Oxford Democrat. [volume] (Paris, Me.) 1833-1933, 1879-01-14
..Econo,nu and Reform.

II y
attained by deuouncing the Republican
party, we should see different doings b.
the Legislature of Maine. 1t the doU-
iuaHt party had been ex,ravagant, the
new party was TO show the people where
and how il had been SO, 10y a differen,
course OF conduct. We were promised
this, by those who advocated "a change.
All Injuries were to be dispensed viii.
snd the people were to sgain return L
simple habits. Two weeks have passed,
and II may be well 10 see how sucn
pied Ses have been kept, aud bow faxes
the cause Of Economy and Reform
First, the Legislature wasted two days
over a prof,iess discussion coucernl. (
newspapers There were some members
present who really thought the State
should not furnish them with reacln :
matter. ard they opposed any acton.
Others were willing to be furnished sucu
papers as they wished, and others, again
thought this State 10 the interests OF
Economy and Reform should assis. Il
! establishing new daily at Augusta
These factions fought good hight, that
lasted into the second week OF the ses-
sion. As a matter of fact, 1t is verJ
proper Tor the State 10 furnish each mern-
Der daily record OF dOings. No man
cAn carry the whole business OF session
10 his mind, and be can act inteiligentiJ
only - be is familiar with the meas ares
proposed. There Is much time when
members must be idle. while committees
are at WORK, and daily paper relieves
the tedium OF such hours IS we'll as IN
/ forms the reader. But then as a matte,
of economy, snppOsing the House hsd
decided. after this discussion. 10 take D.
paper instead OF taking two, as II did,
how much would have been saved
There are Isl members in the House
they draw about - per day, amounting
10 1902 per day. The running expense
of The House will amount to tull hue
dred more making $500 per day. Two
days scent IN discussion amount 10 $500.
Cos, OF Isl papers during the session =
each, 1902; loss to the State. S49S. Bot
the 1902 were not saved, and the whole
expense OF two days debate was wasted.
This is fine Illustration OF economy, aud
the tax ourdened people should take note
OF the figures.
Second. the usual bundles OF stationery
including good pocket knife, were dis
iributed. There is no warrant for this
expenditure. II may be but trifle
probably Republican House would have
accepted the donation. as ths present
House has done; but that Is no excuse
for the extravaganza. This House was
elected By the people because they WISHED
for Economy and Reform" Just ask
your representative, when be returns,
where Ne got that elegant knife. and who
paid tor Il? He must reply. Tho tax
0urdened people paid Tor il, and the great
Reform House presented it,"
Third. the House refused to limit tine
for receiving petitions to January 17th.
II is well known that there lie class OF
people, always late. They are never Gu
time with anything. When me House
mas fixed day for the final reception O!
petitions. it finds it necessary 10 mako
special exceptions, and admit some tardy
ones. Ii no limit is set, the people sre
continually forwarding new matters
which will prolong the session. Ii our
members had true desire tor economy
they would have set dsy for limitation,
and thus given promise OF briet session
This they refused. and the session nu7.
be heightened thereby. thu taking moro
money from the tax burdened people, "A
the interest of Economy and Reform -
Fourth, committee, consisting OF six
oreigbt persons, trsveledfro Augusta -
Lewiston, At the States expense. 10 notify
DR.. GArcelon of his election 1t made a
pleasant little trip for the members. and,
no doubt they enjoyed their excellent
dinner At the De Witt House. But was
this junketing trip in the interest OF
Economy and Reform Pr If acommittee
was 10 be appointed, were not three
CROUCH for form? Would not one mes
senger have AS fully assured the Governor
elect of his selection? In fact, would be
not have FASTENED to Augusta as readily
upon the receipt Of twenty-five cent
telegram? A reform Legislature should
think Of these things, for II il does not,
the people will believe either that they
have elected men upon fraudulen. crv,
OF tia. their representatives have forgot.
ten the instructions given them by The
September vote. and are ready to join in
any measure that promises personal
pleasure.
Fifth, the House took a vacation early
ia its session. Instead of electing Coy
ernor when they should. the members
fought the paper battle, and stroye to