The Portland daily press., 1876-01-07

the most important agricultural industries of the
world may be introduced into state to the great
benefit of all classes mechanics capitalists and la
borers as well as armers-the manufacture OF sugar
from beet roots. This industry had feeble begin
ming in France seventy years ago. In 1925 that
country produced 5000 tons of beet sugar. 1t has
since extended to nearly all European countries and
embraced in 1867 400 factories, producing 100000
tons of sugar. In 1874 the estimated production was
over one million tons. 1t Is so desirable an industry
is held in such high esteem and has advanced with
such strides in the countries where it has been intro
dnced, that it would be subject of wonder why it
has not been naturalized here, if did not reflect
upon the superintendent means of enjoyment the
new and growing country has afforded to capital.
Attcdtion is being turned to it. Several factor
les in operation in California, and it is reported
that the success of the last seasons work was so en-
couraging that the business will be largely increased.
The industry is perfectly practicable in this state
Comparison with the beet sugar producing countries
indicates that condition is wanting to the
full prosecution of the business on SOIL and that
the balance Of considerations affecting it is greatly in
our favor. Experiments made in New England have
demonstrated that beets grown here superior to
the foreign product for sugar making and indicated
that the manufacture large scale can be carried
on at good profit to both cultivator and manufac-
turer.
Its Introduction would benefit the farmer by giving
him Ssure market for a profitable crop, and by
building up manufacturing centres where his other
products would be in demand. 1t world benefit the
capitalist, by aording remunerative employment for
his money; and the aboring man, by giving him OPP
portunity tor steady work in wnter-the great need
in our state.
The probability, the almost certainty, that Maine
can advantageously produce even the home con.
sumption of sugar is a consideration of
such importance in itself. and holds out
such promise of accompanying benefits, that, regard
ing both the function of the legislature to promote
the welfare of the state and its duty to avoid ex-
pense for purposes fdoubtful utility, feel that the
small expenditure requisite to an investigation of the
merits of the beet sugar industry, and OF its app-
cability to our circumstances would be we'll advised.
THE REFORM SCHOOL.
The trustees of the Maine Reform School make
report of the condition of that institution and of
the in which it is conducted, that will be
ceived with general and hearty qualification. The
school is shown by them to have accomplished its
own reformation, by sweeping away all cells and
walls that have hitherto made the distinction between
it and prison only nominal, and by grading the
boys according to character and conduct. The new
plan of separating the well disposed from the vicious
and of cultivaing honor and manliness by affordng
opportunities for the exercise of those virtues pre-
sents so many promising features to the that
the good results of it are not surprising.
There are one hundred and forty-two boys in the
school, and seventy of them in the first grade
Two sessions of school are held daily, and all are
taught some branch of work on the farm or in the
shop. 1t cannot be doubted that good instruction,
wholesome labor the required observance of cleanli-
ness and order, present reward for good behavior
in promotion discharge, and all the influences pro-
ceeding from an intelligent and interested supervis-
ion will start many of these boys the way to be-
come upright and useful men.
The appropriation last year was $4,000, and of
that $4,000 were expended for permanent re-
pairs and fixtures The trustees think $4,000 will
be needed this year. That sum probably includes
the estimate TOR certain other permanent repairs and
fixtures which they propose and specify.
OTHER INSTITUTIONS.
The Military and Naval Orphan Asylum at Bath,
the Chidren's Home at Bangor, and the Industrial
School for Girls at Halowen are institutions of a
public nature, maintained wholly or in part by the
state
STATE BOARD OF HEALTH.
Many eminent physicians are of the opinion that,
following the example of many other states. Maine
would consult the public welfare by establishing a
Board of Health, composed of physicians in differ
sections of the state. and empowered to enforce
such sanitary measures they may deem necessary.
1t is growing belief among medical men and 9TH
ers who have investigated the subject that want Of
or imperfect drainage and the use of water contain
mated by fifth, among the most pregnant causes
Of disease, particularly of fevers in villages well
as large towns and cities. The consideration Of
means to abate these and kindred evils is surely a
matter worthy Of your profound attention.
THE INDIANS.
The Agent of the Penobscot tribe suggests that the
reduction Of the appropriation for agricultural pur
poses, made by the last Legislature, effects hard
shipand he recommends that appropriation Of the
usual amount be made. He also recommends do
nation to member of the tribe who has lost his
house, furniture and stock in trade by fire. and cites
a precedent for such action.
The expenditures for the Passamaquoddy tribe
anounU,
and further extra appropriations required for
pairs Of buildings and other purposes
THE CENTENNIAL.
The International Exhibition of Arts, Manufae-
lures and products of the soil and mine, to be held
in Philadelphia under the auspices OF the United
States bids fair to constitute worthy celebration of
the one hundredth anniversary of American 1nde-
pendence. Preparations have been made on the
most extensive scale and are rapidly approaching
coHpittiUDi anu 80 many dSsurduceS Vi W
participate bave been received from the governments
and people of the civilized world to indicate that
the American Congress of Industry will at least
equal those which have been held by other countries.
No appropriate celebration of the great event
could have been devised. The establishment of a
government OF the people not only secured the hap
pness and prosperity which we enjoy, but sent
abroad an influence which has manifested itself in
the ameOration of the political condition of the peo
pie Of other lands, and is constantly and surely ex-
tending 1t is fitting, therefore, that should in
vte all nations to join in the commemeration of the
birthday of freedom-to enter the lists in the modern
"Field of the Cloth of Gold' where kings of mind
and knights of labor contend in friendly rvalries.
1t engages the honor of our state and citizens to
put forth every effort to secure full representation
of the resources and productions of Maine, since,
whether rightfully not, the guests Of the nation
will Judge of the Importance and capability of each
state from the display it makes at what appears to
be its chosen time and place..
The commissioners appointed by the state have CO.
operated with those of the general board, and have
succeeded in awakening such an interest and en-
rolling many exhibitors, that they already conf
IDENTIFY anticipate that the extent, variety and at
Effectiveness of her contributions will enttle Maine
to credtable position among her sister states The
seven departments, mining, manufactures, educa-
ton and science, art, machinery, agriculture and
horticulture, which form the classification of arti-
Giles in the exhibition will all have representa-
ton from our state, though necessarily limited
in some classes The assured contributions of wool
and cotton textile fabrics granite, slate feldspar
iron, machinery, agricultural implements, canned
products and articles manufactured from wood pulp
are numerousand extensive. Add to these such con-
trbutions of cattle and horses cereals, fruits, dairy
products, grasses, native woods and samples of the
ship-buiders art the state is capable of furnish
ing-and it is hoped that they may be obtained-aEd
the aggregate must constitute interesting
hibiton of our resources and in dustries than the
state has ever witnessed.
am confident that you will consult the sentiments
of the people, by appropriating such sum in this
behalf the commissioners shall in their estimate
show to be necessary to defray the general
proper to be borEe by the state.
AMENDMENTS TO THE CONSTITUTION.
Certain amendments to the constitution, proposed
fba hon haar, do