The Republican journal. [volume] (Belfast, Me.) 1829-current, 1875-01-14

Governors Message.
The annual message Of Gov. Dingiey
which we present to-day, is "a state docu-
ment to which very little exception can be
taken, in its treatment Of any OF the topics
presented 1t is excellent in its arrange
ment, clear in its argument, and general
ly just ia its conclusions. 1t is free from
partizan bias or bitterness, and presents
the Governor as the chief magistrate Of q
people, and NOT as the head OF political
party
The review o. our state finances is as
satisfactory as can be expected with the
heavy Indebtedness and large expendi-
lures. We are gratified TO see that the
Governor demolishes that humbug the
sinking fund, which the mistaken zeal Of
past treasurers had magnifed into a tnan-
ciaI cure all Readers Of the Journal will
remember that ten years ago this paper ex-
pressed views Identical with those of the
message on this subject
Passing over the subjects oI taxation,
revenue, &c, we come to the matter o.
the prohibitory liquor law. which the Gov
ernor treats at considerable length. lie
congratulates the people on Il large visible
decrease in theNumber OF dram-shops in the
country towns, but is forced to admit that
in the cities and large towns the results
have not been 80 satisfactory They new
er will be more satisfactory than they ale
until the state itself sets better example,
and shuts W its own mother ol rumshops
at Portland. 1t is the greatest stumbling
block in the " Nv Of temperance that exists
il the state. The suppression of intem-
perancc-the need Of which no man seeks
to deny--is the most nomantcuq problem
with which the morallsts and Legislators
Of the time are called upon to grape.
Thousands are yearly poisoned by the per
nicious mixtures Of alcohol. ana large
portion OF the young men ftu-Ciay are be
ing led through evil courses to moral and
physical death And Yet Who IL wise
enough to propose the adequate remedy
The remarks Of the message upon thp
punishment Of murder are just The law
max ing the executive council court 0 re
view. imposes burden where it does moi
belong. and shifts the responsibility from
the court where it should rest. Human
life is too sacred to he tri1ied with by mis-
taken tenderness to murderers To the
end that society shall be protected, pun
ishment should be made severe and Ger.
tain-aboYe all, certain
Ii may be doubted, we think whether
the suggestions of the Governor IN regard
to the divorce laws viii be generally APP
proved When the power of divorce was
taken from the legislature where ii was
Often an ex-parta matter, and confded tC
the supreme Judges, with the usual pro
visions Of notice to all concerned, it was
believed thGt substantial Justice would be
done. That there have been large mum,
Der OF divorces, proves rather n cores
ponding number Of ill-assorted marriages
rather than abuse Of the law. The peace
and morality Of society can never be pro
NOTED by compelling those who are hope
lessly disoordant ard belligerent to re-
main III the bonds Of matrimony
The recommendation that special legis-
lation may be had to enable women 10
perform certain civil Outies, since the re-
cent decision on that point, is in accord
ance with the liberia and enlightened
spirit Of the times, and will meet with
general appreciation
The revision of the constitution sug-
gested by Gov Dingley, is very import
ant subject, and we are glad to know that
the legislature has already taken action in
the matter. The instrument is mass OF
shreds and patches which need to be made
homogeneous. Important alterations are
called tor by The changed conditions Of
the htty-hve wears since its adoption Once
in two years IS often enough TO elect legis-
latures and governors, and for meetings
Of the former. The day OF the state cleo
ton should be changed to November, and
thus avoid making Maine a battle ground
just previous to Presidential elections.
Special Legislation should be prohibited,
and corporations compelled to organize
under general law And there are many
other Improvements that will suggest
themselves, Ton the better ordering of pub
lie affairs and the saving of expense
In reply to the Navy Yard Commission
ers' letter Congressman Burleigh makes
thrust at the Secretary of the Navy, in
letter addressed to that official He
says
1t Is asked why did not make my statement
a lG iast session The question is proper and
Will answer it frankly. Before | had taken
my seat III the House an honored Senator re-
marked to me that if | opposed Col Went
worth) at that time holding sinecure position
III my district, as believed, without authority
Of laW) that he would oppose me The naval
appropriation bill was reduced iii its civil list
forty-seven per cent, and thought that some
OF the drones would then have to go. but as
they remained, upon my return this session I
lclt tnat The gag was removed. Another reason.
| had the strongest regard for you personally
and hoped we might sail in consort, but my ex-
penenee IN the navy yard and in the naval
committee convinced me that you were n more
risky navigator than / cared 10 follow
We wonder what the Captain thinks
Of Grant as risky navigator"?
The new arrangement with the Boston
and Maine Railroad will not materially
affect the business OF the Eastern Railroad.
Passengers will continue to go through
from this section to Boston over the Eastern
without change OF ears, and the superior
comfort and safety OF the latter road will
continue to attract the bulk of the through
travel