The Portland daily press. [volume] (Portland, Me.) 1862-1921, 1885-01-09
GOV. ROBES MESSAGE.

| My re- election to the position of chief ex-
ecutive of the State is a source of great salts
faction to me, for it is an indication of the con-
| tlnued confidence of my fellow citizens, for
which | take this opportunity to express my
| gratitude, although | am conscious that no
acknowledgment of mine can measure the
| honor thus conferred | recognize the need at
all times of humble dependence upon the
strong arm of a wise Providence; and in the
| performance of responsible executive duties
shall also require that assistance which the ex-
| perience and patriotism of the CO. ordinate de-
| partments of the State government are able to
render, that the people may enjoy all the ben
| ehts of faithful and impartial administration.
| The biennial period which has interviewed
since the assembling of the last Legislature of
| this State has furnished facts and data for our
thoughtful consideration. Our people have
| been highly favored; the fearful epidemics of
| other lands have not visited our borders;
while other portions of our country have been
devastated by the fury Of the elements, our
| State has been comparatively unharmed. We
have had an abundant harvest, and there has
been. reciprocal confidence and friendship
| throughout the nation in all the departments
| OF trade, commerce and social life. For these
| and all kindred blessings let u.s. as State.
render grateful acknowledgment to the Source
| of All Good; being ever ready to extend SYM
pathy to the suffering and unfortunate ev-
| erywhere and, when necessary, the private
and public material aid of generous people.
IN AEMoRIAM.
| 1t is proper at this time that we should
pause, and render a deserved tribute to the
memory of three of the most distinguished
| ex-Govenors that ever presided over the
| affairs of our State. The late Hon. Lot NJ
| Morrill, passed away soon after the convening
| Of our last Legislature, and the event was
| properly noticed by that body. Itwould seem
unnecessary to enumerate the virtues of man
so we'll known and so universally respected
and beloved throughout our State. hHis private
and public character is noble example of
power and excellence.
Near the pulpit of the First Universalist
church of Portland, very appropriate memo
rial tablet has been set up, which bears the
following inscription:
IN MEMORIAM
ISRAEL WASHBURN, JR.
Born June g. lSl3-Ded May IL, 1885,
Representative to the United States Congress,
Governor of Maine,
Collector of the Port of Portland
An honored and useful life.
The people of the State of Maine bear will
ing testimony to his eminent public services
and high devotion to principle, for he was
always found faithful. His loyal and gener-
Gus acts are associated with one of the most
eyentful periods in the history of our State,
and the memory of our late War Governor
and his scholarly and patriotic words and
example will endure longer than brass or
marble
Just as we were leaving our homes we were
again reminded that death is ever busy at his
appointed work. Another man upon whom
the people have wisely conferred their highest
honors has passed away. Hon. Abner Coburn,
fha oAo+sx 0f 41o
characteristics of New England simplicity,
integrity and economy, is no more.
Graded in the adversities Of earlier
times, he has left a record of bright examples
which the young men of our State may well
follow. His life is monument of great use
fulness, of high public spirit and patriotism.
To his financial ability his indomitable cour-
age and high executive attainments, more than
to those of any other one man, Maine owes her
central system of railroads. To his liberal en-
dowments many of our educational and charit-
able institutions owe their developed power of
enlarged usefulness. Called to the office of
Governor during the most trying period of the
late warm l863-he displayed firmness. sa-
gacity and patriotism, Of the highest order
HE life, character and achievements are an
honor to Maine, and proud is the State that
can claim the birth and citizenship of such
man.
The State from time to time has made ap-
preparations for portraits of our great men,
whose public achievements and virtues entitle
memories to be thus perpetuated, and it would
be well to consider what public recognition
shall be accorded to these men. Appropriate
and lasting memorial honors are but Just
recognition of the valuable services of our dis
tinguished statesmen, and add to the dignity
and reputation of the State.
LEGISLATION.
Experience justfes the suggestion that all
public questions submitted for your consider
ton should receive thoughtful and careful ex-
animation, and that the more important mat
tiers of legislation should command the atten-
ton Of the early days of the session. I am
aware that the salary which the members of the
Legislature receive is inadequate for
the time and money spent in the care
ful consideration of legislative sub
jects, which oftentimes seriously affect
vast public interests. The pay which members
receive in many instances does not meet the
necessary expenses of the session. Biennial
sessions in our State necessarily lengthen the
term of active service of the members Of the
Legislature and SO far without additional COM
pensation. The public labor incident to the
present session will probably approximate that
of two ordinary annual sessions, and the just
VI lueLlD6TSlS dlUOIlS Ile SUBJECTS
which now might be well considered. We
should not, however, wish to invite an increase
of legislation by more liberal salaries, for
change of the public laws isnot always bene-
fetal. That conservatism is to be desired which
refuses to set aside the old, until something
better can be substituted. Legislation is a
sacred trust and should be carefully and faith
fully executed; certainty and stability should
be the essential elements of all the laws of a
popular government. We sometimes find in
recent public enactments serious errors Of ex-
preston, ill-advised and crude amendments,
omissions, neglect to repeal conflicting laws,
inharnonious sections and careless engross-
ment. These are among the deplorable results
of hasty legislation. The care and time which
have heretofore been exercised in our State
have practically remedied these evils, but
nothing should be left undone that will pro-
mote efficient legislation. In the interest of
economy, / would recommend the practicability
of the Legislature employing the services of a
special craftsman to place in correct form bills
to be passed.
THE NEW REVISION OF THE STATUTES.
The fourth revision of the General and Pub
lie Laws of the State commenced in 1881,
was completed by the commissioner, the
Honorable Charles w. Goddard, under the
supervision of legislative committee and
went into effect on the first day of January,
1884. By wise incorporation of the legisla-
ton of 1888, the revised statutes now en-
braces the entire body of our public laws.
1t is but justice to the commissioner and to
the commission, to remark that this responsible
duty has been faithfully performed and that
the work commands, as is believed. universal
approval. The style of the text is concise,
clear and modern, the arrangement orderly and
lucid and the mechanical execution is entirely
satisfactory. After so exhaustive and careful
revision of our Public Laws, which now en-
brace the legislative wisdom and experience of
over sixty years, it is to be hoped that all un-
necessary changes win be avoided by the con-
servatism of thoughtful legislation.
PUNISHMENT OF CAPITAL CRIMES.
It becomes my painful duty to call your at
| tention to the fact that during the past two
| years an unusual number of cold blooded
murders have been committed in this State.
| The change in our laws in regard to capital
| offences has not afforded that protection to
human life that was anticipated. Through
| the vigilance of the officers Of the law. in all
| but one instance, the criminal has been appre-
| hended. Five murderers have been tried, con-
| victed and sentenced to be hung two sentenced