The Portland daily press. [volume] (Portland, Me.) 1862-1921, 1882-08-05

all the banks of issue in Maine was but little
over two millions Of dollars To-day the
amount on deposit in the National Banks OF
Maine is nearly ten millions Bat important
as this statement is, it does not tell hall the
story. The statistics which follow are far
more striking.
In 1857 there were eleven savings banks IN
Maine, and the aggregate deposits and accrued
pfonts II ali OF them was little over hlne
hundred Thousand dollars-to be exact IL was
$919,571 SIN 1882 there are ffty-hve saw
lnss banks in the State, and their aggregate
deposits and accrued profits are to-day apout
thirty millions of dollars, and perhaps IN ex-
cess OF that large sum. At the close 20, Oh 81 1901
the aggregate amount was $2o,ool, fOl 90, anu
the increase for the year had been nearly three
millions. The. same ratio of increase mas peen
going on during the current year, and though
we shall not have the official report until ne,
cemoer, 1t Is moderate estimate 10 say IL VIII
amount to thirty millions of dollars.
The dividends p lid to depositors from these e
hfty-hve savings banks during the year 1901
exceeded one million of dollars sum nearly
twelve per cent. larger than the total deposits
OF all the savings banks in the State IN 1000,
La other words the annual income OF savings
banks aepositors in Maine is larger now than
their total property in the banks was twenty
i've years ago. The interest to-day IS larger
than the principal was when the Republicans
came into power.
This wealth is largely distributed moreover.
In 1857 there were less than five thousand de-
postors in the savings banks. In 1857 there
are nearly ninety thousand. In state WIN
only the population we have, this exhibit IS re-
markable and shows alcondition OF comfort ana
thrift not surpassed by many communities on
the globe. With deposit of ready cash in
national and savings banks already amounting
to forty millions of dollars, and increasing rap
idly every week, it will be hard to convince
the people of Maine that the financial system
under which this result has been attained is
unfavorable to their interests. The tariff, the
internal revenue, the currency, have been reg.
ulated by Republican administrations and 1t Is
idle for empirical economists to oppose 1t with
extravaganza theories, or to. attempt TO sup
plant it by visionary plans OF finance. Laws,
however, wise, can do nothing against the
idleness and improvidence of the people. But
the people of Maine are industrious and prov
ident, and wise laws have aided them. Ihey
are sober, earnest and thrifty. incompetence
has steadily decreased in the State since the
first enactment Of the prohibltory law, until
now it can be said with truth that there is no
equal number of people in the Anglo-Saxon
world among whom so small an amount OF IN
toxicating liquor is consumed as among the
six hundred and fifty thousand inhabitants OF
Maine.
Personal discussion of candidates, in the
presence of really Important political issues,
sinks below the notice of the intelligent voter
1t is pertinent and fair to say, however that
the ticket presented by the Republicans OF
Maine is one of exceptional excellence. No
man better fitted for the Governors chair
could be foand in the State than Frederic
ROBBIE Long accustomed to public life,
thoroughly intelligent on all matters pertain
ing to the interest Of the State, of the highest
personal character, he combines every requisite
for the honorable position of Chief Executive
The four gentlemen who are presented for Re
representatives. in Congress, will constitute, II
elected, as strong q delegation as ever went
from Maine Two of them are already dis
tinguished by honorable service, and the
others are known throughout the State as
possessing conspicuous ability and great apti-
tude for public affairs.
The Legislature to be elected will have the
important duty devolyed upon it OF appoint
ing Senator of the United States. Every
Republican knows in advance that he is yot-
ing for Mr.. Frye, and that nothing is to be lett
to the chance or uncertainty of a caucus lt
is worth the Jealous effort Of all who cherish
Republican principles to see that Names posi-
ton in the Senate, now SO honorable and SO
strong, shall not be impaired or imperiled by
the result of the pending election.
Our prospects are so promising, the surround
ings of the Party in Maine are so suspicious,
that we all have heart and courage for the work
of the campaign Divisions that distract Re-
publicans elsewhere are unknown among US,
and it may be our happy fortune by unity and
victory, to set an example to the Republican
party of the whole country, and thus to induce
the harmony and cooperation which are indls-
pensable to success.
am very sincerely yours,
JAMES G. BLAINE.