Daily Kennebec journal., 1876-01-07
coTERyoR coNNoR'S ADDRESS.

Out QOuUI Will LEV louAes1 49, ,--~
to which he is elected.
GoTERNoR coTNoR'S ADDRESS,
Governor Connor's first message, found
IN our columns this morning. is an inter-
esting and ably written State paper. 1t
opens with reference to the Centennial,
to the growth and prosperity Of the nation
during the hundred years Of its existence
and pays a tribute to those who essao-
lished and preserved it by their devotion
to principle. A brief review is then made
of the growth of our State, OF the
causes which have led many OF our young
men away, Of the business depression. ana
of the necessity Of sound currency. A
very encouraging view Of our affairs as
people is taken. The past year, says the
Governor, .'has been fairly prosperous
one" in our State.
All departments and institutions OF the
State have been we'll conducted and are
in good condition. An actual reduction
of the State debt has taken place the last
year of 1901, ,6s9.72. The present net in
debtedness of the State, after deducting
the sinking fund is 1922, ,6S8.2S. a sug-
gestion is made in regard to the renewal
and extension of bonds falling due in 1880,
1888 and 1889. that the duty of the Treas
urer in the premises is not plain. and
needs defining. By the extinction OF the
sinking fund Of 1865 the State is relieved
from annual taxation to the amount OF
about $4,000. The condition OF the
sinking fund Of 1868 is satisfactory.
The subject Of taxation receives proper
attention. 1t appears that the taxation of
railroads under the new law is operating
favorably. The Governor thinks the tax
Of one per cent. on the deposits in savings
banks should not be reduced. Attention
is called to the operation of the law taxing
insurance companies. tits recommended
that the matter of taxing the receipts OF
express companies and telegraph compa-
MES, now exempt from taxation. be con-
sidered
In the Adjutant Generals department
there has been little change during the
year. The subject of sending portion of
the volunteer militia to the Centennial en-
hibition is mentioned.
The pension appropriation for the past
year has not been entirely expended. A
reduction in the appropriation for the pres
ent year may be made.
The condition Of the public schools is
mentioned in terms of commentator.
The normal schools are highly successful.
Some legislation is needed in relation TO
towns delinquent in not raising and ex-
pending money as required by law. The
Governor expresses it as his opinion that
il the State school funds should be made
to contribute to the support of the Agri-
cultural College the State would suffer no
detriment.
There are sixty-four savings banks in
the State, five of which organized and
commenced business within the past year.
Their deposits amount to $32 ,083, ,314.2s,
an increase in 1875 of 81 ,02l $50 55. Some
suggestions are made relative to the banks
worthy of attention.
The Office Of Land Agent has been abol-
ished but it appears there are still duties
to be performed which belonged to that
office. The railroads of the State are said
to be in excellent condition some additions
have been made by new roads. The i'm
portance of railroad connecting Aroos-
took with the railroad system of the State
is mentioned, also the completion of the
line connecting Wiscasset with the ST.
Lawrence. Regarding insurance compa-
nies the message is very brief. The sug-
gestions of the commissioners of fisheries
are noticed.
The Insane Hospital has been material
ly improved. The new building is an ex-
eellent addition. and the new park is a
great pleasure and benefit to the patients.
The Hospital has been crowded but it is
thought unnecessary to establish a new
hospital at present. The farm has been
much improved the past year. The re-
sources OF the hospital above liabilities is
S38, ,293,6S.
The State Prison is in excellent condi-
ton In every respect, but owing to the
prostration of business the expenditure
over income for the year has been $500,
The working Of the jail system inaugu-
rated in 1873 Is commended.
The A AUviruitural College receives lib