Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1880-02-06

!
1873. authorizes the State Treasurer TO ISSUE
new bonds forthepurpose ofrenewing and ex-
tending the bonds falling due as before stated
except those provided for by the sinking fund
| the bonds SO issued to be payable to the
amount of S20o. 900 in 1890. and TO the
amount of S200000 each succeeding year.
No steps have been taken bv the treasurer 10
renew and extend any of the State bonds.
The bonds falling due August Is. to the
amount of S30a 900 must be paid or renewed.
1t would be gratifying TO pay this whole
amount as it natures. but owing to the
present condition of the treasury and the
expense forced upon the State by the recent
political complications it may be difficult to
meet the whole amount this year. ! would
therefore recommend the renewal of the
bonds maturing this year so that 500. 600 be
made payable in one year. 500, 900 in two
years, and Sln1 900 in three years. at a rate
of interest not exceeding "A per cent and ad-
vi'e their payment at maturity by taxation.
This W ill necessitate the raising of one hundred
thousand dollars for that purpose this year,
and may seem to many burdensome, but the
policy Of our State has long been TO paw its
debts at maturity. BY that course the credit
of the State has been maintained. All meas
ures tending to an early payment of our debt
not only reduce the interest charge but in
The end are best for the real good of the people.
TAXATION AND EcoNoMY.
The burdens of taxation press heavily up
on the people. Every species of property,
whether owned by indiv viduals or corporations
should bear its part of the public burden.
| submit whether there should not be some
more definite system of taxation in regard to
railroad companies, and that express and
telegraph companies should pay revenue to
the State, where not now provided for by law.
II there is any property in the State not yet
reached by the tax gatherer. or which does
not bear its proportiOnate part. it is your
province to ascertain that fact, and make
such changes in the laws as may be neces-
sary. The strictest economy should be lrac-
ticed in all the departments of the State and
if there are any unnecessary State expenses
it is your duty to cut them of.
STATE VALUATION.
The decennial valuation of the State comes
before you as one of the most important ques-
tions upon which you are called to act.
Many if not all the members fthe legislature
have been selected by their constituents with
special reference to this matter. II COM
mission can he selected at once to act in con-
junction with the legislature, have no doubt
this work so vital to every part of the State
can be well advanced during the present ses-
sion. II is for the interest of the State that
the work of valuation should be commenced
at once.
p, Sr.,
~,
The constitution has been SO amended that
our annual elections and the sessions of the
legislature are changed to biennial elections
and sessions The duty will devoive upon
YOU to examine the laws in regard to the
tenure OF once OF many OF our county ana
State ohcers' ana 10 MAKE such changes as
may ne necessary, SO that 'he laws VIII 1niiy
co"ior" 'o 'ie cohs'tu'i"h Us au'eh"e"'
EDUCATIONAL.
In n nation like ours. where the source of
all power is in the people. universal education
is the surest guaranty of good government.
The prosperity and moral standing of a
State depend upon the intelligence of its
people Edueation lifts nm the masses and
gives all classes an eoual chance in tho battle
of life. II gives self reliance and ;ndenen-
depce of tbouobt and action while IGNORANCE
causes weakness and dependence Here
where eyerv man has inst as MANY RIGHTS os
every other man. and liberties better than
those enioyed by any other people he has the
resting upon him. commensur-
ate with those rights and liberties. of be;np
Obliged to helm shane the government under
which he lives.
Other republics have felt the dangers that
result from the want of general education.
where corrupt and ambitious men plav upon
the prejudices of the ignorant. Our hope i.
in the intelligence of the people. This fabric
of constitutional government denends for its
perpetuitv upop universal education. To se-
cure this result we relv chiefly upon our COM
mon school system. With our State. county
town and school district orpanizations-each
of itself miniature repnblic-tbe last is n
yerv important factor in our system of gov
ernment, and the district schools demand the
earnest support and protection of the people.
They educate the people, and should pre-
pare them to well fiji the office of citizenship.
Money raised for their support is appropriat
ed for the advancement of general know lcdoe
Asve prooress in civilization so art and
science advance. and the mind of man reache.
out to grasp the truths which make him more
a man. and the demands of our common
scnools oeco''e greater @ "nner 'he lh'Iulaoie
.e"'"nus % p'oEre w are yeaiH acqu'r.
rug l.o'e '"i. Hno" ,e'se y, '.,c ieasons vi
inieriorhy as wen a. oi superiority Oh ciilzeh-
shlP' anu are pesinnine 10 KNOW 'hat the
co'n'ho" sc"ooi. umroueh "nlch 'he masses
nio'e ~ ,ie ~ o"a' may raise our Sea.e'
our n",ion' " '""' Vi Po'nic', eN,s
,enec ,'. u,.' els"' '"AiAs ''e
""Is e,sa' i'yaiE vi peoP'e-