Daily Kennebec journal., 1877-01-05
nailp Atnnebst sournal
Governor Connor's Message.
A u q u - II A,
Friday Morning. January ), 1877

nor Connor to the legislature is an inter-
esting review of our State affairs, with
important recommendations and sugges-
tions relating thereto. 1t is well-wrt-
ten, able State paper. We commend it
to the attention OF all our people. The
exhibit which it presents is highly salts
factory and encouraging
The address opens with remarks upon
the responsibility of Legislators, our in
debtedness to the past for our system of
laws, and the necessity of careful, conserv-
alive action in making or amending the
laws OF the State. Our people have suf-
fered in a degree from the inactivity of
business the past year, but not very Sc
verely. The crops have been good and
some branches of industry have prospered.
The laws have been well enforced through
out the State. Our public Institutions
have been efficiently and economically
managed.
The finances of the State are in a pros
porous condition. The State debt has
been reduced the past year Sl43 ,6S1.
The total amount of the debt after deduct
ing the sinking fund is s., 1923, 107. The
Treasurer estimates that a reduction OF
one-half a mill from the rate of assess
meut for 1876 may be made this year, if
no unusual appropriations are made.
The Attorney General reports that the
validity of the tax on certain railroads is
awaiting the decision of the courts, which
is expected soon. No indictments for Of
fences hitherto considered capital have
been found during the year. The Cover
nor remarks that the substitution of life
imprisonment for the death penalty has
not been followed by any increase OF
crime. and presents in a fair and candid
manner what he believes to be the motive
governing those who favor the new law.
No change has occurred in the Adjutant
Generals department Of special import
ance. The encampment at Brunswick is
mentioned favoraby. The reduction of
the appropriation for soldiers pensions is
regretted by the Governor.
The closing up of the affairs of the Land
Office has been going on well under the
direction of the Governor and Council.
There is, however, something yet to bo
done In that direction.
The public schools appear to be in
healthy condition. The recent laws in
relation to them work admirably. The
system of establishing High Schools
throughout the State is regarded as wise
and timely, but care should be taken to
maintain proper standard or it may op-
crate injuriously upon the schools of the
State. Better supervision is suggested in
relation to the character of schools claim
ing the benefits of the free high school
law, also the renewal of teachers insti-
tutes.
No new savings banks have been or
ganized the past year. Four have be-
come insolvent and three others have sus-
pended payment. Deposits and the num-
Der of depositors have decreased.
The introduction of water into the In
sane Hospital by the new method is spok-
en- of in terms of high commentator.
The general management of the institu-
tion is good. 1t is now full and the ques-
tion OF providing farther accommodation
for the insane is one of Importance. The
trustees ask for no appropriation and ex-
pect to be able soon to make reduction
Of rates for the support Of patients.
Some changes are proposed in relation
to the s ate Agricultural College, in or
der to the giving of more practical edu-
cation than the plan which has been fol-
lowed affords, all of which the Governor
approves. The State Prison and Reform
School are well spoken Of The Orphan
Asylum at Bath and the Industrial School
at Hallowell are commended to the care
of the State. The Indian tribes require
some attention. as usual.
Twenty miles of new railroad have been
built in the State the past year. The old
roads have been improved in condition
and management. The report of the
Commissioners off Fisheries and their rec
concentrations are mentioned in an ap-
proving manner. An appropriation Is
recommended 10 aid them in prosecuting
their work. Some changes are suggested
in the election laws; one to provide for
the issuing of certificate to representa-
tive elect to Congress. for which there is
now no provision; another to change the
determination Of the question of eligibility
Of persons voted for at elections for GER
tain offices from the town officers to the
Governor and Council.
The Governor repeats his recommenda-
tion of last year in relation TO the desira-
bilty of taking steps to encourage the in
PRODUCTION of the manufacture of beet su
gar into the State, and cites the example
of the Dominion of Canada for considera-
tion.
He calls attention to the need of an en-
largement and improvement of the ac-
rommodations a the State Housa ,o;n,;n,x