Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1883-01-05
Gov. Robes Address.

Affairs of the State, and containing many
wise suggestions and sound recommends
tons for the consideration of the legisla-
ture.
In the opening the Governor appropri-
ately refers to the death of President Gar
field. The growth and resources of the
State are then presented in clear and
forcible manner. the new census affording
valuable statistics upon the matter. This
part of the message contains great en-
couragement for our people. 1t shows
the State advancing in population and in
all ways conducive to material prosperity.
What the Governor says in relation to
agricultureis especially encouraging. That
great interest, which has been much neg
lected. receives the attention that it merits.
He favors the elevation OF f.rming as
business, and as the first step recommends
using the farm of the State College as an
experimental station to upbuild and pro-
tect the agricultural interests OF the State.
The importance OF shipbuiding and the
growth which it has reached in our coast
towns and particularly in Bath, is touched
upon in the message. Our educational
interests are generously treated, and i'm
portant recommendations conc :rning them
are made. The finances IF the State
make a good showing. Our State debt il
gradually being reduced. also our annual
interest charge. The receipts OF the
treasury are sufficient to meet expendi-
lures and leave a balance to be used to
lessen the debt. The debt Of the State is
less than four million dollars. The rate
Of taxation will probably be no higher
and may be reduced little in 1888 and
1884.
The State Prison appears to be well
conducted. still it labors under disadvan
tages which operate against its financial
success. The number of prisoners has
fallen off the last two years, but the num-
Der under life sentences has increased
The discipline maintained in the institu
ton is good and the products satisfactory.
The Governor is unstinted in his recon-
mendations in regard to the treatment of
the insane. He would have the State
provide all necessary buildings and fur
nish all the care and appliances needed for
the unfortunate insane.
Thorough work with the Reform
School Is recommended. 1t is advised to
examine the system under which it has
been conducted. and see if the complaints
IN relation to its management are not due
in large degree to that. The method of
placing hardened criminals with offenders
is not approved. The Industrial School
for Girls is highly mentioned as it deserves
to be and commended to the care and gen
crosby of the State and its enlargement
recommended. A good word is spoken for
the Soldiers Orphans Home at
Bath, also for the Maine General Hospital
at Portland, and the Deaf, Dumb and
Blind Institution at Hartford. Conn. as Il
place worthy of patronage TOR such as are
SO unfortunate rs to require its assistance.
The establishment of State Board of
Charities is suggested.
The College of Agriculture and Mechan-
ic Arts is commended as college for the
people and entitled to their support. 1t
needs the fostering care of the legislature
and should receive it, 1t is expected that
the general government will afford some
assistance towards its support. The
militia of the State is highly mentioned
and praise is given to Major General
Chamberlain and the staff. regimenal
and line officers for its efficiency and high
character.
The State Pension system is approved.
The revision of the public laws of the
State has been completed and awaits the
action Of the legislature. The work meets
the appreciation of the Governor, The
law department of the State has been well
conducted under the present Attorney
General. The duties of the Office are in
creasing and becoming more important.
AuO PiotSStitu III usu attu Sthtt cuNutu oc
continued. and the Commissioners sug-
gestions are regarded worthy of consid
GRAFTON. The suggestions of the Insurance
Commissioner are commended to the leg
islature. His compilation of statistics is
regarded as very valuable. The Indian
tribes. who are the wards of the State. are
making substantial Improvement in agri-
culture and education.
The Governor advises an investigation
of our present system of taxation. aud the
adoption of better method if possible.
by which all kinds of property may be
reached and made to bear its equitable
share of taxation. He also advises the
submission of constitutional amendment
in favor of prohibition to the vote of the
people. The collection of statistics and
the appointment of valuation commits
sion are recommended. A mild but eff
fective rebuke is administered to some of
the ''heresies," which have been taught
by political demagogues. The subject of
corporate wealth is considered, and tenn
perate and just reference is made to some