is recon-
mended that the legislature provide Tor
the placing oil the State cash deposits in
banks that will pay interest on the same.
instead of distributing them in State banks
where no interest is paid; also that pro-
vision be made to have the tax on non
resident shares of national bank stock 90
into the State treasury instead OF going as
now to the towns and cities where the
banks are located. 1t is thought that ii
taxation is imposed as suggested, and the
reyenae OF the State increased a. above.
the receipts from these sources and
IRON savings banks and public lands will
be sufficient to meet the ordinary current
State expenditures. This will leave only
taxation on account Of the public debt and
the public schools to be provided for; and
if the railroad and insurance tax were
promptly paid State tax of three and a
half mills would be sufficient lof Ill pur-
poses, against q tax Of five mills the past
year.
The educational interests of the State
exhibit marked improvement. Better
teachers, houses. and better schools, with
better pay to teachers, and well estab-
iished fund for the support of schools are
found. The Normal Schools are doing
their work well. and the Free High Schools
are success. Better supervision is need
ed but patience is advised. Measures for
the enforcement of better attendance OF
pupils at schools is recommended. The
governor regrets that the Agricultural
College is coming to be looked upon more
and more as child Of the State, and
would prefer to see it supported as other
colleges are, by private benetactions. 1t
asks an appropriation this year Of $4,000
from the State.
Tho Insane Hospital Is Ia good condi-