Oxford Democrat. [volume] (Paris, Me.) 1833-1933, 1880-04-20
Lewiston Journal.
THE "RIFoRM. COUNCIL.

IHE "kEfOhM COtNtlL
During the political canvass of last sum-
mer, much capital was made by Fusion ora
tors over charges that Republican Council
lors had drawn pay for more days than they
had served-the charges being founded on
the fact that Councillors receive the same
pay as Legislators during the session OF
Legislature. whether they are present or
not. We were told that the reform
Council were making very small bills, and
therefore the people ought to continue
them In Office instead OF the extrayagant
Republicans.
When the Fusion year expired, we very
naturally looked for the fruits of reform
in their reports of expenditures; and what
was our surprise To tind that notwithstand-
ing the work OF the Council was less than
formerly, on account OF the fact that there
were no State lands TO care for, yet their
hills were larger than those OF the ''extrav-
arant" Republicans. Reform hadn't
saved ANYTHING; indeed, had cost the State
more than ever. And now the Bangor
Iy1ic explains how IL was done - i,3La
The first session of the Executive Coun-
ell begins on the day OF the inauguration
OF the State government and continues till
the adjournment of the Legislature. The
nav of each Councillor is $50 and miiase.
The Legislature of 1879 convened on the
lst of January and adjourned on the 9Th of
March. The Council, to secure double
mileage. made up their pay roll TO Februa-
~ 2S, and then continued IN session TIL the
sth OF March. The three days after the
5th they called a new session and charged
not only their two dollars day, but also
mileage, though they had not been away
from the capital. This process of splitting
up the session which was really continued
throughout the Councils term OF Office
IL worked TO charm.
The records show that the Council was
I'm continuous session from the 18th day OF
November. 10 the 3lst day OF December
but this period is split up in the pay roll
into three sessions, thus enabling the Coun-
cillors TO draw mileage three times. Be
tween November ed and 2ith, (the inter
yening day being Sunday on both ofwhich
DAYS the Council, according 10 their rec
or1s. was in session, Councillor Parker
seems 10 have made a trip TO AroostooS,
Is he is allowed SIS in the pay roll for 3s5
mile OF travel which mist have been made
on the Esd, a. he was In Augusta on the
I'D and 24th.
Councillor Parker received $3.50 for the
Legislative session, Sl44 for - days attcn-
dance on other sessions when the Council
journal shows he was present only 40 days
$500 for trarsi' S292 for visits, etc, and
$751; for advertising-total sl,6l6. Very
good for performer" IL also appears
that at the last session OF the Council, end
inc Dec. 81. he was not present single
day: We, on the 9Th day of January, 1850,
he was allowed $40 for his attendance al
that session. He was also paid ST Tor
time aud expenses visiting State Liquor
Agency. Apr. 2l, - aud %, the Council
then being In session, and he reared l'dg
fsr gtteHdaHce 20 R.e sdme. He also recciV-
,l pay for time aud expenses on special
committee"-on what service not stated
I'm Dec. '79-the Council being In session
nom Nov. &c, till Dec. 81, inclusive.
The other Councillors dipped in much
the same way, except that living near the
capital they could not come the mileage
dodge TO the extent that Parker did. Fogg,
for example. received SCI for visiting the
Indians" a. he time he made his election
speeches at Calais; s9l p, or $3.50 day
and board. for visiting the Normal school
NJ the time the Council were in session aud
when lie was drawing his regular - day
NJ Augusta Sos for visiting the liquor
a., ncy twice, Sl26 for visiting State inSu-
tutions aud for cauyaSSing returns aud
committee work from Nov. ~ 10 81, SlS2,
Notwithstanding the Council were in ses-
sion al ;ac tine except four days during
this period, and he was receiving his reeu-
lar per diem a. Councillor-thus show
ing that part of this SlS2 was paid him IL
legally aud improperly. Aud not satisfied
with this. cX-Goy. Garcelon teStiiios that
hc paid the Councillors $3.50 more for Eek
traS.~ out Of the 81. 600 which he disbursed
from his pocket treasury after he went out
OF Office.
II these gentlemen were 'reformers, we
should pray deliver the State from such
ycformcr> IN the future.